Make it your mission to be a Responsi-Bull pit bull owner

Tacoma – Sept. 21, 2010 – Due to the incredible success of the previous offerings of The Responsi-Bull Project, four animal welfare organizations have partnered again to sponsor the program in October to encourage responsible pit bull ownership, and ultimately lower the euthanasia rates of this breed currently facing an epidemic of homeless. A three part program, The Responsi-Bull Project includes free spay and neuter, a free responsible pit bull ownership workshop, and free obedience classes for pit bulls and their owners.
In addition, the Responsi-Bull Project has expanded and is now being offered in both Pierce and Kitsap Counties.
In the early 1900s, the American Pit Bull Terrier was so respected for its loyalty, intelligence and determination that the U.S. military chose an image of this iconic breed to represent our country on war posters. Today, due to irresponsible owners exploiting the very characteristics that once made pit bulls an All-American breed, they have become the most abused and misunderstood dog breed in history.
Despite their top-rated temperaments or their once respected status, pit bulls have become the breed of choice for many irresponsible people, and consequently are flooding animal shelters. An estimated 1/3 of dogs entering our shelters are pit bulls or pit bull mixes, and 90 percent of those dogs will not find a home.
Please see details below for how to sign up.

Part I: Pit-Fix

Beginning October 1st, for a limited time, owners of pit bulls can have their dogs spayed or neutered free of charge at the Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter Clinic in Tacoma. To schedule an appointment email chappts@yahoo.com or call (253) 627-SPAY. Email preferred. A picture of your dog must be emailed to chappts@yahoo.com or mailed to the clinic to schedule an appointment – Space is limited. The clinic is located at 2106 Tacoma Avenue S., Tacoma, WA 98402.
Residents of Kitsap County should contact the Kitsap Humane Society at http://www.kitsap-humane.org/ or 360-692-6977 for information on how to get their pit bull fixed at no cost.

Part II: Pit-Ed

Do you want to combat the misconceptions about the pit bull breed? Worried about the Breed-Specific Legislation changes proposed in the Puget Sound? Tired of seeing people shy away from your beloved pit bull? Learn the “do’s and don’ts” of owning this amazing breed and help restore its family dog image. Attend a free Responsible Pit Bull Ownership Workshop hosted by BullsEye Dog Rescue on Sunday, Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., held at Play Bow Dog Training located at 2108 Tacoma Ave S., Tacoma, WA 98402. Space is limited, so register now by visiting our online registration form at http://www.bullseyerescue.org/responsibullsignup.htm.
Residents of Kitsap County should contact Stacey at smoody@kitsap-humane.org for more information on the workshop and training offerings.

Part III: Train-A-Pit

Play Bow Dog Training and BullsEye Dog Rescue have teamed up to offer a four week basic obedience class for pit bulls that is free to those who complete the class. You will be asked to pay a $40 registration fee and every week you attend you will receive $10 back. Attend all 4 classes and the class is free (normally a $150 value). Classes will be offered Saturday afternoons starting Oct. 16. Don’t miss this great opportunity to teach your dog new tricks. Contact Lorrie at lorrie@bullseyerescue.org to register. Space is limited, so register now by visiting our online registration form at http://www.bullseyerescue.org/responsibullsignup.htm.
To learn more about the program and its sponsors, BullsEye Dog Rescue Coalition, Humane Spay & Neuter, Pawsitive Alliance, the Humane Society for Tacoma/Pierce County and Play Bow Dog Training, please visit http://www.bullseyerescue.org/responsibull.htm.
Thank you to our generous grantmakers that make this program possible: Animal Farm Foundation and the Dugan Foundation.