Pit Ridge’s ‘Pittie’ Progress

“OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE A SAFE HAVEN FOR DOGS IN NEED OF A MOMENT MORE TIME TO HEAL THE EMOTIONAL PAST THROUGH NATURAL THERAPY, POSITIVE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION, AND AN ACCEPTANCE FOR WHO THEY ARE AT A PARTICULAR POINT IN TIME. WE MAKE A PROMISE TO OUR DOGS THAT THEY WILL BE SAFE AND LOVED FOREVER NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES.”

The above was my introduction to Pit Ridge Rescue and immediately I knew the people running it were dedicated and amazing people who cared about their charges so very much that it is actually a sanctuary as well as a rescue. Rescue means they pull dogs from high kill shelters nationwidethey truly rescue them from being euthanized, and “sanctuary” means that no matter what, the dog will have a comfortable, fear-free and forever home. They work with Animal Control Officers and shelters in North Central and Northwest Arkansas, but also those in Missouri and all of the United States. kennels clean, the dogs fed, adoption appointments made, intake of dogs, vet appointments and of course training for all of them. And that’s not all, there is so much more to running a rescue, I would encourage everyone to volunteer at a shelter even for a few hours to find out how much work must be done.

Of course, the majority of Pit Ridge’s dogs are pitbulls and bully breeds - dogs with stigma attached, prejudiced by unfortunate incidents that were not the fault of the dogs, as well as BSL (breed specific legislation), which prohibits owning a bully breed dog or makes it financially prohibitive by enforcing expensive insurance requirements.

TACO AND TUNA - a bonded pair of 5 year old pocket pits that were surrendered due to a divorce; the owner brought them to Pea Ridge to have them euthanized. Fortunately, Moriah overheard the conversation and took them home on the spot. They are now adoptable.

I met with Melody, Pit Ridge’s Event Coordinator, and Dog Groomer by profession. She is also one of the three people who make it their life’s mission to save the neglected, injured and difficult to adopt dogs. Moriah, is the founder and owner of Pit Ridge, as well as owner of the 6 acres and 2 barns that have a capacity for 50 dogs and a need for many more, and last, but not least, there is Pit Ridge’s Director, Jennifer.

Moriah works nights and during the day, shares with Melody and Jennifer, the work of keeping

Moriah is working on becoming a certified trainer and is responsible for assessing and training incoming dogs. She does not allow the use of prong or shock collars, nor any kind of harsh treatment, but instead insists on positive reinforcement during training.

Although the background of the incoming dogs is generally not known, you can guess that many have been neglected or mistreated and the training will need to teach them to overcome their fear, to start trusting humans again, and to obey basic commands.

My personal experience has been that “pitties” are gentle, affectionate and loyal, and issues with ANY dog are likely due to owner inexperience, neglect or mistreatment, not the dog’s breed. As Melody said, she has been bitten many more times by small dogs.

It is sad that Pit Ridge has to fight not only inhumane prior treatment, but also human prejudice. Melody told me that a couple of years ago they had a fundraising event scheduled, but the event supporters withdrew their support when they discovered that the dogs involved were mostly pitbulls - the event had to be cancelled. However, despite the difficulties they encounter and the discouragement that sometimes overtakes them, they are happy to report they have adopted out 50 dogs in 2022 50 dogs’ lives saved! Congratulations!

Melody also pointed out that they take extra steps to make successful adoptions and prevent getting a dog returned, such as offering training at their home and giving them additional education. But Pit Ridge has many other future goals, such as a community pantry where needy dog owners will be able to obtain food, flea and tick treatment and low cost vaccinations. Bathing clinics is also on their list. And as with other rescues, spay and neuter clinics are high priority.

Since Moriah lives on the property and pays most of the expenses out of her own pocket, they are also hoping to make some improvements to heating and cooling equipment in the barns to increase efficiency. A facility that allows meeting the adoptable pets is also high on their list, currently they rely on pet stores for their adoption events.

Please consider helping Pit Ridge continue to be such an asset to Arkansas and Missouri by donating monthly recurring donations (see the link on their website) would allow them to have a place for prospective adopters to meet their sweet dogs. All amounts and frequencies are greatly appreciated to help them save dogs. n