We had planned on taking a break from fostering while we moved so that we could get things set up at our new house. One text message changed those plans—and changed them fast!
There is always a wide range of emotions I go through when I hear the backgrounds of each foster we have helped, but some hit my heart more than the others. Momma Mia was one of them.
In rescue we sometimes tend to focus on all of the animals who are not safe, who we cannot help, and the overwhelming number of them needing us. At the end of every year, we find ourselves emotionally and physically exhausted. At Fresno Bully Rescue, we are fortunate to be graced with warm-hearted, volunteers, adopters, and supporters who continually amaze and energize us.
Dakota came to our rescue just over three years ago in late December in terrible shape. She was skin and bones and covered in scabs and cuts. Despite her rough condition, she was incredibly affectionate and loving. In the care of FBR, she quickly blossomed into a beautiful, muscular, and majestic dog.
Tonight I went with a really nice lady, she told me I was going for a special visit to a place called Windham Assisted Living Center. As we drove along, she filled me in about Windham. It was filled with wonderful seniors that love dogs and that they were excited to meet me. I wondered if they knew I was a Pitbull? People sometimes get a funny look on their face or refuse to pet me when they find out that I am one. It only makes me want to wag my tail a bit faster and my smile bigger!
I never realistically considered fostering a dog, much less a Pit Bull, a breed about which I had heard so many horror stories. One night, though, while catching up on Facebook, I came across a post which had been forwarded by a good friend who had recently adopted a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy from Fresno Bully Rescue. The post said that a female SBT and her three pups would be taken to a kill shelter the next day if no one was able to foster her immediately, because her owner was no longer able or willing to care for them.
When Fresno Bully Rescue first rescued Roscoe from the streets, the eight-week-old puppy had a severe case of Demodectic Mange. After months of daily baths and doses of medication, his Rescue family watched this fearful, hairless, scabby puppy transform to a silly puppy with white and grey fur. When he was six months old, Roscoe was transferred to a temporary foster home, and after two days, his foster mom realized she couldn’t let him go. So on October 3, 2012 Roscoe finally found the forever family he’d been searching for.
Fresno Bully Rescue is working toward moving to a new location so we took some time to chat with their director Bridgette Boothe about the move.
The holiday season is all about connections—connections with family, friends and community. Earlier this year a beautiful, young, large male entered our lives at Fresno Bully Rescue. We named him Cass (now Chaz). At about one year old, he had puppy energy in spades and weighed approximately 85 pounds. Our wonderful volunteer, Jennifer Andrew, chose Chaz and worked with him to teach him valuable skills. Chaz quickly blossomed and showed just how much love he had to give his future forever family.
My dog, Blue, died in July of this year. Anyone who has lost a pet understands how very difficult this is. The heartbreak is deep. Your house doesn’t sound the same. Paw-pitter-patter silence is almost unbearable. Toys, blankets, and food dishes are left in place because removing them doesn’t seem right. It’s been a tough time, yet there is also a side of me that feels content and grateful.
I love Halloween! I'm betting many of you do as well, so I compiled a list of several of the Halloween related events happening in the Valley this month. There are events for small children, all the way up to adults. I know I didn't get anywhere near everything, but there's a lot here to choose from!
