Pitbull Rescue Shelter

Ok so me and my room mate both have APBT's i have 2 he has one his other one just past.
we see all these APBT's at shelters and the pound and feel real bad for them we want to open up a pitbull rescue shelter. And give alot of these dogs a GOOD second chance.
how do u guys think we could go about doin this to make it work?

 

make sure you have plenty of foster homes first and foremost to place the dogs in so they can be evaluated and get there basic obediance and proper socialization,that would be your first step i figure.

 

roomate? i take it you are a renter?
until you have a rock solid network of foster homes, or own your own home and have acreage-you are up against a wall

 

Your best bet is to start fostering for an established rescue group in your area.

Starting a rescue involves a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. And money. And a reputation. And tolerance for freakin' loonies you will no doubt run into, as they are prominent in rescue.

 

me and my roomate got a forclosed house. i just call him my roomate cause we live under the same roof i guess. its our house we arnt renting. but yeah i wouldve agreed with you if i was renting. i like your idea about fostering to get started. (GSDbulldog) i think that would be a good idea. thanx

 

This isn't something to do on a whim.

If you want to help go find a rescue you like and either donate your time, or your money to help them out. There are tons of great pit bull rescues out there - but they took time and effort to get where they are today.

What do you know about running a business, finances, the non-profit sector, or gathering donations and grants? What do you know about real estate, zoning laws, shelter and kennel permits, etc?

It takes a lot to open a rescue, I was on the board of directors for a ferret rescue from start to finish - all the paperwork, opening the place, etc and it took the woman who opened it countless hours, tons of money, and tons of patience.

I've also worked in pit bull and general dog rescue for many years in my spare time - and it just as rewarding to help out, you don't have to own the place.

If I were you I would research what rescues already exist that you would like to support, and contact them to see how you can help.

 

Most rescues are dying for good fosters. So yes.. go to www.petfinder.com and put in your zip code to find local rescues around you.
Rescues are goverened by their own people so there are some REALLY great ones..and some "wow you got to be kidding me" ones.
And everything inbetween.
I found a great group to work with, there is always drama (oh gawd is there) but foster homes for knowledgeble people for pit bulls are needed by most everyone.

Do know that if you have unaltered dogs in your home, unless you are showing them you may not find a rescue to work with you, if you are breeding any thing (dog wise) they probably wont work with you. (its just part of most of their rules. dont try to debate it , it wont help).

Pit bulls sit in foster homes for what feels like forever, the most solid and best dog will sit in your home for 6months to over a year waiting for a home.
A good rescue will of course provide food, vetinary care, vaccines, and alter the dogs in foster.

Having alot of tolerance is a must , people will ask you the most wild questions, they will want to debate everything from how you train to what you feed. You have to have thick skin and a great listening ear, regardless of what you may be thinking.

You are putting out a product, it has to be solid, and stable, which means sometimes you will pull a great dog but due to issues that just arent 110 % you may have to choose to end its life. IT SUCKS.
Pit bulls in my opinion have to be one step better than the average mutt, for people expect the worse from them, and its our job to put out better than average dogs.
It can be seriously heartbreaking.
Dog aggression can be excused , it can be part of the breed, but a dog that is willing to bite is a differnet story, while lil lappy yappy can try to eat a finger off and people will say "ooo but hes soo cute" and he will be adopted , a snarky even NIPPING pit bull will be dubbed "human aggerssive" and wont be able to be adopted.

yea..it can suck.
But in the end..seeing that pound dog find THAT home , it suddenly is all worth it.
Seeing that moment that their wonderful bully smile BURSTS from what was a cowering huddle of fur at the pound..its all worth it.
Seeing that STABLE SOLID pit bull that every one else walks by at the pound get a chance ..its all worth it.

so..that was a yap fest, huh.

So yes... do foster!!! it will teach you alot how rescues work and get you to meet people in the circles of rescue.