Happy Spring

It's beginning to feel like spring here in northern California. This week we're suppose to get our first day of nearly 80 degree weather. It's still cold in the morning but the sun and heat are definitely on their way and with the time change this weekend and extra daylight at the end of the day it truly means change is on it's way.
 
 
I've taken a break from blogging to take care of old troubles and to embrace new opportunities so between the two my art lies patiently waiting for me to come back again. I always do eventually.
 
For now I'm focused on the other thing that I love which is helping fur babies. Many of you know I'm a big supporter of animal rescue and adoption and I try to help spread the word through my Facebook page Peace Paws Petunias.
 
I decided to finally do volunteer work at my local shelter since I'm there nearly every week just to visit the doggies and kitties. I'm going through their training and fostering program right now but it takes a while to get through all their required classes before you can actually start.
 
However the opportunity to work with a local pit bull rescue came up two weeks ago and last week I officially started as a co-coordinator with a program that trains shelter pit bulls to help them get adopted. I'm sooo excited! I have really developed a love for these dogs.
 
Photo credit: Sacramento Front St Shelter/Anne Chadwick
 
Shelters are filled with pit bulls like pretty Penny here, who was probably used for breeding by a backyard breeder then dumped at the shelter, or worse, turned loose on the streets. They are always the last to get adopted because of the stereotype and negative press they receive in the media. Sadly they are also the first ones to be euthanized at high kill shelters.
 
I have never met a more loving, goofy, eager to please breed than the pit bull. It's the people who abuse and use them for criminal activities by exploiting this dog's strength and desire to please people that give them a bad reputation. Yes they are powerful and like all dogs need proper training and discipline and lots of love but they are also loyal and gentle and there is nothing like a pittie smile.
 
 
I'd love to adopt my own some day but sadly it's not the right time for me to bring a dog into our life. At least for now I get to work and play with them as much as I like and hopefully help a few of them find wonderful homes.
 
By the way, Penny, who was patiently waiting at the shelter since the beginning of January, finally got adopted last week. Yay!!
 
To learn more about pit bulls and the fight against Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) watch Beyond The Myth: A Film About Breed Discrimination.
 
I hope spring
brings you
sunny skies,
beautiful flowers,
a pinch of magic
and new reasons
to smile.
 
 
 


13 comments:

Marfi-topia said...

Glad to see you posting again:)
Congratulations on getting to work with these amazing dogs!
I don't have the willpower to do that... I'd try and bring them all home.
You are awesome Anna! I hope you have a wonderful time!!

Linda said...

I missed you so much...glad to see you are back.

What a wonderful organization you are with. Good for you. You are doing a wonderful thing for a great cause. Congratulations !

Ms Misantropia said...

I've been wondering where you got off to. I'm glad to hear you are working in a shelter, it's really good work! If Cinnamon man gets to stay (with me in Sweden) we are getting a dog, and I would love to have a pit bull. I like how they look, and they are supposed to be lovely family dogs.

Anonymous said...

Such wonderful pictures. I am happy to hear you are having good weather. We just have to wait for a while ; )
Good luck with the pet rescue, which is a great thing to do !!

Thyme2Be said...

My neighbor has a pit bull who is the best guard dog - for both of our households! - and has been raised lovingly and who I trust - I know they often get a bad rap. Good for you to take this on - and good luck!

Anonymous said...

Sweet Anna, how wonderful to see this post. I actually came by today, because I do not know if I will get to make any visits tomorrow, and I believe it is your birthday tomorrow. So, happy, happy birthday sweetie.

Now let me tell you how envious I am that you are getting to do this wonderful volunteer work. One day, when I don't have to work so many hours or commute so many miles, I would love to spend time at the shelter. I also do love pits! (Yay, Penny!) My daughter has one and he is too precious for words. A perfectly loving, funny soul. I wish for you all the blessings in the world, my friend. Mina

Unknown said...

Anna,
Thanks so much for helping the lost dogs.
Hugs
Michele
PS. Happy Easter

Jessica said...

It's so great that you're doing volunteer work at the animal shelter. :) Helping out and having fun! Volunteering is rewarding in its own way, I think. My goal for this summer is to start volunteering at our local library. Good luck!

P.S. I am in love with your banner and background for your blog! You should keep this for a while because it feels so welcome and beautiful--very spring inspired! It looks as though lavender mist is creeping up the sides of my screen :) Wonderful!

Magaly Guerrero said...

That smile will stay with me all day. It reminded me of my Attila--it made me miss him. He is a white Staffie and his smile can last for years. And his kisses. Oh, how I miss my boy...

Magaly Guerrero said...

I keep on coming back to this post, just to see that gorgeous smile and fill my heart with warmth. I miss my Staffie...

Ricki Treleaven said...

I admire you so much for working with the orphan pets, especially pit bulls. I love dogs, and it breaks my heart when they're abused and neglected.

This is such an inspiring post, and I hope to hear from you soon. I love that pit bull smile, too!

xo,
Ricki Jill

Anonymous said...

Happy spring to you too Anna!

This is also just a quick note to let you know I’ve nominated you for a Liebster award! Check out my post here http://cauldronsandbroomsticks.wordpress.com/2013/06/03/liebster-award-colour-me-delighted/ for details.

Kathy said...

I do love my bullie boy. My American Pit is "Jake" he was 1 year old so I never say him little but I know he would have looked just like that little cutie pie smiling.
Great Post. Kathy