Pit Bulls: Living Piece of American History
Sgt. Stubby- The first decorated canine war hero and the only dog to be promoted to sergeant 
was an American Pit Bull Terrier “Stubby”. Born in 1917,he wandered into a Connecticut National Guard encampment on the Yale University campus. He was a scrawny little pup of about four weeks old, found there by John Robert Conroy who smuggled his beloved companion aboard the troop ship, the SS Minnesota. Stubby learned to salute and his military career began. He served beside Conroy in the 102nd Infantry 26thYankee division, during WWI, in the trenches in France. There Stubby would seek out wounded soldiers, which were significantly less, because Stubby could hear the whine of incoming artillery shells before the humans, and became quite adept at letting his unit know when to duck for cover.
After being gassed, Stubby began warning his unit of poison gas attacks. There is no way to know how many American soldiers this Pit Bull saved but, the respect he was given by the U.S. after the war is a clear indicator of how valuable Stubby was to the men of his unit. During his Military career, Stubby aided in the capture of a German spy, was severely injured by shrapnel, sent to the Red Cross hospital for surgery, awarded the Purple Heart and sent back to his regimen. After the battle for the French village of Domremy, the grateful women of the township fashioned a hand sewn chamois coat, to display Stubby’s service chevrons, metals, pins and buttons, this became his recognized trademark, and is now on display at the Smithsonian Museum. 
In his lifetime Stubby was invited to the White house by three Presidents, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, and Calvin Coolidge. In 1921 John Conroy and Stubby headed to Georgetown to enroll in law school where Stubby became a practicing Hoya, he served several terms as mascot to the football team. Between halves, Stubby would nudge a football around the field with his nose, to the delight of the crowd. His performance is deemed the inspiration, that started elaborate half time shows, at football games across the country. Until his death, in John Conroy’s arms, of old age, April 4, 1926, Stubby was a “True” American Pit Bull Terrier.
“Sallie” a brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was regimental mascot for the 11th
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Sallie, came to 1st Lt. William R. Terry when she was but four weeks old. Always by the side of Lt. Terry, Sallie grew up among the men of the regiment. She followed them on marches and into battle. At the battle of Gettysburg, July 1st – July 3rd 1863, Sallie was separated from her unit. Unable to find her way, she returned to the Union battle line at Oak Ridge, where Sallie stood guard over the dead and wounded. Sallie continued her faithful service until February of 1865 when during the battle of Hatcher’s Run, Virginia, Sallie was struck in the head by a bullet and killed instantly. Sallie was buried on the battlefield while surrounded by enemy fire. In appreciation of her loyal devotion, a monument of Sallie now stands in Gettysburg, directly in front of the monument that commemorates the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry.
“Jack” 
The brown and white Bullie breed, who understood bugle calls, was the mascot for the 102ndPennsylvania Infantry. This fine soldier was a dependable member in his unit, His career spanned through nearly all the regiment’s battles in Virginia and Maryland. He was present at the Wilderness campaigns, Spotsylvania, and the siege of Petersburg. Jack’s duty, was to seek out the dead and wounded of his regiment once the gunfire silenced. He, himself was wounded severely at the battle of Malvern Hill. Although he was able to escape a capture by the confederate soldiers and survive the battle of Antietam in 1862, (in which 23,000 soldiers were killed or wounded,) Jack was however, captured twice and became the only dog to be traded as a prisoner of war, when during his second capture he was exchanged, according to war time protocol, for a Confederate soldier at Belle Isle. Jack disappeared shortly after being presented a silver collar purchased by his human comrades and was believed to be a victim of theft.
“Old Harvey” was the mascot for the 104thOhio Infantry. he was beloved for the companionship and humor he provided the troops. It is said, Harvey would show his great love for music by swaying from side to side while the soldiers sang campfire songs in the evening. He was wounded in two different battles but, survived each time. Harvey’s tag read “I am Lieutenant D.N. Stearns’ Dog. Who’s Dog Are You?”
The 104th had a portrait of Harvey commissioned so that he could still be part of their reunions after his death.
Today, Harvey is remembered by the Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland, where a portrait of the troop features a proud Harvey posing with his fellow soldiers.
“Jack Brutus” another fine soldier,(shown here in uniform) serving during the Spanish - American war became the official mascot for Company K, First Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. “Old Jack” as he was known, and his unit, spent most of the war encamped at various places here in the states providing coastal defense from Maine to Virginia. Old Jack died of spinal troubles in 1898.
The Pit Bull’s steady temperament, extreme level of intelligence, acceptance of training and steadfast sense of loyalty made them the perfect military mascot.
The dog everyone loved, possibly our most famous, American Pit Bull Terrier,“Petey” made his television debut in 1922 along side a group of adorable children-The Little Rascals “Our Gang.”
Pit Bulls have fulfilled many important roles in our society.
In 1903 Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson hit the road with co-driver Sewall K Crocker and a Pit Bull named“Bud,” who wore goggles, just like his master, to keep the dust from his eyes. Together, the three made the very first road trip across the United States. Bud drew almost as much attention, if not more than his fellow travelers. Horatio was quoted as saying “Bud was the one member of our trio who used no profanity the whole trip” Later Horatio donated his car and Bud’s goggles to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. Bud continued to live with the Jackson family until his death of old age.
Many highly respected historical figures have shared their lives with Pit Bulls: Helen Keller owned an American Pit Bull Terrier named “Sir Thomas.”
President Theodore Roosevelt owned a Pit Bull named “Pete” who nearly caused an international scandal when he pulled off the pants of the French ambassador during a White House function.
(Pit Bulls! Always good for a laugh.)
Since coming to America, nearly 200 years ago Pit Bull dogs have been valued in film, advertising and as beloved family members. They are the only breed of dog to have graced the cover of Life Magazine three times.
In 1902 a comic strip was created featuring Buster Brown, his sister Mary Jane and their American Pit Bull Terrier, “Tige”(thought to be the 1st talking pet in American comics.) The cartoonist Richard Felton Outcault joined with the Brown Shoe Company to advertise a new line of children’s shoes in 1904. Buster Brown Shoes are still around today.
Let us not forget “Nipper”the American Pit Bull Terrier that served as the RCA trademark dog.
Source: Whatapittie.org
Pit Bulls: The Modern Heroes
Pit Bull Stays by owner in firey crashRead Article
Pepper
Saves family from FireRead Article
Boone
Saves Family from FireRead Article
Mimi
Saves family from fireRead Article
Destiny
Saves her 9 yr old owner from predatorRead Article
Benny
Benny the pit bull dies a hero
Family Pit bulls
Three Family pit bulls save family from house fire.Article removed because Denver News sent an email to take it down.
Stormy
Alerts family to house fireRead Article
Coco
Saves 10 yr old from intruder!Read Article
Foxy
Saves her 82 yr old owner from Freezing and barks until help arrivesRead Article
Jesse
Saves owner who was bleeding from a nicked artery.Read Article
Rock
Killed while saving his family from intruders.Read Article
Cloe
Aided a woman who had fallen outside and was unable to move.Read Article
Chevy
A Toronto Pit Bull saved mom who had fallen and smashed her head.Read Article
Missy
Saved young boy from 2 dogs mauling him.Read Article
Autum
Alerted mom that house was on fireRead Article
Popsicle
The Number 1 United States Customs Dog is an American Pit Bull Terrier named Popsicle. How did he get that name? He was found during a drug bust in a freezer where he had been left to die after being used as a bait dog for dog fighters.
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
Dakota
One of the top rated Search and Rescue dogs is Dakota, an American Pit Bull Terrier. Dakota is owned by Kris Crawford, who has 2 other pit bulls that are certified SAR dogs! Dakota is so good at what she does, NASA hand picked Kris and Dakota to assist in the recovery of the Astronauts after last winters tragic crash. They are also certified Hospital Therapy dogs. These dogs bring happy reunions and sometimes closure to many families. If you were to tell these families how evil and bad these dogs are I’m sure they would look at you like you were crazy! (Animal Planet recently aired a “Pet Story” edition on Kris Crawford).
Visit Kris and Dakota’s Website for more great information
Weela
One day while outside watching one of the kids in her family, suddenly body slammed 11 yr old Gary that sent him flying. Lori (mom) saw the whole thing and was surprised since Weela had always played so well with the kids. Surprised , that was until she saw the big rattle snake sink it’s fangs into Weela’s face! Then she understood Weela had been saving Gary’s life!
A few years later, Weela saved the lives of 30 people, 29 Dogs, 13 horses and 1 cat. Heavy rains caused a damn to break on the Tijuana River. Weela would pull 30 to 50lbs of food across the river to feed stranded animals when it was needed during their month of being stranded on the island.
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
Panda
A stray pit bull Pat found wandering the streets, is not only her best friend but also her service dog. Pat was put in a wheelchair by a horseback riding accident and without Panda’s help would have difficulty getting around.
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
Dixie
A 50 pound APBT who never hesitated in the face of danger. She protected her family’s children by pushing them out of the way and putting herself between them and a deadly Cottonmouth about to strike and took 2 bites to the face. Those bites would have killed the kids.
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
RCA
RCA, a white APBT certified as a hearing dog in Alaska
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
Private First Class Duke
A United States Marine stationed in Japan
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
Buddy
An American Pit Bull Terrier (referred to by owners as their 56lb Chihuahua) who saved 2 retired sisters from a house fire.
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
Norton
Saved his human moms life after, she had gone into anaphylactic shock from a spider bite. Norton who they rescued from a fight ring, went to the master bedroom and kept pushing her husband until he awoke and followed Norton to his wife
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
Petunia
A Pit Bull who visits schools and assists in teaching kids about Responsible pet ownership.
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
Gabby
Brought much needed help to a neighbor who had fallen off a 12 ft. ladder. Once she was able to wake him up by licking his face and barking, she went for help.
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
Bella
Gave her life to save her owner from a car jacking. 4 hijackers blocked the young women in her driveway and rushed towards her demanding the keys to her car. After telling them to take everything, they began to drag her to their car, she started screaming. That’s when Bella attacked the first of 4 of the hijackers who shot her in the head, she continued to attack the team of 4 until the fled the scene leaving the injured Bella and her owner. Bella died from her injuries shortly after the attack. On Saturday, 8 November 1997, Bella was awarded posthumously a seven ring rosette, a trophy
Mikey
The Amstaff Ambassador, Educator and Therapy Dog
KoKo
Then a 7 month old puppy, woke her 9 year old human sister up at 5am in an effort to get help for the girls 2 baby hamsters who were trapped in the closet..
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
Spike
A service dog, for a quadriplegic who couldn’t function without Spikes help!
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
Taylor
A 4yr old APBT and San Diego Narcotics Officer. He is also a rescued pit bull!
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
Pitcasso
A professional artist! One of Pitcasso’s paintings recently sold for $550.00!
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
Sunni
A brave pit bull who donates blood to save other dogs
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
Blueberry
Blu A young APBT who saved her owners life by pouncing on 2 armed attackers as they were shooting.
Read more, courtesy of Positive Pit Bull Press
Weezie
One night, 2 armed men broke into Melissa Willis’s home. They pointed a gun at her, while her son stood behind her. Weezie there male pit bull came to the rescue! Weezie, placed himself between his family and danger, and every advance by the men, he pushed his family backwards until they were to the exit. He kept the armed robbers focused on him, so his family would be safe.
Read the complete Story
TJ
TJ the currently available Rescuepup, saves his foster dad’s life!! TJ alerted foster dad AJ Morgan to a 4ft Diamondback Rattlesnake curled up in the driveway.
Rover McGuinness
Jon found Rover abused and abandoned in a Dunkin Dounuts parking lot two years ago and became best friends. Who knew Jon’s act of kindness would come back to him so quickly. There was a fire in Jon’s home had it not been for Rover barking to wake Jon, he would have lost his life. Sadly, that was Rovers last act of bravery. Rover McGuinness passed away in the fire and will forever be a hero.
Read Rover’s Story
Source: Understand-a-Bull
Pit Bulls: Triumph Over Tragedy
Source: BadRap
Nemo came to us as a badly paralyzed victim of cruelty in 2004. With stubborn infections and a crushing spine injury, veterinarians gave the young adult just a few weeks or months to live - but Nemo had other plans. Suited to a doggy wheelchair, he showed everyone that disabilities are just a state of mind. His adopters, Don and Chris Chapo, were devoted to his special medical needs, but never treated him any differently than their other dogs. He was a dog who loved to run, and so he ran. Flying by at the speed of light, Nemo turned heads wherever he went. He finally passed on in the summer of 2011, but he made an indelible impression on everyone he met during his many years of defying the odds and breaking all the rules about what’s possible.
Star (the red dog in the photo) is a trail blazer of the best kind. She survived a dog fighting operation in the Los Angeles area and was the first adult dog that L.A. County Animal Services has ever released to rescue from that environment. She doesn’t care too much about her past, though. Once she moved into our Rescue Barn, she got busy learning how to be a real dog. That included the happiest fun of all: The joy of having human leaders who care very much about her happiness and the friendships of the other on-site dogs. To say that this girl’s life did a 180 is an understatement.
Star’s life got even better when she went home to her new family. She now lives with two cats, enjoys regular meet-ups with her dog friends and is the apple of her people’s eye.
Here’s some background on the case, from the angels of Found Animals Foundation who first got the ball rolling on Star’s rescue. And the blog that charted her recovery. With luck, Star’s stunning example will allow other dogs from similar situations in Los Angeles County to have a chance at life, too. Thank you Star.
Sophie had no reason to smile when we first met her at Oakland Animal Services in 2007. At 11 years old, she’d been living a very hard life on a chain and is still one of the most neglected dogs we’ve ever seen in our work. She was badly disfigured and blinded from a lifetime of being overbred, fought, starved and denied vet care. But despite her abuse, she is a committed optimist. She wags and smiles constantly at everyone, especially her adopters, Teresa and Ted Ramey.
We met this girl just as the Vick dogs were getting ready to come to CA. At a time when so many were telling us that fight bust dogs were beyond help, Sophie showed up to remind us all through her warm example that saving them was not only the right thing to do, it was the only thing to do. Thank you Sophie. Her first video.
“Martin is a CGC star and competes in both Rally and Obedience. His full name right now is actually ‘NOLA’s Rider of the Storm CGC, RN, BN.’ Quite a mouthful for a little scaredy dog. The RN signifies that he has earned his title in Rally Novice and the BN signifies that he has earned his Beginner Novice Title. He has two legs toward his RA (Rally Advanced) Title and one leg toward his CD (Companion Dog) Title. The very best compliment I get (besides how stinking cute he is, lol) is what a fine working dog he is … What a far cry from when we first started training and he would spend most of class in his crate, worried. High praise when it comes from the Border Collie and Aussie people and a testament to how resilient these dogs are and how much they want to do what is asked of them. I am so proud of him. Trialing is difficult for a noise sensitive, super handler soft dog. If I am too nervous, he gets worried. But he has not only sucked it up, but excelled and enjoyed it. He LOVES to be right and I love to see those little white feet flashing in my peripheral vision as he Heels in his little happy prance.” - Tina Vickrey
Callie was a shy lass when she was pulled from a local shelter. She moved through our Pit Bull Hall program and was adopted to Roxanne Alden, a committed educator in the north bay. One of Callie’s favorite jobs is to help kids learn about pit bulls during humane education summer camps at Pets Lifeline. We understand she’s very good at what she does!
Stella came home with us after an animal welfare conference in Michigan. She was confiscated during a big dramatic drug bust by the Michigan Humane Society and had some stories to tell! Her body was worn out from too many litters and a very rough life, but foster care suited her fine and she cleaned up into a lovely lass. Just as her adopter was helping her earn her Canine Good Citizen certification, the shelter that once housed her started adopting out pit bulls for the very first time. We love knowing that Stella was there for the start of this important shift for MHS.
Her star power continues - Stella recently showed up with her very own page in Bark Magazine, smiling big and bold for all to see! She seems to be extra happy now that she has a growing family with a new (human) baby to help care for. Life is GOOD. We love ya, Stella!
Hector survived the Bad Newz Kennels with an amazingly optimistic attitude. Covered in deep and damaging fight scars, he’s been one of the most celebrated examples of a dog who left his painful past behind him. Shown here in his new home, Hector has been friendly with dogs since we first met him during evaluations in Viriginia, throughout his fostercare in CA and on into his adoptive home in MN with Clara and Roo Yori.
Hector’s resume is long and impressive (Canine Good Citizen, Certified Therapy Dog, ATTS star), but his biggest claim to fame is probably his ability to charm fans with his famous Hector flop. Boasting dozens of media appearances since his rescue, Hector’s adopters are committed to educating people everywhere through his example. This boy has certainly transformed from victim of cruelty to media darling. Visit this webpagefor just some of headlines that brought Hector and his yardmates to America’s living rooms.
Sal showed up as a limping, street weary stray in Oakland, and found a quick spot in our Ambassadog Program. As luck would have it, he appeared just as Jackie was starting her search for a four legged partner for therapy work. Kismet! He’s a special guy and his adopter is one special lady. She’s devoted herself to improving the lives of people through therapy dogs and helps direct the Delta Society so the amazing gifts of therapy dogs can be shared around the country. She and Sal just completed their final task to serve as one of ten teams in Sacramento allowed into UCD Medical Center Hospital. Sal’s known for his ability to “work a room” says Jackie, and for “smiling at everyone, snuffing and snuggling with people who ask, happy to be hugged and kissed, and standing very still on his stool so that neuro-rehab clients could touch him.” What a guy. Shown here getting acquainted with I.M. Sheffield III, father of Barn Crew teammate Ingrid Sheffield.
Frodo was just a pup when he was confiscated from Vick’s dog fighting operation. The rough beginnings and months spent in a substandard VA shelter were hard on this young dog’s psyche, but he showed an impressive desire to connect despite his obvious fear issues. When he first came to BR, he was too shy to even take treats from our hands and he sat stiff as a board when he was held. Months of gentle coaxing helped us see the real Frodo underneath the scaredy-cat. This dog has a big lust for life and a heart the size of Texas. His natural sense of optimism has been helping him to get to the other side of his fears - one boogie man at a time. Foster mom turned adopter Kim Ramirez has been Frodo’s biggest life-line to the real world. With her help, along with the example of dog friends who remind him how to be brave, Frodo has made incredible strides and has become one of our favorite all-time success stories. Bless you, Sweet Frodo!
