We ♥ Foster Homes!

Tall, dark and handsome stud Patrick has now found himself a foster home! YEAH!

We're hoping that others will step up, just as Patrick's foster parents did.

Here are 10 reasons to foster a dog:

1. Some dogs don’t do at all well in a shelter environment. They may be elderly or frightened of the smells and sounds. These dogs have a much greater chance of being adopted if they’re placed in a home environment and are given some TLC.

2. If a foster dog needs veterinary care, it is the responsibility of the particular shelter to provide it. Some shelters can even provide food and other supplies to their foster homes.

3. Fostering a dog can be a rewarding experience for anyone of any age. As long as you are allowed to have pets, you can enjoy the companionship of a dog that needs a temporary home.

4. As you spend time with your foster dog, you can learn about canine behavior, grooming, and social interactions.

5. You’ll learn the finer points about the dog’s personality. This is a wonderful gift you can give to people looking to adopt the dog. You’ll be able to inform them of all the strong points, as well as areas that need to be focused on if they are considering adopting your foster dog.

6. If you already have a dog, fostering can provide your pup with a companion and playmate.

7. Fostering a dog teaches children about compassion and generosity.

8. Fostering means that you save a life. You are making room for another dog at the shelter. One more open run or kennel means one less dog put to sleep.

9. Having a foster dog lets you actively participate in the rehabilitation of a traumatized or needy dog. Due to the attention and security your give him in your home, your foster can become a different dog–less timid and less emotionally or physically injured.

10. Most of all, fostering is incredibly satisfying. The day your foster dog finds his perfect forever home might be a sad one for you, but know that he wouldn’t be where he is without all of your efforts and affection!

(taken from: http://dogspired.com/awareness/10-reasons-to-foster-a-dog-2/)

So, what are you waiting for?? If you want to make a tangible difference in the life of a homeless dog, email us at karla@dontbullymybreed.org. We are based out of the central IL and greater Chicagoland areas.

Featured Adopt-a-Bull: Puddin'

A face only a mother could love!

Puddin is a 3 year old momma who did a lovely job of raising her puppies and now needs a home of her own.

Sure, this Bulldog/Basset mix is a bit homely - with her saggy tummy and droopy jowls, she never quite regained her "pre-baby physique". But we dare you to look at a picture of her without smiling.

She LOVES people and gives sweet and gentle kisses. Puddin' is quite well-behaved, listens nicely and is eager to please. She is great with other dogs, but no cats please!

If you're looking for a gentle, sweet, and friendly pet, Puddin' will be a great companion.  A sense of humor is definitely required, as she'll keep you laughing with her snorts and wigglyness.

Being fostered in Bloomington/Normal area. Animals are placed in homes throughout greater Chicagoland and central Illinois. Contact karla@dontbullymybreed.org if interested in fostering or adopting!

Featured Adopt-a-Bull: Boomer

How completely handsome is Boomer? But don't think this fella is just a pretty face. He has a personality to match! This tail-waggingly and kissy boy is about 1 year old and 45 pounds. He'd do well in a home with a female dog, but he's not so fond of kitties, so he needs a home without them. He has a great, solid temperament and is waiting for an active family or person to scoop him up and give him a forever home.

Being fostered in the Bloomington/Normal area. Animals are placed in homes throughout greater Chicagoland and central Illinois.


Interested in fostering/adopting? Email karla@dontbullymybreed.org.

Exercise Tip #2: Flirt pole!

Two days ago we talked about hand walking - today, flirt pole. The flirt pole is another great way to exercise your dog, get them into shape, and just have fun with them! A flirt pole is essentially a giant cat teaser, except for dogs. A rope is strung through a PVC pipe, and then a Kong toy (or towel or other sort of tough fabric) is secured onto the rope to "bait" the dog into chasing it. Click the link below for steps on how to make a flirt pole (and it only costs $7!). Do you use a flirt pole to play with/exercise your dog?

Step-by-step flirt pole instructions

Exercise Tip #1: Hand walking!

This afternoon, we posted a canine body condition chart to help you determine if it's time for a doggy diet routine. Starting today, we're talking about our favorite ways to exercise our canines, starting with the basic - good ol' fashioned hand walking. Whether it's a walk around the block, leisurely stroll through the neighborhood, or hike through a forest preserve, hand walking is a great way to exercise your dog and help get them into shape.  Hand walking usually isn't enough to adequately tire out most fit, athletic APBTs - but for the couch potato pooch, it's a great place to start. Most dogs love going for walks - how can they not? Fresh air, exciting and new sights and smells - so put on your walking shoes, invest in a sturdy leash and take Fido for a walk!

Actress Jessica Biel has been "caught" by the paparazzi many times walking her Pit Bull.

Time for a doggy diet?

People react with shock when a dog is underweight - but overfeeding can be very detrimental to your pup's health as well. Are you able to feel your dogs ribs, and see an abdominal tuck? If not, it may be time to put them on a doggy diet! Where does your dog fall on this condition chart? Stay tuned over the next week as we roll out plenty of fun ways to get your dog (and maybe even yourself by extension!) back into shape!

Featured Adopt-a-Bull: Patrick

If you’re looking for a lovely-natured dog then you’ve found him!  Patrick is an happy-go-lucky adult Pit Bull who is learning how to play with other dogs after having lived in a kennel for a year before coming to us.  He's a little on the thin side currently, but is naturally lean and will be a sure stunner once he puts on a few pounds.  A pleasure to have in your home, Patrick does not dig, isn’t destructive and just lives to please you. And believe it or not, he's even proven himself good with cats! He’s very obedient, very sociable and very ready to start his new life with a family to love.

Patrick is looking for a foster or forever home. The adoption/fostering process is highlighted on our website, here. Interested? Contact us at dontbullymybreed@aol.com.