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A New Year!
Our Year End Report from the Frontlines of
BAD RAP
 2004 was a time of growth for our group. Now entering our 6th year,
we've spread our wings into a few key directions and are fine-tuning our ability
to be the best help we can be to this deserving breed and its owners. This
report outlines last year's activities, high points and low points, our vision
for 2005, and the names of those who gave their financial support.
On the Rescue Front in 2004:
 40 pit bulls and pit mixes made their way through our program and
out into permanent homes in 2004. Of course, there were a thousand more dogs we
would've been proud to take in, but such are the sad limitations of pit bull
rescue work. Each orphan entered the care of our volunteer foster home crew, who train and socialize their charges
and keep them as family members in their homes until appropriate adopters can be
found. Because pit bulls can take a long time to place, fostering can involve
many months of dedication and patient waiting.
We pulled one or more dogs
from these crowded bay area shelters: The Pinole and Martinez Animal Shelters,
Oakland Animal Shelter, Berkeley Animal Care Services, Silicon Valley Humane
Society, Hayward Shelter, the Sacramento City Shelter, the San Martin Shelter,
Vallejo City Shelter, and a few of our dogs came from the streets as unclaimed
strays.
With so many neglected dogs to care for, vet bills are a constant, topping at
$13,500 this year. Sponsorships from big hearted donors helped to defray many of
the costs, and Tony La Russo's ARF generously donated free neuters to a number of
our dogs (Thank you ARF!).
Pit bulls suffer a disturbing amount of cruelty
and abuse, and Fate sent us an unusually high number of these cases to care for
in 2004. The dog that caused the biggest stir was Nemo (left), a sweet little
guy who suffered a paralyzing injury in his former home. The outpouring of
compassion for this pup was incredible. His vet bills were big, but supporters'
hearts proved even bigger. Another sad case came in as a redheaded mama dog and
her litter of seven. Mama dog Flower was barely alive when she was discovered, and
suffered from starvation, a badly infected uterus and numerous foxtails imbedded
deep in her ears. We're indebted to the south bay ACO who pushed for the
prosecution of the home that caused these beautiful animals to suffer. With abuse
cases involving pit bulls pouring into shelters on a daily basis, it can be so
easy for overwhelmed shelter staff to become desensitized, and very difficult to
find a sympathetic District Attorney. We can only hope that 2005 brings more
heroes willing to hold abusers accountable for their crimes.
Other dogs that suffered unforgivable injury/neglect at the hands of their
former owners were: Zoolander and Bola, (both now adopted) Search and Brigid
(waiting for homes) and Petey (adoption pending). 2004 also brought a stampede
of deaf dogs, disabled by irresponsible breeding. We rescued five - Bart,
Honky Tonk, Apple, Odie and Tara - Yikes! We love our deafies and have all gotten
much better at sign language ... but we sure hope that this trend subsides in
2005!
 Sadly, 2004 brought more cases of police opening fire on pit
bulls. We see this becoming more common as police expect the very worst from
pit bulls they meet in the field. 'Bullet' (Right with his new friend, Jane) was
one such dog who survived an unnecessary shooting and went on to become a well
loved pet and BR Breed Ambassador. We've received requests for more police
trainings in the north bay and we are currently reviewing this opportunity.
BR Rep Susi Ming's Special Bully Haven Project
welcomed several geriatric dogs into the program this year. The older guys take
much longer to place, but are so worth it. We're so proud of Susi and her
selfless dedication. We weren't surprised when she won Wells Fargo's
Outstanding Community Support Award this year for her advocacy work with
disenfranchised dog owners and their dogs.
 Passings:
We said a sad good bye this year to 'Fred'
(left), the squeezie senior who came to us when he was fifteen years old. Fred
was surrendered to be destroyed to a shelter because he was "too old" but went on
to live 3 more healthy and happy years in the tender care of Bully Haven. He died
peacefully in his people's arms at age eighteen. Rest in peace, dear Fred.
We lost Quigley to a seizure disorder, and said
tearful farewells to Guinness, a beautiful blue
brindle who presented temperament concerns while in fostercare. We grieved the
loss of Huey, beloved pet of Rep Tom McMahon and Mike
Betti. Huey was a first class gentleman who helped socialize many BR foster dogs.
Each of these dogs made indelible impressions and we're very grateful to have
known them.
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Owner Support Efforts in 2004:
 We
answered over 1000 emails and calls from pit bull owners and finders looking for
advice and support. Our newly formed committee of online educators - the BAD RAP
Posse - is busy responding to ads from those who are giving up their dogs to make
sure they have enough information to make informed decisions. The Posse also
works daily to keep track of the multitude of breeders selling 'backyard bred'
pit bulls on Craigslist. The data base created from their tireless work helps us
better understand where our huge overpopulation is coming from. By understanding
the source, we hope to have a better idea of how to bring the numbers down. Kudos
to Karen Karten for creating the Posse and giving it such a good start. (Above:
This crew is busy educating at SJ's annual Bark in the Park)
 The free Pit Ed and CGC Coaching
Classes doubled in size this year, thanks to a grant from PetSmart and the
Phyllis S. Cowell Revocable Trust. Dozens of pit bull owners set aside their
Saturdays to socialize with other pit owners, work on leash manners and to learn
how to be responsible stewards. We salute everyone who's worked so hard to
improve their handling skills and to prove their dog's worth by earning the
esteemed CGC certification for their dog.
Our education work kept us hopping in 2004. We enjoyed several public outreach
events, including the ever popular Pride
Parade, and an opportunity to present a Dog
Safety Class to employees of the City of Oakland. To create the kind of
partnerships that will help the breed in years to come, we focused many of last
year's energies on networking with local shelters. BR was kindly invited to the
Marin Humane Society to present our temperament
evaluation process to a packed auditorium of animal care professionals and rescue
workers. Later, we returned to MHS to present a program to the public on pit bull
basics. We were warmly received and value the connections we made through these
events. BR was busy meeting staff from other shelters for smaller scale
presentations. We thank the staff of SFACC, OAS and SVHS for welcoming us and
allowing us to share our information. Our education extended to young
people for the first time this year, when we presented a pit bull program at a
'Kid's Camp' at SVHS. We hope to do much more work with youth in the coming
months.
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Behind the Scenes: Bullydog Angels Join BAD RAP
 Our volunteer base boasts a diverse and talented group of pit bull
owners who rally this project forward with endless enthusiasm. We were thrilled
when Christine Allen accepted a seat on the Steering Committee this year. Christine
brings a legal beagle's eye for detail, a Libra's knack for diplomacy and a great
sense of humor to this work. Her pit bull Izzy helps to remind her why she ever
let herself get so sucked into these crazy adventures.
(Left: The kids in
our circles are a huge help with foster duties. Pretty Eliana snuggles her buddy Roller.)
2004 brought a new level of expertise in our Foster Care Program as
many of our more experienced volunteers earned their stripes by successfully
training and readying some of our more challenging dogs for adoption. Led by BR
Rep Linda Chwistek, a number of the foster dogs went through CGC training while
waiting for their new homes and learned impeccable manners. We're incredibly
proud of our team of fosters and the gifts they offer these dogs.
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Headlines and Headaches in 2004:
 Advocating for this breed is a sure way to get a few headaches, and
2004 brought its share. Our biggest source of grief came from the threat of
Breed Specific Legislation in Ontario Canada. We know BSL
will haunt us as long as irresponsible owners let their dogs get into
trouble. It's especially unfortunate when this trouble brings the wrath and
prejudice of misinformed lawmakers. When Ontario's Attorney General proposed a
ban on pit bulls in his province, BR responded with letters to Parliament and
several brainstorming sessions with our Canadian peers. Sadly, this type of
battle will be ever-present as municipalities all over the continent threaten to
follow Ontario's example. Our best response to this tide is to educate, educate,
educate. Stay tuned, pit bull owners: We all have some big battles ahead of us
and miles to go before we sleep... (Above: This Canadian family is fighting
hard for their right to own the breed they love. )
On the homefront, BR has been communicating with the folks at Craigslist in hopes of forging a comprehensive plan to
curb the number of backyard bred pit bulls offered for sale on this popular
website. Online advertising of pit bulls is a huge problem now that the
Net is widely used; its popularity has skyrocketed the number of dogs bred and
sold. We have high hopes that Craigslist will end the free advertising for pit
bull sellers soon after the new year.
Sadly, the breeding frenzy that we reported in
last's year's Year End Report has shown no sign of slowing down. To repeat our
words from 2003, "Amateur, or 'backyard breeders' (bybs) continue to churn out
overwhelming numbers of litters, and shelters are forced to euthanize high
numbers as abandoned pit bulls pour in. The 'Blue Lust' craze brought
ongoing headaches as profiteers pumped out substandard dogs and flooded
craigslist ads and other venues to keep up with current hunger for not-so-rare
'blue nosed pit bulls'. Sadly, some of the most troubled pit bulls we see include
poorly bred blues riddled with health and/or temperament flaws."
The abuse of dog fighting is ever present, but by far, the greatest abuse we
continue to see committed against the breed is the massive overbreeding,
abandonment, and neglect of these beautiful, long-suffering creatures.
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Looking Forward in 2005:
As we mature as an organization, we're challenged to reach out further into a
variety of communities in order to influence and help pit bull owners outside of
our usual circles. The busy training classes have
been a great help towards bridging gaps and extending our message out into the
"real world", so we'll be renewing our commitment to continue and expand this
work in 2005. We'll be seeking out more grants for this purpose, including a
joint venture with the East Bay SPCA in order to encourage more spay and neuters
in exchange for free training. To keep our information circulating in animal care
circles, we'll continue to work at making solid connections with the bay area's
many shelters and animal care professionals. (This April, we have the honor of
presenting at a large Animal Care Conference in San
Jose.)
 Although our greater goal continues to be owner education, we can't
help but be drawn to the pit bulls that have little or no hope on the streets and
in our local shelters. Their faces and desperate stories keep us focused and
driven. Thanks to the interest and the generosity of those who support this work,
we can look forward to getting to know 40-50 new dogs in 2005, and the dozens of
kind people who will end up giving them permanent homes. When we hit those low days
of Rescuer's Burn Out, that support and those Happy Endings fuel us forward like
nothing else!
Many blessings to the hardworking volunteers and supporters who
- against many odds - believe in a better day for the pit bull breed.
Donna Reynolds,
Exec Director BAD RAP
January 2005
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Donors of 2004:
 Below is a list of the donors who kept us going in 2004. We thank
everyone who believes in our mission and look forward to your continued support in the coming year.
Trete Abu, Pat Alexander, Regina Allen-Schafer, James D. Anderson, Maggie
Anderson, Baradat Andree, Alicia Aragon, Amy Aragon, Laurel Ashley, Della Bankert, Randall K.
Banks, Maaike Banning, Nhien Barros, Guy Barbaro & Leland C. Burrill II, Kimberly Baumback, John Berg Company,
Derek Berger, Portia Bernaldez, Kathryn Blakeney, Jamie & Janie L. Bloom, David
& Charlotte Blumenberg, Charlene Bofinger, Dave & Amy Bowers, Rita
Brand, Debra Bresch, Lauren Brisken, Donna & Ralph Briskin, John Buginas, Jane Bussineau, Ellen Bradburn, Karen
Byers Helen Marie Capps, Sheri Cardo, Douglas & Sandra Fleet Cardy, Felicia Carter, Michael Casey,
Sui Lin Cheong, Michael Chin, the Chiuchiarelli Family Foundation, May Chone,
Linda Chwistek, Steven P. Coger, Jennifer Contreras, Lisa Cooke, Carrie Copa, Ilse Cordoni, Cathie
Courtney, Eileen Crawford, Marie Cross, Cameron Cutler, Michael Danner, Stephanie
Davis, Dealey, Renton & Associates, Laura/Lee & Aaron Delahunty, Lilly Diep,
Patricia DiSiena, Rena Distasio, Victor A. Douglas, Micheal Duchin, Dory & Rick
Eckstein, Parker Elvis & Dads, Scott Ephrain & Ruth Rosemblum, Nancy Epstein, Jackie Ewing, Ardeshir Falaki, Allison Feeney, Angela
Felton, Mary Finch, Jennifer Flake, Stacey Fleece, John & Ann Fornoff, Sarah Froebel, Susan &
Dennis Furukawa, Jeffrey & Christine Galat, Sara Gann, Maurine Gillmore, Greg Glassman, Heidi Goldstein, Graciela
Gonzalez, Alison Green, Mary J. Gorman, Jennifer Gothard, Karen & James Grant, David Grossblat,
Thomas Grossi, Anthony Hampton, Heather Hanly & Dan Purchell, HART (Homeless
Animals Rescue Team), Karen Hata, Aimee & Thoman Hofstra, Becky & Craig Haggart, Dina Hitchcock, Anna Huchinson,
Laura Hudson, Jennifer Humphries, Jesse Jack & Kalie Kelly, Louise Joan, Sarah Johns, Kai & Margaret
Johnson, Kristie Jones, Rachel Jorgensen, Laura Kaminker & Allen Wood, Karkiainen
& Assoc., Karen Karten & Art Dell, John Kelley, Kimby & Dads, Kip & Katherine Kennedy, Teresa
Kennon, Phil Kenny, Jay Kerger, Andrew Kesner, Lura Lee Lalomio, Danielle Lazier,
Lisa Lindelef, Linda Lewis, Yuh-Mei Liao, Christine Lin, Alexis Madrid, Manteca Police
K-9 Unit, Maria & Mark Muramoto, Matthew E. Marquis, Joette Hampton Martin, Ricardo Martinez, Mari Matsuo, Lynne McEwan, Vicki McCullough,
Carol McGuire, Florence & Stan Furakawa, Lynne McEwan, Kristine A. Mechals, Christina Merrill, Anita Michel, Carla-Ruth Morgan, Sarah Moore,
Aine Morgan, Lee Morrow, Angie Mulholland, Michael Mullin, Mahlin Musgrove,
Nicole Nascenzi, Sandra Nunes, Steven Nunes & Yvette Stahr, Kerry O'Connor, Michelle Osbourne,
Mitchell K. Park, Carolyn Parmele, David Peckman, Nancy Perata,
Karl Davis Peters, Carolyn Pettigrew, Phyllis S. Cowell Revocable Trust, Chris Planellas, Beth
Plumley, Jennifer Porter, Jennifer Price, Marcus & Millicent Purcell, Rita
Radtke, Chris Rappa, Farah Ravon, RealNetworks Foundation, Keith & Anita Roberts, Brad Romero,
Ray Romo, Noelle Rossi, Lesley Sailor, George Salem, Peter Sandren, Brett Saunders, Georgia
Routsis Savas, Mikele Schappell, Stuart Schwertok, Ingrid Semas, Stephanie Garrabrant-Sierra,
Chelsea M. Sheridan, Denise Shifflet, Emily Sieger, Meredith Simi, Susanne Simms
& Shawn McGrady, Robin Simpson, Kimberly Skidmore MD, Julie Sloan, Deanna Smith &
David Wilson, Jonathan T. Smith, Stephen M. Smith, Gwen Field Snyder, Deborah Sofia, Jody
Stickney, Jessica Stout, Debbie Svoboda, John Sullivan & Ray Cannon, Myra & Gary Tamanaha, Maho
Terguichi, The Grime, The Purcell Living Trust, The William & Flora Hewlitt
Foundation, Jo & Joshua Tootell, Tpa Orl Travel Service, Amy Troutner & Edward
Shimel, Yuri Tsuchitani, Michele Ursino, Molly Wald, We Care Animal Rescue, Wells
Fargo Foundation, Anne Wheaton, John Wheeler, Caroline Winata, Jeremy Woodburn, Alan & Arlene Young, Zahara.
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