Fostering a rescue Pit Bull or Pit Bull Mix?

Question

I am a super doggy-person and I always want to do anything I can to help dogs live the best quality life possible. Recently, after watching "Animal Witness: The Micheal Vick Case" on Animal Planet I really want to make a difference in the life of a Pit Bull, especially one that was used in Dogfighting. After doing some research, I came upon a Pit Bull Rescue in San Diego (Where I live) and discovered that we could sign up for fostering!

Here is the site:

http://www.pitbullrescuesandiego.com/index.htm

Here is the Foster page:

http://www.pitbullrescuesandiego.com/help/foster.htm

Here is an example of a dog that was used for Dogfighting (As bait):

http://www.pitbullrescuesandiego.com/adoptables/adopt/adopt_mallory_2008.htm

The problem is my mom, unfortunately, is one of those people who is brainwashed by the media into believing that all Pit Bulls are dreadful, mean, bloodthirsty dogs that would like nothing more than to rip you (Or another animal) apart. She would probably dismiss the idea of fostering a Pit Bull or Pit Bull mix without even listening to my reasoning.

I also have two dogs. They are both 14 months old, 50 lbs., females, and of unknown mixes. We have a big fenced yard with plenty of grassy area and lots of space to run around. There is also a dog beach nearby where I live that we take my dogs to often.

My question is, how can I convince my mom to foster a Pit Bull or Pit Bull mix? Any other things you want to tell me are welcome also.

Oh, and one mre thing, I am only 13.

Answer 1

I commend you on wanting to help with this issue, but really I don't think there is anything that you can do living in your parents house.  I would suggest that you volunteer at the local humane society, until you get older.  But I understand you fully I love pit bulls and I hate the way that they media has made any gentle fun animals into killers.



Hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 2

Sorry kid, you are wasting your time. Its' mom's protective instinct. You won't have a lot of luck trying to change that.

Answer 3

When people ask what breed of dog my pit bull is, I tell them AmStaff, because that's what she is! My family don't like pit bulls, but so far, they don't know that my dogs are called pit bulls!

Sorry, but if mommy says no, it's no. Would she let you foster any other breed?  

Answer 4

I wish I could give you some incouraging advice.  First, let me applaud you on the great thing that you want to do. I think it is wonderful!  You will take that love of animals and specifically this cause and carry it up into your adult years.  You might even be destined to great things in the nature of pit bull rescue yourself.  Don't ever lose sight of that passion!

I can tell you how it has been for me, who recently found and rescued a pit bull mix myself.  His name is Bandit, and he is a lab/pit mix.  A beautiful pup I assure you!  We found him on our road just walking with 3rd degree burns all down his back and infected.  He was only 5 mths old at the time.  We have been nursing him back to health physically and spiritually for almost 2 mths now.  First, he is huge (to us anyway).  He is only 6.5 mths old and he is like 45 lbs!  He chews/gets into everything!  He and our cockapoo (who only weighs 16 lbs) are forever trying to vie for the alpha spot in the house.  He has separation anxiety and howls in his cage at night.  And he can be food agressive and has tried to attack Pepper before for being to near to a plate he wanted.  So even though he is a sweet heart and we love him, we have a long way to go with him, and it takes alot of work with him.

It isn't impossible though, so I encourage you to hold onto this dream of helping these babies and when you get old enough to do it on your own, you do it!!!  

I wish you the best!

Answer 5

I'm 13 too. Personally I do not want to get a pit bull until I graduate from college and get my own house. Since school is starting up in a couple days, I won't have that much spare time to walk him, and pit bulls need a lot of excercise to stay happy.  

Answer 6

I foster, raise, and train APBTs like those on that website. Some with abusive pasts (including fighter pits). Some cases are easier than others/ Some cases make me want to pull my hair out, others make me the happiest person alive.

If you're truly looking to foster these wonderful animals, make sure you do your research. While some cases are reported on as being wonderful, you can bet there are those cases where its frustrating and downright depressing.

I made a video a while ago in hopes of educating people with views like your mom, it includes links to PROVE that APBTs aren't dreadful, mean, bloodthirsty monsters.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrD_A3Q2L...

Tell her straight out what you want to do, tell her the good and the bad, and that she needs to understand that the image of the media is never the real truth.

I wish you the best of luck, but don't be discouraged if she turns you down. There are lots of ways to help APBTs in your area, you can volunteer your time to walk and play with them, donate to rescue agencies, educate peers about the breed, the possibilities are limitless.

Answer 7

I think it is fantastic that you want to help out these dogs, good for you.

Mothers can be stubborn, hostile and sometimes stupid, trying to put it nicely - they can be very difficult women. Your mother, like you said, is obviously brainwashed by the media hype is of course going to banish your wishes of fostering a pit bull or any dog that even slightly resembles a pit bull. Now, if you are really determined to foster a pit bull, you will have a lot of work ahead of you before your mother even considers the thought of the idea.

Your mother is in dire need of education on pit bulls and other mislabeled breeds, so it is up to you to give her that kind of education. Read up about pit bulls and bully breeds, read as much as you possibly can so that you're ready to confront your mother with what you have learned. Do not force all of it onto her at once - give her teaspoons of it, just a little at a time.

Please do not, if you have not already, introduce the idea to your mother of fostering a pit bull. You must wait until your mother has a change of heart towards these dogs.

While you're educating your mother, little by little, I think you should get yourself involved with a rescue organization or volunteer at an animal shelter. Once you've settled yourself in with a rescue or shelter, talk with your mom about possibly fostering a very needy dog. Do not, just yet, mention your ambitions to fostering pit bulls. Let your mother grow accustomed to fostering dogs, dogs period.

And surely by then your mother will have been educated about pit bulls by you and your sources. One day after the dog you are fostering has been adopted, you now have room to bring another foster into your home - that's when you bring up the idea of fostering for a pit bull rescue.

Be kind, caring, compassionate and reasoning with your mother. Do not be snide - be understanding. Do not be forceful or pushy - be suggestive.

Right now, it's clear as daylight that you will not be able to foster a pit bull at the moment. To foster a pit bull, you are going to have to work your way up to that goal, it may take you several weeks, even months, but with a lot of hard work and determination, whilst educating your mother, hopefully you'll get there.

Here are some great sites about pit bulls:

http://www.understand-a-bull.com/

http://www.stopbsl.com/

http://www.pitbulllovers.com/about-the-a...

http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/

http://www.bullandterrier.com/breeds/

http://www.advocatesfortheunderdog.com/m...

http://www.pbrc.net/

http://www.adba.cc/

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

http://www.endangeredbreedsassociation.o...

I hope I helped. Good luck to you.  

Answer 8

Your mom might feel like it's just to much to handle.  Pitbulls need a lot of love and attention and wouldn't be happy just being pinned up in a yard.  If you in school all day and your mom is at work all day the dog wouldn't be getting a lot of attention and the dog may have some special needs.  It's your mom's choice and it is probably the best one.