by Terese Shaw

Terese Shaw is an FBR Adoptions Coordinator for Fresno Bully Rescue. FBR shares their animal rescue adventures with us every other month. You can find more of their columns here and on KRL News & Reviews.

Pinta, a classic American Pitbull Terrier and fawn beauty, first came to Fresno Bully Rescue when a local rescue unfortunately had to close its doors. We quickly learned that Pinta was exceptionally big- and small-dog friendly, and that she had an intense love of tennis balls. This rowdy love of tennis balls worked in her favor when she became the focus of trainer Stephanie Meadows’ attention. One of the great things about being a smaller dog is the one-on-one training, interaction, and connection our adoptable residents get to experience. Being able to help an adopter know our dogs better makes the adoption process go smoother, and brings an adopter peace of mind. We are fortunate that Stephanie spent the last few months working diligently with Pinta, while enjoying the process of watching her learn to love being out and about, and blooming into a happy, well-adjusted girl.

Pinta

Pinta has completed her first course of basic training (and was a class star we might add), and is continuing on to her second training course. There have been many milestones along the way. Since she was unfamiliar with the hustle and bustle of a neighborhood, Pinta was originally terrified to cross the street. Two or three times a week Stephanie would take Pinta to her favorite play spot and strategically park across the street. With patience and trust (and a lot of treats) her proudest moment came when Pinta was no longer afraid of crossing the street. By now, Pinta has gone from street crossing to hiking and playing at Avocado Lake.

This accomplishment has led to quite a few adventures for Pinta, including one recently, where she was invited to an elementary school for an annual presentation. She was the star of the show, wowing the kids with her obedience; she proved to be a model example of a Pitbull. I promise you that your heart would melt watching her, surrounded by children, handing out kisses, while strutting in her purple tutu. Have we mentioned how cute she is in purple? There have been a few funny moments as well; for instance, when Pinta discovered how amazing a puppachino tasted.

Apprehensive at first, one taste and she finished it in record time, grabbed the cup and sat in the back seat making sure she didn’t miss a drop. No matter how short their time is together, Stephanie always makes sure that Pinta gets her favorite treat before heading back to the shelter. Maybe it should be included in her contract that prospective adopters have to give her a puppachino a week to be considered as Pinta’s parents!

Pinta would really flourish in a home with another dog because she loves playing and needs the companionship. Also, another dog would be good for her as she is unfamiliar with the noises in a home. A buddy would be able to show her the ropes and make the transition easier for her. She loves to ride in cars and go for walks, especially when there are kids to meet and dogs to greet! Pinta’s all-time favorite thing is hanging out on restaurant patios. Think about it: you would always have the perfect date or friend to go to coffee with at any time. As friendly and cute as Pinta is, you might also make a few new friends.

Pinta weighs around 75 pounds, making her average-sized, and we believe her to be four or five years old. As with all of our dogs you can check out Pinta on any of our dogs albums at www.fresnobullyrescue.org.

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section here in KRL and on our sister website KRL News & Reviews. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Fresno Bully Rescue.