Saving Pit Bulls from Across the U.S. – and Around the Globe

On October 31, 2019, Ashley Georgia started the Pittie Project. The program was originally supposed to be a project for a larger rescue, and Ashley committed to helping save 10 deaf pit bulls in a year. She did…plus another 246 dogs.

Ashley got the idea for the Pittie Project after working on a special project in Costa Rica where she met and loved a deaf pit bull named Bella. “I saw that there was such a need for the breed. Not only are they a banned breed in many areas, they are harder to save because it’s so difficult to get them transported no matter their temperament,” Ashley explained. “They have such a bad reputation, often from those who don’t know anything about them.”

During the Project’s first year, someone donated a facility located on five acres, allowing them to take on more dogs – as many as 30 at a time, although they prefer 10 to 20. Most of their dogs come from California shelters, a few from Texas, and even one was brought all the way from Long Island, NY. They also partner with organizations from Louisiana, Costa Rica, and China.

While at the rescue, the dogs go through a special “Pack Life” training program to help them have a higher chance of adoption. This includes training the dogs to walk on a long line, crate work, group play, and taking long hikes, among other things.

Helping these pitties takes money and fosters. The organization has already spent upwards of $40,000 this year alone on medical costs. And of course, pit bulls are hardy eaters, so food donations (Purina Pro Plan) are always welcome, along with blankets, jackets for the pups, and toys to keep them active. And of course, they always need more volunteers and fosters.

To learn more, to donate, or to get involved, visit the Pittie Project’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pnwpittieproject.

Connor Has Traveled the World Looking for a Family

Connor is one of the Pittie Project’s longest residents, and he traveled the world to get here. While Connor is about the best dog you could ever ask for, he came from pretty awful beginnings.

Around early April, 2019, Connor was rescued in China by Harbin Slaughterhouse Survivors (HarbinSHS) – an organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing dogs intercepted from the dog-meat trade, along with local abuse and neglect cases in Harbin, China. One of the rescue’s volunteers saw Connor being mistreated by his drunken owner on the street and stepped in. They were able to negotiate removing him from his abusive owner.

Connor was suffering from missing fur, flaky skin, and scars. After receiving clinical care and vaccinations, he made his way to the HarbinSHS Safe house in the UK, where he learned to socialize with other dogs, receive love and care, and gain confidence before his freedom flight.

In early October, 2019, Connor arrived in California and took a road trip to make his way home to the Pittie Project.

It takes a bit for 3-year-old Connor to warm up to new people, but he is amazing. Connor loves car rides, cuddling, and the water. However, Connor thrives on structure, which means he absolutely must have an experienced owner who will continue with his routine and training. (He is incredibly smart!)

Socrates

Socs is a 5-year-old pittie mix who joined the PNW from New York. He was found roaming the streets outside Long Island and was taken into the shelter where he spent over 4 years of his life. As you can imagine, being in a shelter environment for that length of time, it takes Socs a little time to trust people and new environments.

He absolutely loves the outdoors, hiking, swimming, and walks on the beach. Socs does well with the training he has in place currently with both new people and other pups. No kitties or kids for this sweet man.

Socs is the perfect example of what happens when a shelter pup is given a chance and treated with patience, love, and understanding.

This is exactly why shelters and rescues need foster homes. These animals deserve to be given a chance to show everyone how they will actually act in a home environment.

Panther

Panther is another one of the Pittie Project PNW’s longest residents. He came to the rescue from San Bernadino Animal shelter after being surrendered when his owners were “moving.” This handsome senior is 10 to 12 years old, over 90 pounds, and adores belly rubs and relaxing in the sun. He’s a calm boy who loves to just chill and watch movies, and would be the perfect companion for an experienced owner. Panther deserves to spend his golden years in a home of his very own.