Bad Rap : Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls

The DCI Project:

In April 2006, we received a grant from the HSUS to coordinate the rescue of 20 unclaimed Katrina pit bulls in Louisiana - the last of the Katrina dogs! They were housed in a unique prison shelter program.. We are very grateful to the several pit bull rescue orgs and shelters who each offered to take 1-5 dogs into their already-crowded rescue programs. Thanks to the efforts of many, especially the staff and inmates of DCI, the HSUS, vets Dr. Lisa Brabham and Dr. Eric Davis, the dogs stayed healthy and sane since the storms of September.

Now the Real Work Begins!

The prison dogs have been parted out to new caretakers. Now the real work begins with the training, socializing, and readying the healthy dogs for adoption. Several of us absorbed dogs that suffer from heartworm. These dogs will require weeks of confinement while they're treated.

HOME! The flights went off without a hitch. Six dogs were flown to three different states and nine more were driven to their new locations. Although receiving Katrina animals may seem like old news to many, the excitement of getting this crew out of the prison and into waiting adoption programs felt as fresh as it did back in September. Below are photos of the dogs and info on where they ended up.

The DCI Project is a labor of love. Your tax deductable donation will help us cover the transport, medical needs and care costs of this bigger rescue. Thank you for (still) caring about the Katrina pit bulls!

GREAT NEWS! This boy was ACCEPTED into the detection program of the Washington State Patrol. His drive made him a perfect for this work. Thanks to LAW DOGS program for shining up his potential!

Meet LEROY! He landed in Oakland to join BAD RAP's adoption program along with Taz. He's healthy, charming and resilient. He's done well in foster care and has moved into the ambassador program of Pit Bull Hall. We're having a lot of fun with this dorky, eager-to-please guy and look forward to seeing him in a real home. Photo right: We're not sure what in the hec happened to that poor tail of his.

UPDATE: Leroy has been adopted to BR's Pit Bull Hall trainer Sara Scott.

Meet Lil' TAZ! This boy was thrilled to find a ready lap when he got off the airplane. He's a great little guy. Unfortunately, he's heartworm positive so will be confined for several weeks during his treatment. Once he's passed the danger zone, we'll promote him for adoption. In the meantime, he's in the care of Tim (pictured) and his wife Donna of BAD RAP. Special Thanks to Jen Clark and to Victoria Hamilton for supporting this boy's heartworm treatment.

UPDATE: Taz was adopted to a home in Berkeley, CA

Meet HOLLY! This girl is no longer heartworm positive. She landed safely in CA to be a BAD RAP dog. She's a sweet, gentle girl and is impressing her foster mom with nice social skills and cheerful personality.

UPDATE: Holly was adopted to a home in Hayward CA, and works as a Therapy-Mascot in a program for autistic kids.

'Ears' - Grounded: We were hoping to give a safe haven to old man 'Ears,' but sadly, he's proven to be too sick for travel. He is expected to live out his life with one of the vet techs who helps care from him at Dr. Lisa Brabham's clinic. He's a sweet gentleman of a dog and we were very pleased to meet him. We wish him well!

Desiree Bender of 'Where Angels Run' was a huge help with this project. She's pictured here with a beautiful brindle she chose for her adoption program. Update on Spike (left) Stealth Volunteers found this boy's owner - a mime in NOLA! Circumstances prevent him from going home however, so he's with Desiree and looking for a new home.

The big and impressive dog named 'Propane' is being carried by his biggest fan and caretaker, nicknamed 'Hollywood' for the 15 minutes of fame he earned for his work with the dogs. Hollywood was an anchor for these dogs throughout the long months at the prison. He provided care, exercise and companionship and it showed - The dogs adored him. His friend Propane is now living in Arkansas, with Desiree.

UPDATE: Propane proved too dog aggressive for placement. He had a fun few months before being put to peace. Thank you Desiree for giving the boy a chance.

These two dogs joined the adoption program of the K-9 Rescue League. The brown female is heartworm positive, unfortunately and has started her treatment. This is a spcial girl; all fingers are crossed for smooth recovery. Many thanks to Kate (far right), who came all the way from Missouri to transport this pair up to Georgia.

Photo right: Caretaker 'Hollywood' offers a final good bye to his little friend,Dixon, who is pictured at the top of the page.

UPDATE: The brown female - Tara - is home for keeps in Atlanta with her rescuer. Dixon found a great couple to call his own. Welcome home to both.

Safe in New York! These two boys joined the adoption program of Animal Farm Foundation. The boy on the right is more than happy to be handled. Even after months of kenneling, the bulk of the dogs stayed sane and happy thanks to the daily attention and exercise provided by the DCI inmates.

UPDATE: Shy Rubin is came out of his shell and found a permanent home after receiving lots of TLC from AFF staff.

Update: One of the dogs turned out to be more American Bulldog than pit bull. Thankfully, Desiree Bender was able to absorb him in her busy adoption program. He's now playing with Propane at her home and is said to be a fantastic dog. Two other pit mixes and two non-pits were accepted by the Louisiana SPCA. We were so grateful to have so much support for this project.

A true hero in this months-long project is local veterinarian, Dr. Lisa Brabham. This busy country doctor supervised the inmates who were assigned to work the dogs and provided excellent care for each. She also made a thousand trips back and forth to the prison and then the airport - taking the time to bathe each dog before sending him on his way. Lisa has since absorbed four of the heartworm positive dogs and continues to treat them in her clinic outside of Baton Rouge. Photo: BAD RAP's Donna Reynolds and Tim Racer talk over placement possibilities for the remaining few with 'Dr. Lisa.'

Tucson is lucky to be heartworm negative. His wonderful personality earned him a spot as the fifth dog adsorbed into Desiree's program.

UPDATE: Tucson, renamed Stetson, found a home via Desiree's adoption program.

PLACEMENT STILL NEEDED - Little Queenie is full of personality, but sadly, is heartworm positive. She's started her treatment at Dr. Lisa's vet hospital and will need to stay grounded during this time. She does however, needed a placement once she's clear of the heartworm. We found her to be a delightful dog. Very friendly and fun. If you might have space for this girl, please let us know.

UPDATE: Queenie is a contender for the LAW DOGS Program. Wish her luck!

UPDATE: - Another heartworm positive dog-in-need. He doesn't have a name, but he's known for his gentle affection and his butt tuck happy dance. Like Queenie, he's grounded at Lisa's vet hospital during his treatment.

Thank you for sending warm thoughts to all these brave storm survivors.