Pit Bulls and Other Animals....

Reunion Rescue 2027 calendar contest

2026-10-08T03:55:45.898-07:00

Help Reunion Rescue dogs

And here's how....First if your house is full and you can't foster, how about entering your pet...cat, dog, bird, etc. in our yearly Every Dog's a Winner Reunion Rescue 2027 calendar?

We use all proceeds to keep our Dogtown Ranch survivors boarded and entertained with cookies and treats, healthy supplements while they await their forever homes.

Meet the dogs:

Sawyer -

JJ -

T-Bone -

So how 'bout it? Please help Reunion Rescue dogs by entering our yearly contest - and what a great gift to give that person who thinks they have everything...a photo of their pet in Reunion Rescue's calendar!

Sue Sternberg: killing dogs with the fake hand

2026-05-20T05:46:28.539-07:00

Topper and Vinni

I received an invitation in the mail to attend a Puppyworks seminar at the Marin Humane Society outside Novato, California. The cost was upwards of $300 for the three-day event. On the roster were such dog luminaries as Terry Ryan and Leslie Nelson, who'd been around for years and were well respected in dog circles. Trish King of Marin Humane was teaching a few classes as well, but the star attraction was to be Sue Sternberg of Roundout Kennels in upstate New York.

I had heard of Sue Sternberg. She is very controversial, especially with pit bull people and those of us who rescue them. She is responsible for the plastic hand widely used to test dogs for food aggression. If a shelter is using the plastic hand, they probably subscribe to other Sternberg methods. It would be at this very seminar I'd learn other industry terms like 'whale eye'.

I once saw a beautiful dog running around Lake Madrid. He was probably part Rhodesian Ridgeback and had rich, ruddy coloring with the telltale wedge head of a pit bull. Harold was a gorgeous dog. He gently allowed me to pick him up and lift him into the back of my truck. I knew he wasn’t going to hurt me. He was just a big gentle boy. I took him to CCACC hoping we could help him find a good home.

Julie Chen, the same volunteer who’d almost fostered Girl, decided Harold had ‘whale eye’. Because she had green volunteer status and bred sighthounds, she was considered quite the authority. He was supposed to have growled when an air conditioner repairman walked down the aisle by Harold’s kennel. I’m not saying he did not growl, but the level of noise and clanging in that facility is near deafening. A dog’s reaction should not be criteria for euthanasia. However, based on this and the words ‘whale eye’ written across his kennel card, Harold was put to sleep. Julie suggested with a smile, since I was close to Harold, perhaps I should sit in on the euthanasia. My jaw dropped open. I had no response. She intimated that she sat in on many of the euthanasias performed at CCACC.

Doc never misses an opportunity to refer to CCACC as being 'the best shelter in the world' whenever he's being interviewed. In a shelter reputed as being one of the best in the country, I could not believe they didn't have a better system in place regarding temperament testing. For such a formidable facility and the hub of some of the best dog minds in the area, I felt Harold should have had more thorough consideration. I felt the system let Harold down. I had let Harold down. I had picked him up that day with the thought that I was helping him by taking him to a place of refuge. Instead, I had driven him to an early death.

The Sue Sternberg flier was circulated widely. I was excited about attending the event. It would be like a vacation in October with lovely weather and the lush Marin Headlands providing the backdrop. I made plans to attend with Dante Peterson. We could discuss our non-profit work and bounce fundraising ideas off each other on the drives to and

from the event.

I had received an email from the young woman who'd organized the affair. She was enthusiastic about Round Up's work with pit bulls and wanted to inquire about using some of the dogs in our program to be evaluated by Sue Sternberg. I forwarded the information to Colleen who refused, hands down. Usually when Colleen was this adamant, a control issue was involved. This time, though, she had a very good reason.

Colleen was not a fan of Sue Sternberg's invasive assessment technique. This was the first negative reaction toward Sternberg I'd experienced. I had gotten caught up in all of the preliminary excitement and pushed aside my own instincts. I was learning another lesson about listening to my gut feelings.

The event was successful in number. There were several hundred attendees, many of whom had brought their own dogs. I was struck by the atmosphere in the larger room where we'd gathered for the first of the Sue Sternberg lectures. Another attendee commented she felt like a supermodel when she first walked into the room. There were very few men in attendance, but a strange sense of testosterone permeated the air. In other words, it was tense. The dogs were on short leads and it felt weird to me, like a Leni Riefenstahl film. My initial excitement began to dissolve.

Sternberg is internationally famous for having written several books on dog temperament and evaluation. Her teachings are so commonplace, that her name has become synonymous with temperament assessment in shelters across the United States and beyond. She exhibited her method for us over and over during the seminar. She will push the animal until she is fully satisfied the dog will not go off under any possible circumstance. The dog might have been pulled from a kennel, scared and confused in this strange, noisy environment. Sternberg's own former employees have referred to her technique as invasive, as if someone were poking you again and again while you were trying to eat or rest. Most people will turn and say, "Hey, quit, you!" A dog will bark or growl in response and be labeled as dangerous.

Sternberg looked something like a gym teacher to me. She was sporty and athletic with short brown hair and a wide mouth she used to make funny faces and accentuate her points. She opened with a comedy routine about Starbucks and her chai tea fix. She was entertaining for a kennel person, however, I had the feeling I was at one of those mandatory comedy traffic school classes.

During the first session, she warmed us up with tales about her kennel and her cattle dogs. She told us they did what they wanted and everything in her house was chewed up. I could relate to the chewing. When Rowdy Cowgirl first moved in with us, she chewed up a Johnny Cash record and a Moby tape.

Sternberg started off with a speech about her style of evaluating. I perked up, interested in making new strides toward problem solving. According to her handout, Sue was looking for a dog "who enjoys lots of stimulation" combined with a "high sociability index." She relied on a caveat that explained "love and training do not change heredity and basic temperament. Abuse and neglect are neither an excuse nor a cause for aggression."

She relied much on video to promote her program. To illustrate fence-fighting, she showed us a dog-eared old video starring an old shepherd called Buster. She used a tug on a long lead to get Buster wound up and excited. She made sure to note his showing of teeth and his tail up in the air. Old Buster was a good subject. He had some resource guarding issues with a toy Sternberg kept grabbing at and he wouldn't release. One thing for sure, Buster was way out of his league. I wondered why she didn't attempt to train some of those bad habits out of him. That alone would have been worth the price of my ticket. Was the answer to kill the dogs without looking for a way to correct these problems?

Maybe Buster had never had a toy before and didn't know how to play games. Badass or not, Buster has made Sternberg a buttload of change performing over and over again in that glitch-filled old video tape.

The next part of the session was dedicated to evaluation. Up first was a young pit bull from a nearby shelter. This would have been a Coastal County dog had Colleen not wisely vetoed the idea of bringing CCACC shelter dogs to the seminar. When I had an opportunity to meet the director of the young pit bull's shelter later on that afternoon, I found her to be a lot like myself. She was newly introduced to the pit bull breeds and wanted to find some solutions to growing problems such as over-population and finding suitable adopters. She had brought a few of her shelter's dogs to the event in hopes that a world-renowned behaviorist like Sue Sternberg might help.

Sternberg gave the crowd their money's worth as she gave the young piebald pit bull the Sternberg once over. She sized the dog up before assessing him as a trial lawyer would go over a witness. She did stress to neuter young.

Whenever to a female dog, she used standard AKC terminology. We must have heard the bitch word about a thousand times before lunch. In modern society, that term is politically incorrect. In fact, it's downright offensive and disgusting. I get the same feeling when I hear a racial slur. I sensed there was more behind Sternberg's vehement use of the term than kennel standard. The term reflects as much on the person using the word as it does the society allowing the use. Female dog is much more preferable and respectable.

Sternberg would predict how certain dogs would behave later in life had they not been euthanized. For instance, if the dog didn't pass her extreme temperament test with all of the prods and invasive manipulation, she was certain the dog would attack, perhaps maul and even kill. Why hasn't someone then written the definitive book on all dogs and their behavior and be done with it? We could all just read that book and fix all the dogs. There would be no more dog bites, no more maulings, no fearful dog aggression, separation anxiety and on and on.

The little pit bull puppy was playful and seemed like a normal dog. He was curious and had typical puppy traits. He wasn't a normal dog to Sue Sternberg. Her big thing was do your need me, do you want me, are you trying to get away, or are we in this thing together. I have spent some time around dogs and it takes a bit of time to build a relationship with a dog. It took me months to realize I couldn't live without Girl and Mookie.

Sternberg recommended euthanasia for the puppy. When a big-time expert like Sue Sternberg says a dog is going to harm a human being, there aren't too many options for that dog. If I hadn't considered the meaning of the word adoptable before, I had pause to think about it then. I remembered something vitally necessary to assess dogs. I'd gotten so caught up with what the pros were saying I'd ignored what I had known all along. It was something the dogs had taught me and something I could not learn from a book or a seminar. It was all about the feeling I got from a dog in my own gut. It was my bond with that particular dog.

I remember people telling me I was crazy to take a pit bull like Girl out of a shelter when I didn't have background history on her. Even though she had been running on the streets and I had no idea where she was from, when she looked into my eyes, I knew Girl was a good dog. I knew she would try as hard as she could to do what I wanted her to do. That is something you cannot be taught. I had spent a lot of money for the seminar but would come away with one valuable lesson. From then on, I would remember to heed my own instincts.

I wasn't able to speak to the woman from the little puppy's shelter again. I didn't want to know what was going to happen to the little boy who'd made the grave error of showing his nature, of playing full throttle, of not needing Sue Sternberg too much and failing the plastic hand prod test. I do not trust this test and think it quite cruel. Imagine poking some old hungry truck driver while he's getting down on his chicken fried. You're likely to draw back a bloody nub.

We had a slight break while Sternberg made some jokes. Everyone laughed a little too hard. Perhaps she was attempting to dispel the pall of doom in the room while we thought about the puppy being put to sleep. She went on about the Starbuck's chai and dropped a reference to McDonald's, where she takes dogs for a cheeseburger before she has them euthanized.

The next dog was a large female Rottweiler from the Humane Society where the event was being held. I must say, the facility was indeed a lovely place. Trish King was one of the staff trainers and well known in dog circles. She had volunteered the rottie for Sternberg to evaluate from their kennel. King sat with the rest of us in attendance while she held onto her little Cairn terrier, an over-aged Dorothy. She was an enthusiastic supporter of Sternberg, often leading the rest of the audience in bursts of applause. Sternberg has a near religious zealot following amongst dog professionals.

The Rottweiler was a typical rottie. I found out a little about the breed when I acquired a Rottweiler as one of my dog walking clients. I wanted to understand Rottweilers better and learned they were butchers' dogs, trained to guard the meat. I've met more than one rottie enthusiast with a funny story about their dog and the dinner table. One fellow said his dog would sit by the table while he prepared dinner and not allow anyone near the food until the man gave him the release command. This dog even protected the food from himself, not allowing himself to eat until he got the go ahead from his master.

The Marin rottie was a beautiful girl, large and glossy as a healthy Rottweiler should be. Rotties share some of the same stigma and mythology attached to the pit bull breeds. People read something bad about them in the paper or see a story on television and attribute the behavior as a genetic characteristic of the entire breed. You never hear the story about the sweet rottie following her little girl to school. It's a nice story but doesn't sell newspapers.

Sternberg went to work on the dog, prodding and poking her all over and getting no response. The rottie just sat there and let Sternberg do her business for the crowd. Sternberg let us know she was putting SCAN into effect. SCAN is her program, standing for sexually mature, cautious, arousal and no signs of friendliness. Rottie was a prime candidate for SCAN according to Sternberg.

I wondered if Mookie, Rebel or Girl could pass the SCAN test. Mookie hated having his nails clipped and being brushed. I would clip his nail and he'd bite the air. The bite is an air snap and not a real bite. It was a game Mookie played with me. He would never have bitten me. I knew that. He was a dog who'd come to us with quirks. Maybe those strange behaviors were acquired from the treatment he'd received from the Rastas. Maybe Mookie did not get to spend the required period of time with his littermates necessary for a socially well-rounded dog. Whatever the reason, he had those quirks, so Mookie and I made a game of nail clipping. It became our practice to brush and air bite. It might not be the standard taught in obedience, but it worked for Mookie and it was fun for us. It became part of our routine and our special bond.

Rebel is fond of a prod. In fact, he hikes up his short little leg so that the prodder can have better advantage. When he's done, he simply gets up and moves away. Rebel's always been his own little red man. Girl loves to have a good prod above her hip beneath her rib cage. She'll even turn and give you a good show of her canine tooth as she curls up her lip in ecstasy. It's scary looking the first time or two, but it's Girl's way of acknowledging that you've found her spot. With just these three dogs and their funny habits, it's awe inspiring to consider all of the other dogs out in their world and their special peculiarities. Each dog is an individual and has complexities as do we humans.

The female rottie took her prodding with an indifferent attitude. She had no reaction one way or the other. The

only one who had any reaction was Sue Sternberg. The more the rottie sat and did nothing, the more Sternberg got her own panties in a wad. It was kind of funny to see a grown woman poking away in a frenzy and the big dog laying there ignoring her. Finally, out came the plastic hand and the bowl of dried kibble. The rottie didn't even seem to care about the bowl of food. All in all, the dog was just sort of there. When Sternberg finished with her assessment, she dropped her head dramatically and said she was forced to recommend euthanasia for the dog. She said this dog had the capacity to hurt someone and her findings led to euthanasia as the only option.

The enrapt audience gave her a rousing vote of encouragement. I felt like a leftover SDS at the Republican National Convention. I had been raised in the south during the civil rights movement and was no stranger to lynch mob mentality. It terrifies me to this day. What in the world was this seminar I'd found myself in the midst of? Trish King assured Sternberg that the Rottweiler would be exterminated. There was a collective sigh of relief as members of the crowd reached down to pet their own closely harnessed dogs as if to say, "Good dog. You're a good dog. We are safe."

Trish King conducted a seminar a few years later at a local city pound. She was reported to have opened her workshop with a statement that she did not like Rottweilers and she was afraid of them. Now, I don't know that many rotts, but I see them walking with their people at parks and on city sidewalks. I am always amazed to see their big German butts happily bouncing alongside while looking up at the person holding the leash. I'm sure the breed has its share of unruly citizens, as do all of the breeds, but I've been lucky enough to witness the good citizens in my travels.

When we broke for lunch, Dante and I ran into a guy who'd previously worked in the kennels at CCACC. He offered to show us around the Marin facility. We gratefully accepted. I was surprised to see such a low number of cats and dogs in the adoptable section. In fact, there were not that many kennels and spaces for adoptable pets. If memory serves me correctly, there was more square footage in the plush gift store - where I'd purchased some expensive Premier gentle leaders - than the adoptable area.

He showed us the crematorium where people could bring their own pets to be cremated after they'd passed on. It helped raise money for the shelter but was also used to cremate the shelter's own euthanized animals. We traipsed back to the kennels nobody else sees in shelters. The donating public is usually only aware of the few cozy hotel style digs, such as the lobby in CCSPCA. Most of these dogs end up with their lives depending on the say so of one person. At CCSPCA, most people don't see the animals behind the scenes. For wealthy organizations that have the opportunity to effect change, this just ain't right.

In the far corner of the stray section sat the female rottie we'd witnessed fail the Sternberg assessment. Next to her was the hugest pile of steaming diarrhea I'd ever seen. It was fresh and wet and stunk to high heaven. There was even steam coming off the top. She had the same look of disinterest she'd worn throughout her episode with Sternberg.

I said 'hi' to the dog. She turned to look at me, her tongue hanging out. She seemed to be one of those dogs that likes to just lay there and hang out. I sure didn't get the feeling she'd like to kill me or anyone else for that matter. She hadn't even expressed an interest in killing Sue Sternberg when she was being assessed. Dante let out an audible “aww” which expressed perfectly how we felt. Here was a dog who’d been condemned to death because she’d failed Sue Sternberg’s test in front of the paying crowd. The audience had reacted like people at a circus when Sternberg recommended euthanasia. The entire time the rottie had undergone the prodding and evaluation, she’d needed to go to the bathroom. Not only was this poor dog not exercised properly before being pushed and pushed hard, her insides were about to explode with diarrhea. I saw that with my own two eyes.

What kind of a dog trainer doesn't let a dog have a chance to go outside and poop before enduring as grueling a test as the Sternberg assessment? What kinds of experts were these people anyway? We had spent good, hard-earned money to learn about dogs and what makes them aggressive. All I'd learned so far was how to kill 'em. If I had my doubts before, they were confirmed now after seeing this poor girl about to die. I am wrong about things from time to time, but I am willing to admit when I am wrong. I do have a pretty good gut feeling about dogs. The signals we learn from behaviorists and books are certainly worth noting. A dog will usually tell you what they are feeling if you're watching and listening. I have found, in my experience, that dogs are quite clear in their communication with us. My own errors took place when I was not focused and allowed my thinking to become clouded.

This dog was going to be killed because her signals were incorrectly read. Sue Sternberg is an ambitious and powerful person. Even CCACC used her methods. Trish King had assured Sternberg that the rottie would be put to sleep. Everyone was safe. How many other animals had been unfairly euthanized due to an improper assessment? How many other Sternberg seminar graduates were reading a dog improperly and influencing shelter temperament tests? I do not care to venture a guess. There is a huge misconception that euthanasia is the only solution for the overwhelming population of unwanted animals. This is tremendously wrong. All it takes is one person who is willing to look for a solution and I was about to go looking for that solution.

The CCACC attendees learned a great deal from the seminar that weekend. Two shepherd mixes from the adoptable side, Vinni and Topper, were put to sleep for food aggression by way of the plastic hand the following week. A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing.

From the chapter Buster and Sue - Pit Bull Nation by Cindy Marabito

SKYE's story - the dog used to kill thousands of other dogs

2026-02-15T08:27:00.000-08:00

First question....where is Skye? It's been 10 years since I wrote the emergency story about Skye and Milo, the two New York City shelter dogs entitiled "A final kiss goodbye before Skye is killed in New York City Skye will die in New York City."

Here is a reprint of my original story which was removed at the request of Rhonda Roland Shearer and Imedia Ethics - the Skye adopter whose efforts had me fired from Examiner.com. I had been writing articles in my column American Pit Bull Examiner for over 5 years which had resulted in countless thousands of dogs saved from death row shelters and other stressful and abuse situations.

Take a look at the article I wrote posted below and ask yourself, should I have been fired for quoting the dates written on all of the Facebook urgent pleas for Skye and Milo?

Skye and Milo article:

Skye and her brother Milo were together in their home since they were only 9 weeks old. Their lives were ripped apart when then owners left the brother and sister to die at the very high kill Manhattan, New York City shelter.

Skye kisses her brother goodbye from FB thread Julie Carner UPDATE: Skye is safe and has been rescued by Amsterdog Rescue. Brother Milo is still in jeopardy. Please save Milo. Skye used to lay at her owner's feet to get attention, but now she lays on a cold cement floor waiting to die along with thousands of other unwanted pets in New York City.

One volunteer wrote, "With the cutest little pink and tan nose on the planet, and wearing a gorgeously groomed caramel coat. She’s friendly, tail waggy and happy to be out for a walk, showing off her housetraining skills the moment we’re out the door." "Her leash manners are lovely, she lets me put a coat on her and after stopping to take some pictures we head into the backyard. Skye explored the pen, hopped up on the bench for some hugs and kisses, comes when I call her and checks out everything going on around her. Skye is a delight, easy to be with, friendly and gentle. A proven family dog."

Over 9,000 pets per day are being killed in our nation. New York City shelter system which has received millions from Maddie's Fund has been accused of falsifying their numbers while innocent pets like Skye are been murdered every day of the year, 365 days, and even on Christmas day.

"There is a group in NYC called the Mayor’s Alliance which was formed to pursue a grant to transform New York into a No Kill community. Despite their name they are not part of city government and have nothing to do with the Mayor. In 2005 they got that grant which continues today from an philanthropic organization called Maddie’s Fund, a foundation that provides grants to communities seeking to be No Kill. The original target to make New York City a No Kill community was 2008, that goal has since been extended to 2015."

A last minute effort has been launched to try and save Skye. Please share her Facebook page. Skye rated perfect scores on all behavior assessment. This is consdered walking on water at this substandard excuse for a 'shelter'....please don't let Skye die.

This article was based on tons of emergency posts about Skye and Milo, posts STILL currently running on Facebook. In fact, I was able to find 17 pages of this post which I've archived in a pdf file (see below.) Note: each of these and many other posts were made on the date the article was written - January 31, 2016.

NOTE: these original posts were posted on 1/31/2016 when the article based on the posts was written. After Amsterdog and Rhonda Roland Shearer of Imedia Ethics began their attack the caveat "safe 1/30/2016" was added. This is important because their data does not reflect their claims.

I wrote the article to bring attention to a wonderful story about a brother and sister dog which had landed in a very high kill shelter.

After being fired by the Examiner, Imedia Ethics which still has their 'lip smacking' article on their website rejoiced in the removal of the entire American Pit Bull Examiner articles which, again, have been responsible for saving huge numbers of dogs. The Imedia Ethics article is filled with untruths and misprints of my original work, literally changing the wording of my piece to fit their agenda.

Since the takedown what has happened?

Rhonda Roland Shearer, Imedia Ethics owner and Sky adopter called Reunion Rescue board members and offered false information in a threatening manner. To date, no photos or progress reports on the dog Skye. Where is she? Whatever happened to Skye?

Katie Kausch who was the original Imedia Ethics "reporter" falsified her credentials and tried to join Reunion Rescue's community group no longer employed by Imedia Ethics.

Amsterdog Rescue is still active in NYC even after posting untrue facts about Cindy Marabito and Reunion Rescue.

The hate groups who wrote lie-filled blogs to hurt pit bulls Craven Desires, Dogsbite.org and pit bull killer Merrit Clifton at Animals 24/7 are still going strong and recruiting other pit bull haters to join their effort to eradicate the breed. These groups tout the "work" of Imedia Ethics, Rhonda Shearer and Katie Kausch so our question is this. If you call yourself an animal advocate, how can you join forces with hate groups like the above mentioned? Is your own hate that great?

What about me? I still write books and blogs, save dogs and other animals with Reunion Rescue and Animals First Rescue. I always ask people what do you get when you cross an elephant and a pit bull....me. It's no accident I rescue pit bulls and I have an incredible and long memory.

Lastly, it's sad I cannot access the archive of American Pit Bull Examiner articles and share stories to help other dogs in need. The resources in these pieces are invaluable and would be able to help new rescue advocates in their fight to save dogs. Every penny ever earned from over five years of writing articles for American Pit Bull Examiner went toward saving dogs. Can any of these other entities who enjoyed the takedown of these efforts claim they have spent their salaries helping animals?

Reunion Rescue's 3-step reactive dog rehab

2025-07-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

Reunion Rescue has spent several decades saving dogs. Our work has led us up and down a rocky path, many times two forward and three back. But, we kept trying. A monumental breakthrough was in Raspberry's Story. Raspberry, as you will read in the blog, was a waggy-tail dog park dog being fostered by our tea guy at the old Steeping Room at the Domain. When he and his girlfriend had to leave town, Reunion stepped up to foster Raspberry. She immediately went into heat and was scheduled for a spay at Emancipet. They gave her a rabies shot and I picked up a dog who went from kissy face to going for the face in one afternoon.

This experience set off a year-long baptism of fire. I was in the process of writing Pit Bull Nation to which I credit sparing Raspberry's life. Previous to the book, I would have seriously considered putting her down. She was totally unadoptable. She went after everything that moved. I had to find out what had caused the drastic change in her behavior. We walked everywhere there weren't people or wildlife. Winter, summer, fall and spring.

Throughout this year I worked with an animal communicator and another person in the ac group who did emotion code work, something I'd never heard of. The AC person also practiced reiki on Raspberry. They worked on her for about 6 months, during which period, I found Doug the Dogwalker who'd helped a friend's dog. He really is a dog whisperer and agreed to assess Raspberry at his compound. On the way, I got a call from Linda the emotion code practitioner. She was very excited and had been talking with Jayne, the AC. They'd lit together on a product which treats rabies vaccinosis with zeolites. In Raspberry's case, the product we happened to have on hand was Waiora.

I turned the car around and headed back to my house to grab the Waiora. I dosed Raspberry and set back out for Doug's. By the time we arrived, Raspberry was a different dog. Jump to a Disney ending. Raspberry not only passed her assessment at Doug's with flying colors that day, but Doug ended up adopting her. She became head diva at the doggy day care which sometimes housed over 65 dogs!

So over the years, Reunion Rescue has encountered tons of reactive dogs. We get calls all the time to take someones' pet because they've "done everything" and "spent over $4000 on training." I'm scratching my head every time, because what kind of trainer hasn't figured out that they are dealing with a physical condition. Maybe sometime after they've collected $3k from the poor owner, they should re-evaluate.

I'm all for a great trainer and have endorsed several on Reunion Rescue's website. Sadly, I can count on one hand the trainers we trust our dogs to. We use Roman Gottfried who is a holistic dog trainer and can fix anything. The coolest thing about Roman's work is he endorses the same holistic support as Reunion Rescue...CBD oil, flower essences. He truly is a dog behavior scientist we and all our dogs trust.

So I've cooked up a 3-Step schedule to help anyone out there who is suffering reactive dog issues and would like to share it here:

3 Step Detox/reactive dog turnaround

1. We at Reunion Rescue believe most reactivity is caused by the harmful metals (mercury) injected by rabies vaccines. Lyssin/Thuja homeopathy dose to detox from vaccines - see Health Page reunionrescue.com how to dose homeopathy.
Daily dose zeolites to remove toxins metals from body from vaccines - every day from now on.

2. Raw diet..also Health page reunionrescue.com - start very easy with organic ground turkey mixed into regular food to transition
CBD Dog Health ..also Health Page reunionrescue.com - they will consult and assess the correct and perfect cbd fir your pet..this is the only CBD company Reunion Rescue endorses and uses.
Botonical Animal also on health pagereunionrescue.com..they also do consults and have kits and singular essences we have used with much success- Devil Be Gone etc.

3. Then after a good detox, a good trainer. We use Roman Gottfried Holistic dog trainer who is in line with using cbd/flower essences/diet etc. Roman is also on our Links and Training pages reunionrescue.com

Our site is filled with solutions. The main aim at Reunion Rescue is to lower the number of companion animals being turned into high kill shelters, so many due to the huge costs at vet clinics. We have discovered so many holistic solutions with diet and supplements you can order on Amazon for a micrometer of vet costs.

We are always here to help. It is Reunion's passion to keep these pets out of the shelters. No question is too small and if you're on Facebook, we have a page devoted to helping people: Home Remedies to Heal Animals where if you've got questions, we've got answers.

Please follow the blog and also please sign up for the Reunion Rescue newsletter.

Foster homes save lives

2025-04-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

What do these four dogs have in common? It's not necessarily their breed, but a big clock ticking over their heads. As most of you know, I've been pulling dogs from Bakersfield for many years and placing in Bay Area forever homes...and my home dash refuge, too.

Check out the dogs below and let doggirl@reunionrescue.com know if you can short term foster or know someone who can. We will fund their food, care, treats and toys until a more long term option can be found. These are great dogs and begging for a last chance.

Thank you so much!!

Here are just a few of the wonderful adoptable family pets at Bakersfield shelter:

Lone Star Pet Vet takes care of your pets in the home

2024-12-18T04:06:00.000-08:00

After years and years of terrible vet experiences, some detailed in my book Pit Bull Nation, Reunion Rescue has discovered a wonderful veterinarian, Dr. Kelly Breazeale who owns Lone Star Pet Vet.

Yesterday, Dr. Kelly and her partner and husband Jim came over and vaccinated, checked up and microchipped some of the dogs who'd been missed at the shelter. Here's the caveat. Most of your know about the abused dogs we help. Like LuLu, Mannie, Paolo and Cricket who came from a horrible Bakersfield cruelty case. And Wally who we think from his behavior was sexually abused repeatedly. In fact, all of our boys and girls here at Reunion are here because the needed a place to live their lives in safety where they know they'll never be hurt again.

I couldn't believe how gentle Jim and Dr. Kelly were with the animals. Like I said, I've had incompetent vets and doctors in my own life, so I know how it feels to have somebody poke on you and become irritated and short-tempered during an appointment. Dr. Breazeale is everything the opposite. Like have a good friendly neighbor you trust who just happens to have a veterinarian license. Can I say again how LONG I've waited to find a good vet I can trust these animals with?

Now, not to say there wasn't a little growling, but the one I was worried about the most, Mannie, went first. We muzzled everybody just to be on the safe side, but Mannie didn't growl once. She looked at me and I knew she was trying with all her heart to trust me. She was such a good girl. They all followed suit, LuLu, then Cricket and last from that bunch, Paolo.

What's great about Dr. Breazeale and Lone Star Pet Vet is they come to the privacy and comfort of your own home. Can I tell you what a huge relief it is to know these dogs who've never known kindness and safety can get their medical needs and care right here at Reunion Rescue from loving, gentle people who GET animals.

All of the dogs got to meet Dr. Breazeale and Jim, got their shots, exams and votes of good health with a minimum of annoyance. I'm sure they'd have preferred getting the ball tossed or a chew toy, but rest assured, everybody got lots of cookies and treats for being such good boys and girls. They all could probably stand to lose a couple of pounds, but I can't help but spoil them. My bad.

Side note...Dr. Breazeale and Jim have a cattle dog (like Cracker Jack) for all ya'll Cracker Jack fans.

Lone Star Pet Vet offers the following services:

Wellness Exams
Routine Preventative Care
Vaccinations
Minor Medical Care
Parasite Prevention
Microchipping
Pain Management
Routine Diagnostic Testing
Puppy and Kitten Care
End of Life Care
Prescription Medication

Thank you Dr. Breazeale and Jim for the fantastic visit and gentle, loving care for the Reunion Rescue dogs. We are your new biggest fans...see ya' next time!

Beginnings - the Bakersfield Four and Danny's video

2024-04-05T05:26:00.000-07:00

Danny Spanks made this video entailing the story of the Bakersfield Four and their amazing rescue...

All about Wally - bad start but winning finish

2024-02-14T04:38:00.000-08:00

Wally at the shelter - redlisted for behavior

Wally was pulled by Reunion Rescue back in September 2023. The shelter in Modesto had him red-listed as a pit bull soon to be exterminated due to fearful reaction. To their credit, a Stanislaus ACC employee brought Wally - he was known by another name in the shelter - into her office where he came alive and blossomed, so thankful for a little kindness and to be away from the noisiest clangiest part of the facility where animals were brought to their death nearly every hour.
I saw his TikTok created by a shelter volunteer with the story and couldn't get this little man out of my head. I knew he could flourish by using the Reunion Rescue resources we've trusted for years to save animals like Wally. First thing I did was contact Patti to get an animal communication reading. These conversations would go on over the next few months. Into the fray would pop other spirits from the afterworld who've helped Reunion pets over the years.
I had a big surprise this time. Various dogs would pop up from time to time. Pip from Bakersfield is a longtime guide who helps the new kid learn about Reunion and how they will be safe and never ever feel pain or cruelty again. Peanut from Alvin, Texas who'd wound up at the horror house Spindletop and ended up living his life with us until last year when he passed gently into the night from old age. But, the biggest surprise was Penny. Penny was my mother's dog who'd lived to be 23 years old. Even though he'd passed away

back in the 50's before I was born, the stories my mother would tell my sister and I about Penny were the bright spots in a dark dismal past. Penny told Patti that he'd been with me my whole life, watching over me. He told her about a tree I'd climb and sit after school, where he'd "be with me..." his words. These communications with Penny have opened up a whole new realm for me and I'm writing another book about Penny and all the rescues and animal communication that have saved me and a lot of animals. I have little Wally to thank for that.
So when Wally's time was up at the shelter, I was frantic. What could I do? There was no money in the Reunion bank account as usual. So like our Found a Pit Bull page suggests, I created a Gofundme and stayed up all night contacting anyone and everyone who'd ever donated to Reunion for the past two plus decades. That was a lot of bounced emails, but I was able to raise $775. With that amount, I was able to place a hold on Wally.
The volunteer who'd been so adamant about helping Wally had given me misinformation about how to collect the pledges. I'd been told the donations could not be accessed until a freedom photo of Wally in front of the Stanislaus shelter was taken and posted. I had nobody to pick Wally up and move him to the boarding facility, his only option. A last minute contact of that volunteer was good enough to retrieve Wally, but that's where the buck stopped. When I asked for a photo, no answer from the dude and a sound rebuff from the volunteer. When it came time to make good on the pledges, the volunteer only posted the Gofundme I'd set up rather than our Paypal, Venmo and website donation links as was the policy with all of the other rescue groups and last minute pulls from this shelter. What that translated to was Wally's funds only amounted to the $775 I'd collected on my own as the pledge donors saw the amount and figured that was plenty and their money was needed elsewhere for another dog in need.

Life is a carnival - only good things for Wally

What most people don't realize is upkeep for an animal is expensive. How costly you ask? The boarding and food was $850 a month. Wally was boarded for over four months along with pricey neutering.
And, he had no options. I finally in all that time had one longtime adopter willing to foster Wally. She had a pet rabbit and lived hours away from Modesto. We had to rabbit test Wally first. I posted on that same volunteer/pledge Facebook page and was shocked at the response. The same crowd who'd championed pulling Wally at the last minute were first to slam the request asking for someone who had a pet rabbit to agree to a very supervised intro with an experienced handler. Everybody seemed to have an opinion and none of them helpful. I was shocked to say the least.
My only option at this point was to transport Wally here to Texas. I'd just brought the Bakersfield 4 here and was over-full with pitties and dogs, not to mention cats and the birds. A full house but not in the poker hand sense. Like most things I do in rescue, it was a leap of faith. I'd deal with it when Wally got here.
The $500 transport put Wally at almost $5,000. Most people who don't get rescue would balk at this amount, but I knew I had to get Wally to me. I knew he needed me, but I had no idea just how much. The communications with Patti began to illuminate his awful past. Wally had a problem with men. First, the boarding facility owner, a guy, had to warm him up and that took some work. Then the transport driver, another guy, had some issues with Wally. When he got to us, he was not receptive to Scott, to say the least. It was growling, fear-based lunging and most of the reactive behavior seemed to be associated with his crate. I'd first had Wally in a plastic kennel, my crate of choice, but not being able to see everything around him seemed to activate his fearfulness. I changed him to a wire kennel and while not perfect, the adjustment seemed to improve matters somewhat. I addressed this with Patti and that was when I found out Wally had been horribly abused. When he got to the shelter, he weighed 33 pounds at a year and half. Someone, a man, had inflicted great cruelty upon Wally. I still don't know exactly what happened and really don't want to. Patti added, "and it was severe." That was enough. We did not want Wally to have to relive his past. It was time for him to have a new life and that's where me and Reunion went to work.

First, I was amazed when Scott pulled me aside and told me I could keep Wally here even though it put us way over the top

Scott refused to give up on Wally...check out the payoff!

with dogs. This when Wally was still barking, growling and reacting to Scott. This was big. I'd already begun the work to help him move past his trauma. Use of Animal Relief, the flower essences which help move past a horrible experience(s)

For any abandoned animal, whether feral or residing in a relief shelter

Any animal being adopted into a new home, or being given a new guardian or caretaker
For loss of the primary caretaker due to death, divorce or changes in the family system
During any time of significant travel or re-location to a new home or living space
For any animal with a prior history of physical abuse, torture or abandonment
For performance or work animals who are exploited, or valued only for monetary worth or reproduction value
During times of prolonged illness, or extensive surgery; can be used in tandem or alternation with Magenta Self-Healer
For any time of pronounced stress in the animal - such as the prolonged absence of the primary caretaker or environmental disruption due to any natural disaster. Can be used in alternation or in tandem with Post-Trauma Stabilizer

Emergency stock Australian Bush Flower Essence for medical help, this essence will provide comfort until treatment is available. Administer this remedy every hour or more frequently if necessary until the person feels better. It can also be used topically or mixed into a cream.

These items are listed on the Reunion Rescue Health Page published to help others - shelters, pet owners, fellow rescuers - or any animal lover who might be facing issues.
It wasn't overnight, but Wally began to show marked improvement. Another factor - also on the Health Page - is a great diet. The more raw meat that can be added to the diet, the better. There are some great dog trainers out there who refuse to train a dog not eating a raw diet. It's amazing what eating the food intended to maintain the body can do for the behavior, the peace of mind.
The icing on the cake was a big surprise. Wally was a ball dog and a half. He loves it. He's learned to fetch and retrieve from all the way up to the top deck down two flights of stairs to the backyard. Not since Peanut have I seen such a great ball dog. Wally could go for it all day. Since he was so proficient on the ball, I tried him on Frisbee and he took to it like a champ. By the first day he was jumping up into the air to catch it. Wally has the makings of a real Frisbee champ.
He is very treat oriented and wasn't too fond of raw chicken at first, but I began chopping up some raw thighs minus skin and bone and covered it in a gravy of high quality canned and some premium almost raw kibble. He snarfed it up. By the third or fourth try, he was eating bone and all like the other dogs. And you could see the marked improvement. I've fed enough abused dogs to notice the difference in a kibble-fed pet and a well-fed dog. The food choices are a solid element in our E.A.T.S. Empty All the Shelters program. If you want to help us launch this incredible plan, please subscribe to the Reunion Rescue newsletter.

Check out Wally first day with his Frisbee -

Teaching this old dog a new trick

2024-02-09T04:53:00.000-08:00

Good times at our neighborhood pet store. Tomlinson's Feed Lakeway always has something fun going on. They have been wholehearted Reunion Rescue supporters for years. We recently got a new pup Wally from Modesto, California.

You know Reunion and our sister rescue for non-pit bulls Animals First Rescue saves dogs from both California and Texas. Wally is an Animals First dog .. why? Because he is a lot of things, but pit bull ain't one of 'em. The shelter had labeled this narrow boy with skinny legs a 'pit bull' but to me, he looked more like a Lakeway deer yearling than a pit bull. I'm pretty good at breed detection and see Australian Kelpie with maybe a dash of Ibizan Hound and Jack Russell in there.

Whatever Wally is, he's got a lot of energy. With other dogs to keep exercised and maintained, I didn't have the time for a daily Lakeway nature hike in the greenbelt and two or three ball or Frisbee sessions. What to do?

Enter Denise and Brad at Tomlinson's. I thought I'd heard of everything, but Brad had a surprise for me and for Wally. He walked me over to the toy section and pulled out this big rubber looking blue cup thing called a Toppl by West Paw. Brad informed me to substitute Wally's dinner by freezing a portion in this funny looking toy. He told me - as advertised on the item - it took the place of an hour's romp in the park. I was up for anything and added it to my purchase.

Even though we feed raw, I loaded up on some kibble and canned to try out on the Toppl. It was Cricket's turn for a nature walk yesterday and I placed the toy in Wally's crate with a dog food mixture. He went to work on it immediately. Usually when another dog and I make our exit, it sets off Wally's barking, but this time, pure silence. He was intent on that toy. After loading Cricket, I went back into the house at the risk of setting him off. It was still quiet and when we returned, the whole house was calm.

It was close to feeding time, but Wally got an extra ball session as a reward. He has the makings of a real Frisbee champ and we're already practicing jump and catch. I really want to thank Brad and Denise at Tomlinson's Feed in Lakeway for teaching this old dog a new trick.

So for those of you not lucky enough to hava a Tomlinson's Feed in your radar - that delivers by the way - you can order the Toppl from West Paw or Amazon. Luckily Reunion had some credits from our Amazon Wish List and I was able to get a couple back ups. Thank you Brad and Denise for keeping us on our toes!

A surprising resource for an old dog rescuer

2023-10-17T03:46:00.004-07:00

I recently attempted to apply for a Petfinder Foundation grant to repair our sadly dilapidated dog play yard. Reunion Rescue fits the requirements to a T.

"This grant program is part of our commitment to enhancing shelter dogs’ quality of life by allowing them to engage in natural social behaviors. Play Yard Renovation Grant are available to active Petfinder members that have completed a play-group training seminar. Grant funds must be used to construct or improve play yards to bring them into compliance with current safety recommendations."

One of the specifications was to complete two Maddie's University courses. The first course Canine Body Language in the Shelter focuses on understanding how dogs communicate what they are experiencing. The course includes a video followed by interactive materials to reinforce the learning. I immediately liked the instructor Sara L. Bennett, DVM. She was calm, spoke clearly and was very easy to listen to. Unlike many 'dog professionals' she didn't come off with a didactic 'leader of the pack' attitude. It was surprisingly refreshing and her approach compelled you to come to the class with a desire to learn what she had to impart.

Without giving away the whole class, she covered body language and signs of arousal. Despite all of the dog training classes I've attended and tons of speeches, many highlighted in my book Pit Bull Nation: Special Edition, I found Dr. Bennett's class to be informative and enlightening. I have used her teachings already in my dealings with the dogs here at Reunion Rescue refuge. It is fun to observe the dogs in your care and ask yourself what are they thinking? What does that wrinkle mean on the forehead? What does the growl mean? It's not always aggression. It gave me a deeper dive into the goings on with the dogs in my care. The class is designed toward shelters, but I feel any pet owner will benefit from this resource-packed session.

The classes offered at Maddie's University are free to the public.

When a rescue helps a rescue rescue a rescue

2023-09-17T06:00:00.007-07:00

Reunion Rescue/Animals First has been trying so hard to keep these two puppies together.

These two very bonded two puppies were found abandoned in Lodi and turned over to Reunion Rescue/Animals First Rescue by finder who feared that the landlord would discover them illegally housed in her apartment. Reunion Rescue had them vetted and immediately offered on our Petfinder/Adopt-a-Pet and website in hopes of finding a foster for both dogs. It was very important to Reunion to keep them together as they are extremely bonded. Being abandoned in a high crime area on the banks of the Lodi river, these two puppies - Jaco only five months old and little Coco just a year - only had each other in a terrifying environment. It's my belief that they survived the trauma because they had each other.

Coco was fostered under our foster-to-adopt program with the stipulation Jaco would be fostered with her until a perfect home could be found nearby where he could visit Coco. The foster immediately violated Reunion/Animals First protocol by attempting to adopt Jaco to people in Nevada. She was told Reunion Rescue never adopts out of state. Too many horror stories and we hear them all. We even suggested two very needy and adorable baby Chihuahuas on death row at Stanislaus Shelter in Modesto where we pull dogs, but they never answered our email.

The foster became irate and began demanding more vaccines for the two puppies when both had just recently been vaccinated. The vaccine certificates specifically state to not vaccinate for at least 3/4 weeks. When Reunion Rescue cited again the holistic protocol guidelines printed on our website - the same protocol the foster had agreed to initially or she would have never been allowed to foster for our organization.

The foster stated in text she no longer wanted the dogs in her home and we asked for a couple of days to arrange transport. Less than 48 hours, out great friend and longtime animal advocate saw our posting on Facebook and fell in love. He called and asked to adopt both dogs and keep them together forever. Thrilled, Reunion tried to text and call the foster who shot back she was keeping the dogs and "that would be her last communication."

Our representative attempted to visit and speak with her and the foster became highly agitated. The police were called as the dogs are now legally stolen. They under California law are legal property of Reunion Rescue.

She violated Reunion Rescue protocol and had both tiny dogs re-vaccinated less than two weeks since vaccines. The foster also told the police on record she'd had both the dogs microchipped again after they'd been microchipped by Reunion Rescue as legal Reunion Rescue dogs. All Reunion Rescue/Animals First Dogs are never adopted to the foster until the Reunion Rescue Adoption Contract is agreed to and signed by both the former foster and Reunion Rescue. No such contract exists between Reunion Rescue and this former foster. The foster only signed our foster application which has strict terms involving our holistic protocol and vet care, periodic wellness checks in the home and other strict guidelines listed in the signed agreement.

We have Jaco and Coco's best interest at heart and a great home for them to enjoy a wonderful long life together with our friend of well over two decades. We need funding to take this matter at once to the court system where a judge can look at our paperwork with Reunion Rescue listed as 'owner.'

I spent the week freaked out calling lawyers and got two great Oakland area lawyers who’re now on my speed dial to share with anyone else who need East Bay legal assistance. I have the names of three animal lawyers in the area to help other rescues who face these dire circumstances.

my beautiful friend Pali Boucher

Amazingly, the finder phoned me, frantic that the foster was threatening to bring the dogs back to her or leave them at some vet. When the finder asked her to relinquish to our good friend Pali Boucher, founder of Rocket Dog Rescue, she was turned down.

The finder was told the foster would only release our two dogs Coco and Jaco to her. She would bring them to Lodi Saturday 9/16 at 10 a.m. p.s.t. I didn’t sleep all night and waited for word. Nothing. Finally get a text from VCA Emergency Hospital in San Leandro from a woman who asked Reunion Rescue to send a rep to the hospital to pick up the dogs at 2 p.m.

I had a wedding to attend, good longtime friends and our landscape clients, but kept phone on silent to help officiate this exchange. Suzie E, a great friend and animal advocate repped Reunion as volunteer and retrieved the dogs. But, where to put them? They’d missed out on two arranged transports down to our good friend Bill where they have been adopted.

Here’s the magic part. Pali was in the midst of a lost puppy situation with all hands on deck tracking the missing dog. Even though she was completely wrapped up in her own rescue trauma, she without missing a breath told me to have Suzie bring the dogs to her. She would take care of them. And that she did. They are safe in the care of Pali who is truly the best animal rescue person I’ve ever met. She never stops and never says no. I will never forget this kindness. If more rescues like Pali and Rocket Dog behaved this way with each other, we truly could empty out all the shelters.

Jaco and Coco...safe!

Here's what you can do...share Pali's Rocket Dog Rescue with wonderful adoptable dogs:

Follow Rocket Dog on Facebook

Check out Rocket Dog website: Rocket Dog Rescue

and help by hitting the big orange DONATE button where you can help Rocket Dog Sanctuary save the lives life has thrown away.

Check out Pali's wonderful dogs for adoption AND foster homes..cuz you know what? Fostering saves lives!!

A little side story for all you believers...

the minute I got in the car to attend the wedding and still not in possession of the dogs..my rescue theme and in my book PIt Bull Nation - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Learning to Fly came on the radio immediately...when the wedding was over and we got in the car to go to the reception..it came on the radio again!!

These are the lyrics that keep me going in rescue from that song:

Well, some say life will beat you down

break your heart, steal your crown

so I've started out for God-knows-where

I guess I'll know when I get there

Last but certainly NOT LEAST: Sign up for the Reunion Rescue newsletter to help us empty all the shelters all the time. We can do this ya'll!

Hippo-pittie-mus time at the dog ranch

2023-07-30T02:22:00.001-07:00

How do you beat the heat? Well, the Bakersfield 4 have a solution. They love to run and play in the water and Angela keeps 'em happy. Yesterday, the family splashed and frolicked like the best of 'em and it must have been 105 in the shade. They didn't care. These dogs are so happy to be together and in a place where they can just be dogs for the first time in their lives. Thank you so much to the kind people who helped me save them and who keep donating so they can stay together in boarding.
Someday we'll all be together with them here at Reunion Rescue, but until there is room here, they're doing pretty good as you can see. We did a little bit of housekeeping with some poop scooping and sweeping. I got their beds rinsed off and some nail clipping and brushing. Then it was playtime. Check out these happy dogs!

Mud puppies

2023-07-08T14:35:00.007-07:00

Today was one of the awesomest days ever with the Bakersfield 4....Paolo, Lola Do, Danger Mouse and Chicken. Sure it was hot, but these puppies know how to keep cool. I got Paolo semi-brushed, about halfway. He is so busy with his job being big brother, he can't be bothered too much to get a spa treatment. He did let me clip one paw's nails. Chicken let me get almost all of her front paws clipped and the other two, Miss Lola and Danger Mouse were absolute perfect dolls and let me clip every single nail. They are so precious. I could tell they really enjoyed getting a little bit of girly girl mani-pedi.

We indulged in a ton of treats. Paolo took time off from his watch dog duties to enjoy some cookies and the three girls really snarfed 'em up. They've all put on a couple of pounds, but it's so nice to spoil them. If that means we are going to have some chunky monkeys, then let it happen. It's my job to spoil this family and I feel so gifted to be able to spend time with them. I can't wait till someday when we're all together 24/7.

Then it was swim time. Angela filled up their pool and in jumped Ms. Lola-cita! She loves herself some swim time. They all do. Little Danger Mouse especially likes a mud puddle as you can see from the photos. Thank you all who are following their exploits. I couldn't believe they allowed me to cut their nails! Until next week.

Feels like summer with the Bakersfield 4

2023-07-02T05:31:00.002-07:00

I got to visit with the Bakersfield 4 yesterday afternoon and got a big surprise. Paolo has discovered his great big blue Cooleroo in the shade. What I saw was a dog who had no idea what a bed even was last week. I kept leading him up to the bed and he would stand there like "what do you want me to do?" But, this Saturday was a whole 'nother deal. He has claimed the blue bed as his own and naps throughout the day on it in the shade of his little house porch.

I see footprints on the terra cotta beds for the girls, so I know they're using them. While I'm there with them, though, the three girls are excited and jumping around. Everybody gets treats and chews and lots of hugs and kisses. I mentioned last week how I'd given the three girls nicknames. Dolores a.k.a. Dodo for Dorothy in the purple collar. Danger Mouse for Indica in the blue collar with the bow. And Chicken for Chiquita who keeps removing her collar. Tomboy, anyone? She really really answers to Chicken. I think she digs her new name. It suits her. I think she picked it out and somehow telepathically sent the message to me. And I got it, loud and clear. All three answer to their new nicknames. New names, new little house, new beds, new big red umbrella and new lives. Lots and lots of love and kisses.

I'm trying to come up with ideas how to keep them together in boarding. Last month in June I did a Reunion Rescue dog walk challenge and raise $240 toward their monthly boarding. I need ideas. Anybody have a suggestion?

For now here are this week's photos of four happy dogs, happy at long last.

The Mary Jane Girls....in our house...

2023-06-25T16:30:00.005-07:00

Got the Bakersfield 4 new beds and a big red umbrella to go with their little house. Pink for the girls and blue for Paolo. They've all got new nicknames. Wanna know what? Ok. Their group nickname is The Mary Jane Girls like the Rick James artists. Dorothy with the chopped off tail is Dodo short for Dolores named after our good friend. Middle girl who used to be Indica is now Danger Mouse...why? Cuz she so shy and loves hiding up underneath the house. Little Bit who used to be Chiquita is Chicken. She is so sassy. Their official names are still Rza, Sza and Cardi respectively, but nicknames are so much fun. And they earned those. And then there's Paolo! Who you have to pronounce like House of Gucci Jared Leto. He is such a big movie star and truly enjoying his new role as protector and ambassador extraordinaire.

I love them all so much. Still can't bring them home with me until our numbers here lighten up. But, someday. I daydream of the day I can walk each one at the greenbelt trail. I know they will truly love it. They're all a little bit tomboy, those Mary Jane girls. It was kinda sad because they didn't know what to do with those Cooleroo beds. I had to show them how to get up on them. I don't think they've ever slept on a bed. Just like Paolo had to learn to chew up a dog cookie. He didn't know what to do with it. But, those sad days are behind us. From now on only good times.

Always late with your kisses...

2023-06-11T06:38:00.013-07:00

I love my weekly visits to hug and kiss on Paolo, Rza, Sza and Cardi. Each week they get more and more adorable and share a bigger place in my heart. They've inspired my new Reunion Rescue newsletter to try and help dogs like the Bakersfield 4. Their story is so important. See, rescues like Reunion Rescue should be helping dogs like these four who needed trauma rehab with good people and experts who know what they're doing like Angela and Ruben. There are so many dogs in shelters right now who are there for no reason other than their owners dumping them. Those are adoptable dogs who can go straight into someone's forever home. Lots and lots of information and resources on the Reunion Rescue website to help pet owners and even more on the new newsletter. These four dogs are responsible for this effort. They are truly an inspiration.

So, selfishly, I am anticipating the day when they will come to live with me and Scott here at Reunion Rescue. I daydream about walking them in the Greenbelt and showing them all the magic and wonders that make my world such a wonderful place. Like the two black-throated hummingbirds that were playing and flying above me the other day deep into the trail. Or the wild lantana that blooms in all the colors of the rainbow. There are spots that remind me of Golden Gate Park complete with the same smells. I can close my eyes and almost feel the ocean on my face, air conditioned by God like they say out there.

But until then, each week it gets better and better. I can tell they're as happy to see me as I am to see them. I get out the pick axe and go to work on the weeds. It's easy to work up a sweat while doing so. And then I whip out my fur-a-lator and go to work on Paolo. Take a look at him! What a beauty he is. I don't think anybody's every brushed his coat. And he is so pleased, he struts around and lets me photograph him like he's posing for the cover of Dog Magazine. He is truly a superstar.

The little girls are so full of kisses, it reminded me of the old Lefty Frizzell song, so I'm including the video at the end of this blog post sung by Dwight Yoakam..the Bakersfield sound of course. I love them so much and think of them all during the week until it's time for another visit, daydreaming of them while I'm hiking the trail.

Soundtrack Dwight Yoakam singing Always Late

Sunday funday with the Bakersfield 4

2023-06-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

Yesteday, our savior at the ranch had to make a Houston run and save a last minute girl named Daisy. She was at BARC high kill shelter and now safely at the ranch. So I postponed my weekly trip until today and boy, did we have a good time. I spent the first part doing a little housekeeping so our little girls and their brother Paolo have some clean digs to dig around in.
Then it was treat time. They really really like the rolled up rawhides. Today Mr. Paolo grabbed his and ran. It's so fun to watch a dog who's never had a toy or a treat revert back to puppyville and have such a good time. Then we had some treats. They're liking all kinds now. At first they'd only eat the teeny tiny Milk Bones that came out on Valentine's Day. But now, they've graduated to some high-tone rich people treats. We have been getting some really good donations from Tomlinson's and Healthy Pet and want to thank the good people for helping our dogs and the other dogs at the ranch. Who would ever have thought you'd have to train a dog to like the better quality treats? I sure didn't. This is a first for me, but an enjoyable one.
The best part of the day was a bonus donation from PetSmart. Everybody got a brand new collar! The girls were glowing and Prancing around like little princesses.

We are family - get up everybody and sing

2023-05-27T16:26:00.004-07:00

Today was one of those best days of my whole life. I went out to the ranch prepared to give the B-4's yard a good cleaning and dig up some more of the submerged blankets. I think I got all of them but one that's lodged under the fence. Next week I'm bringing my knife to cut out the part I dug up.

I got Paolo really good and brushed with a lot of his clumpy matts removed. I do not believe he's ever been brushed in all his seven years of life. I must have brushed out a garbage bag full of old dirty clumps. He was so gentle and pleased to have the attention. He just sat and let me comb him for a good 45 minutes. I've still got a ways to go, but plan on making a weekly habit of this. He still doesn't have the treat thing down, but dang, we've got our whole lives to learn, right?

The girls were all over me. Getting their rawhide twirls and some cookies. They got new balls and a rope toy. It was a hit with Paolo which was a big surprise. But, the biggest breakthrough for me was Rza who used to be Dorothy. She and I had a special moment at the end of my visit. She came and sat on my lap and let me hug and kiss on her. This little girl is so loving. She really trusts me and was the last to come around. Oh, but worth the wait. I really love these dogs. They are so very special. Each and every one of them. All four. A family unit.

Don't mess with Texas!

Girls day

2023-05-20T15:49:00.005-07:00

The three Bakersfield girls and Paolo Paolo Paolo had a big surprise today. They got to meet Kim, my good friend and longtime Reunion board member and supporter. She is one of the best people I've ever known. She and her husband Brent are pittie and other dog and cat advocates with a houseful of their own over the years. We've been planning a trip out to see the Bakersfield 4 for a few weeks now, but the weather just wouldn't let up.
Today was perfect. Sunny and springy at about 79 degrees. A great day to hug on some pocket pitties and their big brother Paolo Paolo Paolo! We weren't there for just fun and games, though. I brought my pick axe with me to get after some old dug in blankets who'd seen some bad weather themselves. I'd tried to dig 'em out before with my pooper scooper, but they just weren't having it. So I let them see the business end of the pick axe. Don't mess with Texas, right?
The amazing thing about the day was the dogs. They never ever cease to amaze me. These dogs were beaten with a baseball bat who knows how many times before the good-hearted neighbor got out her phone and recorded the abuse. So, I've been holding off a little bit as I didn't want to frighten them. These dogs are smart. And intuitive. They know me by now and know that I love them and would never ever hurt them. They could've cared less about the pick axe.
Besides Kim, I brought along some rawhide twirls that were a huge huge hit. Even Paolo got in on the act. He is a dog at 7 years who'd never had a dog treat before and had to be taught how to take a treat and shown how to chew it up. Out of all of this cruelty story, that is the thing that got me the most. The idea that a dog had never had a treat. Mindblowing.
I got a little bit jealous of Kim. Rza who used to be Dorothy immediately went to her and started jumping up and wanting to be friends. She picked Kim out immediately as her new BFF. It's taken me two months to get her to let me pet her and give her a cookie. But, I don't really care. Kim like I said is an amazing person and Rza picked up on that right off.
Here's a photo to start off the slideshow of Angela and Kim, two big-hearted animal lovers who have made these dogs' and many others' lives something to talk about. Thank you, girls.

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Kim and Rza - instant friends

Like I said, don't mess with Texas!

The babes

Willie, pitties, cookies and a house party

2023-04-29T15:00:00.008-07:00

Rza, Sza, Cardi B and Paolo moved into their own cabin last week and are just lovin' it. They've got their own little house and a yard, almost like a real home. Everybody's doing good past their spay/neuter surgeries. I was worried about the girls, but they're tuff. It was Paolo who threw us for a scare. His incision came loose and had to be re-stitched. What he needed was a little Neosporin, Colloidal Silver and a few doses of Hypericum homeopathy.
I spent the whole day driving there listening to Willie Nelson..it's his 90th birthday and the station we listen to at Reunion Rescue 24/7 for the pit bulls is KUTX. Each year they play all Willie on the weekend to celebrate his birthday. So it was real extra special this year. What other artist does country, folk, rock 'n roll, gospel, soul, rhythm and blues and reggae...and all pretty dang good. So it was real spiritual driving to spend my regular Saturday with the Bakersfield 4. Willie really put me in the mood. I have a lot to be thankful for and plan on following Mr. Nelson right on up to nonagenarian country. I'm about to cross on over to septuagenarian-ville next year, so all's good.
I have two more chapters and the introduction to record for the Pit Bull Nation audiobook and it's pretty good if I say so myself. I wrote an afterward for this new special edition on sale tomorrow April 30. It features the Bakersfield 4 and how I have come to know them. The audiobook will follow soon, but has to go through the screening process first. Please stay tuned because I'm going to sell these books to pay for the Bakersfield 4 boarding. Feel free to share with a friend. This book has so much good information valuable dog stuff, from training to holistic health, how to feed raw and never go to the vet. Also how to get those dogs out of high kill shelters. It's a great book for not only pet owners but also new adopters, for shelters, for rescuers both old and new.
So here's to on the road again with Willie and blue skies...and listening to what the blues are saying..only my blues are pocket pittes and they are always, always on my mind. Enjoy the photos of their new house.

And please sign up for the new Reunion Rescue newsletter - organizing to #savelives just like the Bakersfield 4.

All fixed up..the Bakersfield 4

2023-04-23T14:19:00.008-07:00

It was a fun day yesterday. One of those rare beautiful spring days tipping out at 70 degrees, sunshine everywhere and some happy faces. Saturday is my day with the Bakersfield 4. The three girls Rza, Sza and Cardi B got fixed Wednesday - thank you and a big huge shout out to Pit Bull Rescue Central - and are recuperating just fine. I think they know nobody is going to try and breed them ever again! That's got to feel good. Apollo a.k.a. Paolo got done the week before and he's definitely got a spring in his step. Here are some of the photos I took. It feels so good to see them happy and feeling good. Happy dogs. It makes me happy to see a happy dog .. or four!! Please help keep the Bakersfield 4 in boarding by making a small donation on the Reunion Rescue website...read all the stories and also check out the resources for raising a healthy holistic pet on our sit.

And please sign up for the new Reunion Rescue newsletter - organizing to #savelives just like the Bakersfield 4.

Little dogs big save in Texas

2023-04-23T08:14:00.005-07:00

It took two big-hearted rescues working together in Austin, Texas area to save 10 chihuahuas in dire need the other day. SAFE Refuge of Central Texas and The Dogslanding House rescue organizations did the impossible and combined their efforts to save 10 dogs. In a world full of overfilled shelters killing dogs for space every day to the tune of 9000 companion pets a day, these two wonderful groups made sure these dogs would never see the inside of a kill shelter.

An anonymous call came in regarding the dogs. A concerned neighbor was worried for their welfare and in fear for the dogs' lives. Starvation was a huge factor. To the rescue were the directors of SAFE Refuge and The Dogslanding House to get these little ones to safekeeping.

What a little care and loving can do...just see for yourself.

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BEFORE:

The dogs are all getting new names, medical care. Good food, baths...and lots and lots of loving care for the first time in their little lives.

AFTER:

Both these groups The Dogslanding House and SAFE Refuge of Central Texas need your help. You can donate, volunteer, foster and adopt....please visit them on their webistes - Facebook pages - Instagram and share share share...

SAFE Refuge Facebook

SAFE Refuge Instagram

Dogslanding House Rescue Facebook

Dogslanding House Rescue Instagram

Please adopt and don't shop. Thanks to all the backyard breeders, thousands like these little ones don't have the luxury of being saved by a great rescue group. There just aren't enough rescues to meet the demands of over-breeding companion pets.

What a glorious girly day with the Bakersfield 4

2023-04-15T14:59:00.012-07:00

We had such a good time today. It was hot and sunny and lots of breakthroughs. Apollo who I'm calling Paolo with a huge bad Italian accent just got neutered Wednesday so he's still getting his sea legs back. Ruben was in Hesperia on a dog run and so it was Angela and me and Rza, Sza and Cardi B. Up until today, Rza who used to be Dorothy just stood looking at me and barking nonstop. I get it. She, like the others, has been hurt and abused very badly. I just tell her, it's okay. I know it's going to take a while. Just for her to take her time and we'll get to be friends sooner or later. Well today was a a very special day. Today she let me hug her and took treats from me. A big big moment for me.

Also another thing happened...Apollo née Paolo learned to eat a cookie. That might not sound like big deal, but for me and Apollo dash Paolo..Paolo..it was huge. I had to gently hold him under the chin while he chewed and looked into my eyes. A very special time today. Each day they get more and more relaxed. Caty at the shelter had to take Rza and Sza out together as they were so bonded. Now that they're feeling secure in their new world, Rza is able to roam the yard like a little office manager, making sure everything's under control while Sza hangs out with sometimes Apollo and sometimes Cardi and sometimes wandering over to see what kinda cookies there are. She's a real cookie hound. Her thing is to take the cookie, eat it and the minute she's through, start barking at you.

And please sign up for the new Reunion Rescue newsletter - organizing to #savelives just like the Bakersfield 4.

If you just believe...the Bakersfield 4

2023-04-08T16:34:00.007-07:00

I want to say the Bakersfield bunch was waiting for me today. Maybe it's my wishful thinking or maybe it's for real. I got to Angela and Ruben's with some delicious food donations from Tomlinson's thank you so much! I brought along a box of the tiny Milk Bones, 'cause that's what the girls like. Most especially Cardi B and Sza. Jury's still out with Rza who pretty much sat in her hole and eyeballed me the whole time. She didn't bark as much as usual, though. Poor Apollo tha' Dog! doesn't get the treat thing. I'm never gonna give up though. This is a dog who's never been treated like a dog.

Funny stuff. Cardi B found a black shiny ball in the swimming pool so I threw it just to see what they'd do. All three girls took off after it and when they got there, just stood and stared at the thing. They'll get it. I sense some ball and some frisbee in these girls' future.

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They are all so adorable and so precious. I am in love with each one and looking forward to spending my life with them. It will all come together. One step at a time. I'm even giving them nicknames and they haven't even gotten used to their new freedom names yet. I keep calling Apollo tha' Dog Paolo...like in the movie House of Gucci. My favorite favorite character Jared Leto Paolo Paolo Paolo..that accent. We had a good time today and I know Apollo tha' Paolo Dog! thinks I'm crazy. Well..you don't have to be crazy to work here, but.....

And Scott who hasn't even met them yet has given little Cardi B her first nickname...Chaka Kahn Chaka Kahn...yeah, I can see them here in their future. And they will totally consume Scott. He won't know what hit him. These are some adorable dogs. And they are getting more relaxed and learning how good life can be. If you just believe.

A lovely day....and the Bakersfield 4

2023-04-01T16:24:00.009-07:00

It was a Bill Withers Lovely Day today. I got the pleasure of driving out to spend the day with the Bakersfield kids, Cardi B, Rza and Sza and brother, Apollo tha' Dog! What a gift and how lucky I am they came into my life. These four little broken souls are putting that awful past behind them and learning to be dogs, to smell the green grass and feel the warm sunshine on their coats. Everywhere is blue blue sky and it's so healing. They are in a wonderful place. A place where only love is allowed and real good food thanks to Healthy Pet Tomlinson's and Pet Wants. I wonder if the people at these awesome pet stores know the joy and good healing they are giving these dogs. Thank you so much.

After I got the food unloaded, I got to sit for a moment and catch up with my good friend Angela. She is the proprietor of the rescue where they're boarded. Angela has dedicated her life to saving dogs nobody else would give a chance to. There are so many animals who have great lives today thanks to her. She doesn't have 'angel' in her name by accident. And Ruben. These four adore him. He was busy doing electrical and plumbing work around the sanctuary today and every time he walked by, they dropped what they were doing to say 'hey!' Dogs have a long memory and Ruben is their soulmate for life.

I sat quietly with them. They're still not quite used to me, so being still and quiet and letting them get to know me is my job. We have all the time in the world. I brought some really really good expensive peanut butter treats and also some Valentine tiny Milk Bones that were the bomb. The girl's really chomped on those and then they were like, 'ok, we'll give those ritzy peanut butter ones a try.' For the life of me, I couldn't get Apollo to take a treat. You know how dogs take something you offer them and don't really want it? He would take one in his mouth to be polite. I could tell. And he'd keep dropping it in the dirt. Finally, the peanut butter ones were soft, so I squished one in my palm and offered it to him. He began to lick it and I could tell he really liked it. When it was gone, I squished another one and he went to licking that one, too until it was gone. And again. Then it hit me. And I was sad. Apollo had never been offered a treat in his life. He didn't know what they even were. All he'd knows was meanness and beatings. I gave him a big hug and told him he could have all the cookies he wanted. All of them could. Just hold off a little until spay and neuter, so the price won't go up for the extra pounds. To help them with moving past their trauma and the torture they endured, my order from Robert McDowell arrived just in time. Two bottles of Animal Botanical arrived just in time for me to bring with me. There's enough for them to each get one dropperful into their food at night. The stuff is amazing and I get it for every incoming dog with issues to overcome.

Here are the photos from the most glorious day. I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Or better company. Again, I am super blessed.

And please sign up for the new Reunion Rescue newsletter - organizing to #savelives just like the Bakersfield 4.

Then I look at youAnd the world's alright with meJust one look at youAnd I know it's gonna beA lovely day