Help me save a Pit Bull mix!!!

[RickyRecon]

Folks,

This morning I returned from the gym to find several people in my apartment complex worriedly watching a dog which had been roaming around this morning.
The dog in question is the pictured pit bull, which appears to have been shot by a shotgun. He has approximately 8 - 10 superficial pellet wounds. The bleeding has been stopped.

I called Animal Control and discovered that they WILL NOT adopt out a pit mix. If no owner has claimed him within three days he will be put down. Same with the SPCA. All the Pit rescues are full.

This dog came to me as soon as I called to him, was very loving and was unconcerned when my own pit (Shiner) ran up to him. He has a slight underbite which leads me to believe that he has Boxer in him.

I am in Houston. I have a truck. Anyone that can take this dog (I live in a one bedroom apartment) PLEASE send me a PM. I am going to disinfect and clean the wounds as best as I can, since I can not afford medical treatment.

Luckily, I still have my blow out kit. :D

Here are some photos:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/Arron0321/DSCN1962.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/Arron0321/DSCN1963.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/Arron0321/DSCN1964.jpg

[ex]

Poor puppy! :( How can people be so cruel to animals? :mad:

Ricky, good on ya for trying to help this guy out. He looks like he might be a Pit/Lab mix.
I hope you can find some to adopt him - I've got a fully house - two dogs, two cats, two kids and a husband.

[Finger]

I wish I could. He looks alot like my American (Johnson) Bull. We are fixin to leave Texas.

Ricky, PM Sgt Rock. He has a house full, but he has a lot of friends who love the breed for hunting hogs (he don't fight them). You might ask him. we are south of San Antonio.

[Finger]

See what I mean. Looks alot like a AB.

[Cass]

RickyRecon

A friend sent me this, I quote:
"I noticed there is a post on SOCNET by Ricky Recon asking for help about a Pit Bull Mix dog. He mentioned he was having some difficulty finding care for the dog. It's just a suggestion, but there is an organization called, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanaab Utah. They're a good outfit that does commendable things for all animals and they have a nationwide network of caring individuals who help the organization. He might want to check-out their website, especially their Contact page. They might be willing to help him with that adorable dog. Here's the address:

http://www.bestfriends.org "

[RickyRecon]

Thanks everyone! Left a message and email with best friends! I think Finger may be dead on with the AB.

[Gryfen-FL]

I downloaded the pictures for my aunt...she's guessing a cross of bull, mastiff and what ever else....he may not have much if any pit in him.

[Tracy]

What's his age and disposition/temper like around other dogs/people?

[Gryfen-FL]

Hey, your PM box is full....I talked to my aunt. She's bred pits, according to her...here's a quick rundown of ideal conformation for an American Pit Bull Terrier:

Well defined cheekbones, at or wider than the ear base. Very well pronounced zygomatic process.

Tip of nose to bridge of nose should be equal to or shorter than the distance from bridge of nose to between the ears.

Even bite, no over or under.

‘square’ conformation. Front toes to top of shoulder and top of shoulder to base of tail should form 2 sides of a square.

Medium tail set, with muscle. Some curve acceptable, but no actual 'curl' to the tail.

Short, heavy hair...no fluff, even in winter.

Length of tail should be shorter than spine.

[24/7]

Cute dog....PB's have a pretty bad name, unfortunate.

[Gryfen-FL]

One more thing that might save 'Dag's' bacon:

His lips are too heavy to be a pit.

[karlm]

Posted on another site for a guy that does Pit bull rescue, he may know someone in Texas that can help

[RickyRecon]

My Inbox has been cleared!

Tracy: His disposition around my ultra-hyper dog has been excellent.

His disposition toward myself and my girlfriend has been very warm. I even had to pick him up and push him into a kennel with no complaints at all from him.

Thank you everyone, the search continues! I am calling a 24 hour vet to see if I can get some charity med work done on him.

You guys and gals are awesome!

[CV]

I really wish I could take him in. I live entirely too far away in Virginia. My wife wouldn't like it but she has a big heart too.

Best of luck mate.

[ex]

Ricky, I called this (http://www.whiskerville.org/mission.php) place early. They seemed very nice and asked that you give them a call. They don't have a problem with Pit Bulls.

CV, don't you have a Chihuahua or something? ;)

[RickyRecon]

EX, I have called them and left a message!

[Finger]

I am about 95% positve he is an American Bulldog. Probably a Johnson line dog. His markings around the mouth and jaw sure look it. His body shape and size also.

If he is anything like my "Gunny", he is great around people and kids, cautious around other dogs and can't stand cats.

[Doc_J]

I've got a pit, and if people act like they've got a problem with the mix, we tell them ours is a Staffordshire Terrier.

Most folks think therefore the dog is good to go, since most never know the difference anyway, especially after they meet her.

Makes me sick the way people knee-jerk that PBT's are bad breeds.

[flhshvlhed]

Ricky - as Finger and others have said - that dog is an Am. Bull. I have a female that I got from a rescue center also. There are two different lines of them - Johnson and Scott. One is HUGE, the other more along the size if a pit. I forget which is which. I believe, as previously stated, that is a Johnson line.

I've had Pits and Am Staff's - other than the imposing size, they are in no way alike. They are very laid back, as far as other dogs go. Here is some information on them -

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanbulldog.htm


If you don't have any luck finding someone, you might try showing the Animal Control that. I would look into taking him, but I'm a little far away (AK).

Good luck

[flhshvlhed]

I've got a pit, and if people act like they've got a problem with the mix, we tell them ours is a Staffordshire Terrier.

Most folks think therefore the dog is good to go, since most never know the difference anyway, especially after they meet her.

Makes me sick the way people knee-jerk that PBT's are bad breeds.

Back in the '87, when I got mine from the pound at Bragg, I used to tell people that she was a Lab mix, due to her being black w/ a white chest.

Another that I used to use, when asked if it was a Pit, was to say "No - it's a terrier". 99% of them never new the difference :D

[ECHO6GOLF]

I grew up with a PBT. My grandfather got him for me when I was 5 and he lived until the month I went off to boot camp. He never caused any problems and was what i thought a family dog was supposed to be. He was a a family member who made people think twice about coming onto our property. I hope you find a home that appreciates that dog.

G

[Louis]

Good on you Ricky for helping. I also tell people my dogs are Amstaffs.Some people just remember some of the bad things about Pits. I got two horses and five cats and never had a problem with my dogs.

[Massgrunt]

It used to drive me nuts when people would be petting my dog, saying how great he was, then they'd ask what he was. They would usually draw back in shock/horror. :rolleyes: They didn't even know a pit bull when they saw one, but they knew they flipped out and killed people all the time.

[okami1]

but they knew they flipped out and killed people all the time.

Just like ninjas. :D

Ricky Recon, let us know what's happening, there are a couple of rescues out here in CA that may be able to take him if no one else can. The rescue in Utah sounds like a good outfit. I'll try and find the name of the one who took that POS Michael Vick's dogs in, they work with PBTs and other "dangerous" breeds. I have two girl pit mutts, both from Home at Last Rescue here in the Bay Area. Good organization, though the PBT situation here is as bad as it is anywhere. Nothing but pits in the pounds. :(

My girls

5820

[Massgrunt]

http://www.badrap.org/rescue/vick/

[okami1]

BadRap operates out here too, they do good work. Thanks for finding the link.

[RickyRecon]

Well, after all the information everyone on this site has given, I called to SPCA to talk to an intake tech. I felt I was in luck when the tech stated to me, "Pit Bulls don't have under bites." The tech that came out also made several comments about "Shotgun's" behavior, that he must be a family dog and that his eyes looked very "Mastiff". I was assured that once he was on paper as an "American Bulldog" that was what he would stay classified as. I will also be able to check in on him in the future.

I felt pretty good about letting the SPCA tech take him, since the Animal Control officer had SEEN him but made no comments about him being anything other than a "large pit".

Here are some pictures from before the tech arrived, after I gave "Shotgun" an anti-bacterial bath.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/Arron0321/DSCN1965.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/Arron0321/DSCN1967.jpg

[CV]

CV, don't you have a Chihuahua or something? ;)

Whatcha trying to insinuate?! :p

[ex]

Ricky, did you already give him to the SPCA?

I found this stat about the shelters in your area. :(

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[Tracy]

...Makes me sick the way people knee-jerk that PBT's are bad breeds.


Having engaged in Hand-to-Hand Combat with a Pit Bull trying kill me and my female Black Lab; I don't argue in their defense at all.

My knee jerking also included full-on round-house kicks, elbow smashes and one attempted choke hold. My Lab, bless her 110-pound heart, saw me me getting chomped on and immediately starting attacking also. This tag-teaming continued until the police arrived. The Officer wanted to shoot the SOB immediately; but I asked if we could try and box it into the neighbor's garage. That animal wanted to destroy me, on my property. If it went after any other member of my family, I would have killed it outright and paid the price for the jury trial.

So I guess this will make you sicker. When I see a pit bull, I see a fur-covered razor blade. If it attacks, it and the owner are going to have really bad day...

[RickyRecon]

Ricky, did you already give him to the SPCA?

I found this stat about the shelters in your area. :(

5821


I did, but I will also be making follow ups!

[Gryfen-FL]

Did they tell you if he was chipped or not?

Ricky, you may be able to place a 'found add' in the local paper's classifieds section. In our area it's free for pets, maybe Houston has a similar setup.

If he's not chipped you may be able to put an add on craigslist or here (http://lostadog.com/houston/lost.shtml):

[TigerDad]

So I guess this will make you sicker. When I see a pit bull, I see a fur-covered razor blade. If it attacks, it and the owner are going to have really bad day...

I don't disagree with you - and I would never have gotten a pit-bull myself - exept that my son got a a pit bull pup - against my advice - and then when he found he couldn't keep it at his appartment - he brought it back until he could find a different place. Six years later, Casper is still here - he is a good lovable dog, but he is what he is I suppose. He has a good yard to run arround in and a Basset Hound to play with so he is no trouble. But I still would not trust him to run around arround the neigherborhood loose - some one would shoot him. Here he is two weeks ago during our Freaky Texas Snow. He loved it.

TigerDad

5833

[kamy]

LOVE the expression on his face. Says it all, doesn't it??

[Finger]

Bullys, you either love them or hate them. I am a big fan, but I see so many of them let run loose and abused here in South Texas. Makes me want to do some abusing of people.

[Trip_Wire]

Tracy:

A very bad experience! I see many such stories almost everyday in the media.

That said, I feel that there are no bad dogs, only bad owners. One has to look at who owns most of these rogue Pit Bulls and how they treat and care for them. Keep in mind that many drug dealers, dog fighters, and people that think owning a Pit Bull, Rottweiler or other dog with a tough reputation, are prime targets for those that want to be a macho man and own a 'tough dog.'

These are the same people, that chain them in the yard and fail to feed, train or really show them any human kindness. Some are found starved to death at the end of a chain.

No dog, especially one who has in-bred aggressive tendencies should be allowed to run loose. Dogs should be under the control of their masters at all times. After all, the Pit Bull was bred to fight other dogs for many years.

If the dog has demonstrated, he can't get along with other animals and/or people the dog, should be muzzled and on a leash when out in public. If kept in a yard, it should be in a kennel designed for that dog, to prevent their escape or allowing strangers unlocking the kennel, etc.

No dog should be allowed to run loose in the neighborhood or left to themselves around small children unsupervised.

IMHO, all dogs should attend basic obedience school with their owners and taken for walks around other people and/or dogs regularly.

If any dog makes an unprovocked attack on a human, the circumstances should be carefully examined and if indeed it was unprovocked, the dog should be put down.

[Trip_Wire]

Bullys, you either love them or hate them. I am a big fan, but I see so many of them let run loose and abused here in South Texas. Makes me want to do some abusing of people.


Careful there Finger, when the term 'Bullys' is used most dog people think of Bull Terriers! This is a vastly different breed than the Pit Bull! I happen to own a miniature female white Bull Terrier! ;)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bull_Terrier

[RickyRecon]

Update:

'Shotgun' is in good health. His wounds are superficial. He is also completely deaf. I have contacted the Houston SPCA and retained rights for adoption. I was contacted by Whiskerville, here in Texas, and they have offered to take him if he is not claimed or a home can be found.

Those of you who have offered help are wonderful, and I may yet have need for your assistance, however, I feel good that this dag may yet get a good home!

[ex]

That's great news, Ricky!

All's well that ends well. :)

[Trip_Wire]

Indeed, great news! I hope he will find his 'forever home.'

[Mrswildweasel]

Indeed, great news! I hope he will find his 'forever home.'

Same here. He looks a lot like my sons American Bull dog.I nicknamed him Jug head. He's very sweet. Whats funny to watch is him and my sons other dog a weiner dog play.

[RickyRecon]

I got an email from a guy claiming to be the Shotgun's owner's best friend. Apparently the owner is in Prison for five years and his mother "let him loose" and called animal control. The man claimed that the dog's name was "Dawg Gone" [sic] and that he comes from a line of "Gator" Pit Bulls (Texas fighting pits I discovered) and his mother was in fact an American Bull Dog. The guy had his dates and locations down as well as some other details.

Needless to say I advised this jackass that I was the dogs new owner and caretaker.

[ex]

How did the guy get your e-mail addy?

I hope this 'best friend' doesn't cause you any problems - not that you can't take care of yourself, mind you! :)

[RedDawg_03]

Good for u Ricky. If you need any help let us know. Sorry it has taken so long to respond as I have been on travel. As anyone on this site knows I am a true Bully lover too and have had PBs my whole life (NO FIGHTERS HERE). Red Dawgs rule! Even white dogs with red noses. Shotgun...what a great name. He was probably shot because he couldn't hear and strolled his ass into a danger zone. Once again good for you taking in this guy. Please keep us informed. I also tried to attach some pics of my logger heads but I can't figure out the whole re-sizing thing.....

[CV]

Good luck Ricky, don't turn the dog back over to that jackass without a court-order :D

[ParrotHead]

Ricky, if that guy causes you problems, just holler. We're only hours away!!

[RickyRecon]

How did the guy get your e-mail addy?

I posted a generic add for Shotgun on Craigslist in case he had a family that was missing him.

The guy does not have a leg to stand on, the owner is in Prison. The mother let him out, and the "best friend" has no claim or rights to ownership. When I made the add, I did not let on that I had turned him over. Tomorrow begins the adoption process, in fact!

EDIT: Is it any wonder that the kind of woman that simply lets a 65 pound dog loose in an apartment complex and calls animal control would have a son that is service a prison term? I think not. No relation, friend, or acquaintance of these fools is getting my dog. Either of them.

[okami1]

I posted a generic add for Shotgun on Craigslist in case he had a family that was missing him.

The guy does not have a leg to stand on, the owner is in Prison. The mother let him out, and the "best friend" has no claim or rights to ownership. When I made the add, I did not let on that I had turned him over. Tomorrow begins the adoption process, in fact!

EDIT: Is it any wonder that the kind of woman that simply lets a 65 pound dog loose in an apartment complex and calls animal control would have a son that is service a prison term? I think not. No relation, friend, or acquaintance of these fools is getting my dog. Either of them.

You Sir, are an excellent person. Give that boy a big rub for me! :D

[Execprotec]

Right on Ricky!! Thank you so much for all that you are doing. Check your pm's.

[kamy]

EDIT: Is it any wonder that the kind of woman that simply lets a 65 pound dog loose in an apartment complex and calls animal control


...and a deaf dog at that! :mad:

Good luck with the adoption. Whatever you need...

I think "Shotgun" will make a great SOCNET mascot.

[TX teacher]

What a pretty dog. I've got a lab/pitt mix that would probably get along great. I only wish I could take on another dog. If I could, I'd happily take this dog off your hands.

Do you need any funds to help support the dog until you find a home? Shoot me a PM if you could use the help.

[dougage]

Hey Rick, just wanted to say good job on the dog. Sounds like its one lucky mofo.

[SGTROCK]

I have 6 pit bulls(hog catching dogs),1 American Bulldog(scott lines,also catch dog) and a Presa Canario (125 lb spanish mastiff). The dog in the pics on the front page looks like a my friends mix pit bull x american bulldog, thats my guess too. Iam around these dogs 24 hours a day,no Iam not talking about FINGER lol, and with a good upbringing he should be good with dogs and great with kids. When a game bred pit(gator lines are game bred pits) breeds outside its own breed its considered a cur and are not fought, but bred with an AM Bull the dog should be very active and athletic and and are great family and outdoor dogs. Socialize him well and he will make a great addition to any family.

Rock

if anyone is curious of how you hunt hogs with dogs you can come visit me in south Texas but you better bring a real big knife cause thats all we hunt with,no firearms allowed just a big blade!

[BadMuther]

So you are keeping him? Good on you!

How about pulling some funds from socnet members and helping ricky out???

[RickyRecon]

You folks are incredible. I begin the adoption process tomorrow. Certainly, I am a poor college student / aspiring musician now, but hold off on the fundage until I know what it will entail!

I am certain that I will need help, but I want to make sure every cent is absolutely accounted for.

You folks are an amazing bunch.

EDIT: ROCK, I would love to take you up on that hunt!

[SGTROCK]

You folks are incredible. I begin the adoption process tomorrow. Certainly, I am a poor college student / aspiring musician now, but hold off on the fundage until I know what it will entail!

I am certain that I will need help, but I want to make sure every cent is absolutely accounted for.

You folks are an amazing bunch.

EDIT: ROCK, I would love to take you up on that hunt! What part of Texas are you in?

Rock

[RetPara]

SGT ROCK..... Clean out your PM BIN!!!!!

[RickyRecon]

What part of Texas are you in?

Rock


Houston.

[Cass]

Deaf Dog links:

http://www.deafdogs.org/

http://www.deafdogs.org/training/

I cannot take credit for any dog links in this thread. There is a very kind person with background in a level of zoology that is looking out for your dogs.

[Gryfen-FL]

Hey, so what's the word? Is the adoption going okay?

[RickyRecon]

The adoption is going swimmingly. I go in on Monday and begin the process. My manager at work may decide to adopt him, she has a big back yard where he can play and what not. All is well!

[Gryfen-FL]

Damn good to hear!

[dustyrebel]

If you need help financially with the adoption, give a shout, I'm always willing to donate to a good cause.

Stay Safe.
DR.

[Gypsy]

Glad to hear the news RickyRecon, well done!

[Typhoon]

Great job, Ricky. I am glad that your adoption is going to work out, and that you are able to look after a dog that badly needs a good owner...

[armymom1228]

Ricky, you are a special person! There are so many dogs out there that need a good home.
Seeing Shotgun's wounds just made me sick. Then to hear he is deaf. Poor pup, how cruel to do that to him.
Have you turned in the mom for animal cruelty?
Good on you for giving him a loving home.

[RickyRecon]

Shotgun got neutered today, and I should be picking him up tomorrow. I will post photos shortly!

MOD EDIT: Requests for donations or charities are not allowed -- Edited accordingly

[flhshvlhed]

Damn bud - wish we were closer - I have several of those cages, I'd give you one of them for the hound.

Good job on the adoption. My neighbor had a deaf boxer - I don't remember it being a real big issue.

The neutering comment got me to laughing, thinking about the Bill Engvall skit. Damn - bad enough he can't hear, but now he has a twig and no berries!!! :eek:

"Let me be half the man my dog thinks I am" - Anonymous

[RickyRecon]

Well, Shotgun came home today. Him and Shiner are buddies already. Shotgun needs a little remedial house training, but thats nothing a little crate work can't fix.

The dogs are good, and I thought it would be nice if I included some photos.

MOD EDIT: Requests for donations or charities are not allowed -- Edited accordingly

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/Arron0321/ShinerandShotgun.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/Arron0321/ShinerandShotgun2.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/Arron0321/Shotgun.jpg

[flhshvlhed]

DAMN - look at all of those teeth!!!:D Hate to be the poor SOB that tries to break in, once he gets acclimated!!:eek:

Good luck w/ the dog. He'll make a good playmate for the Pit. I've had both, and I would have to say, I think I like the Am BD better. Tough call for me though. I like them both. More even, laid back temperment, but more than willing to protect their AO if need be.

Congrats

[kamy]

Excellent news! The difference in his expression from the previous pictures to these tell it all. He'll enjoy Shiner's company, and will thrive in his new environment.

Good job...

[RedDawg_03]

OUTSTANDING!!!!! I LOVE HOW BULLIES SMILE.

[Mrswildweasel]

Awe, he's adorable. I love my sons Ambulldog. He's really laid back also and not a mean bone in his body. His bark sounds worse and his best bud is a mini dachshund.:p
He looks alot happier.

[Sigi]

He looks happy and glad to have a buddy and a good home. Good stuff. Well done!