Thursday, September 9, 2010

Oh, bloggin'...

I'm a pit bullish breed.  Not quite sure what else I've got mixed in there, but a lot of it is American Staffordshire, we think.  My mom says that someday they'll do a DNA test on me to figure out exactly what I am, but for now, I'll be the American Mutt.

I'm also a rescue.  If you've followed me from the beginning... you'll know that I was scheduled to be euthanized by the local Humane Society without the option for a second chance.  My picture was never on their website for adoption and I was banned to the pitbull jail in the back where I had limited human contact and lived in a cage for 30 days.

During those 30 days, I developed a knee issue on my hind leg.  This was their reasoning for my euthanization.  Thankfully someone made a phone call to Homeward Bound and I was rescued.  The specialist they took me to said my knee issue would go away as I grew - and it has, for the most part.  I walk, run, swim and jump and it rarely seems to bother me. 

I should have never been brought to the Humane Society.

I should have never been on anyone's euthanization list. 

I should have never needed rescuing

I should have never needed to be adopted.

But, I was.  But, I did.

The reason I decided to blog was to bring awareness to the rescuing efforts that go on across the country.  To show people that rescue dogs make great pets and that there are always dogs looking for homes.  Along the way, I've met some other wonderful dogs and their loving owners.  Other people who help with their local rescues.  Other families that take foster dogs into their homes.  Other families who have adopted. And mostly, other families that LOVE their pets.

82 people currently follow this blog... Sure, not all 82 read this every day, but I'm sure they've read it at least once.  That's 82 people that didnt know me before.  82 people.

If I can change 1 persons mind about pitbulls, I've succeeded.

If I can change 1 persons mind about rescued pets, I've succeeded.

However, if I can change the minds of many... I will.  If you're looking for another pet, and I've made you think twice about going to a breeder... I've done my job.  If I change the minds of 82 people... well then, my efforts will stretch far beyond those 82 people.  Have I changed your mind?

I'm not supposed to be here.  I'm not supposed to be blogging or playing.  I shouldn't be able to love anyone, do tricks or achieve my Canine Good Citizens.  I should be dead.  But I'm not.  I'm one of the lucky ones who escaped that fate.  And even luckier, I've adopted wonderful parents.  Parents who continue to help rescue and foster other unlucky dogs.  Parents who spoil me and have trained me to be an advocate for this breed.  Parents who take me with them as often as possible.  Responsible parents who are aware of my faults and only put me in positive situations.

I am a positive pitbull.  I will continue to work to change minds.  One person at a time.  One pitty at a time.

I am one of the lucky ones.

And I am thankful, every day, for the second chance I've gotten at life.

35 comments:

  1. We *totally* get it, Corbin.. Marge wasn't supposed to get her CGC, either, or compete in agility, or ANYTHING.. she was almost one of those rescue dogs whose lives ends way too soon with the prick of a needle, but she's one of the lucky ones, too..

    Thanks for following our blog and we are thrilled to be following yours.. if we all work together, we can bring awareness to the dogs in shelters who are only there because of the ignorance and irresponsibility of humans.

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  2. Mr Sweet Corbin - Ive been following you daily for awhile now and happy to be one of your followers. I will tell you that YES you have changed my mind. Before blogging I had never even came across a pitbull in person and I did have my doubts. Im a follower of several pittie blogs and always in awe and appreciate the education, trial and tributes that your breed has taught me so I can educate others as well.
    I can honestly tell you that ive only thought about fostering a pittie if I am able to foster.

    ps. you rock for following us too :)

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  3. Corbin, you and many others have changed my mind on pitbulls. I am so sorry that humans put you there and kept you caged without any hope. I am so glad that you are alive and found a wonderful, loving home. Thank you for being one of many for showing me the wonderful nature of the breed. It is sad that so many bad owners gave a good breed a such a horrible reputation. There are so many dogs of all different breeds that have also gotten a bad rap because of bad owners. Thank you for brining more awareness and being a success story. Thank you for getting the word around. We love ya Corbin!

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  4. Well put Corbin! It's shame about all this slack that pit bulls get and the whole BSL out there. Mommy and I think that this needs to stop! It's also great to see a shelter pup get a second chance. Thank goodness for your mom & dad!! xoxo Jada

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  5. Oh Corbin... You brought tears to my Mommy's eyes... We love you!!

    Licks,
    Ruthie

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  6. Oh Corbin! Thanks for saying such great things! Hopefully people will listen.
    I too understand what it's like. I was waiting to be euthanized until the great people from Precious Pups rescued me. They said that they seem to be getting a lot of pitties and rotties lately. I don't know why we get this bad rap.
    When people see me they cross the street and never know that all I want to do is lick and play. There are even two people in my neighborhood that turn around and walk the other way when they see me. I struggle to change what people think about Rottweilers.
    I was lucky too to find a loving home to care for me and I hope people start seeing how great we are and your blog reaches many eyes.
    Keep posting and I can't wait to meet and play wuf you!

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  7. Great post Corbin!! You are doing great things for all "pit bull" type dogs and great things for all for the dogs in shelters than need to be rescued and put in their forever homes. You are showing people how great any dog can be regardless of bread or sex. It is dogs like you that help change the negative stereotype. Keep up the good work!!

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  8. Corbin that was very well said! You are such a Lucky boy, and we are so happy that you are our friend. Thank you to your Mom for Adopting and Fostering Shelter Dogs. All Dogs Need a Chance Regardless of the Breed.
    Your Friends
    Geisha,Grover,Lily,Bailey,Wrinkles

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  9. Hi Corbin,
    In my hometown there are A LOT of pitbulls and chihuahuas in the shelters and listed on the adoption logs. I am sure most of them do not go to a forever family. It is sad really because they are victims of improper pet control, abuse, and poor pr. I know plenty of really sweet pitbulls who make great family pets. Congrats on being a lucky one and congrats to your pawrents for taking a chance on a wonderful pet.
    Love Noodles (and her mommys)

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  10. Oh my dear Corbin...I's gots da tears in my eyes now. dat was a wonderfully, smart, and touching postie. You and your pawrents be doing great works withs da shelters and helping give doggies another chance and I am so greatful dat they found you cuz now I has met you. It breaks my heart knowing you was left in dat siuation....but luckily, yu found you fuever home.
    It's amazing what can happen from just ONE person having they moind changed...and be educated! I am not a rescue, I come from a breeder and dat is a long story...I was SUPPOSE to haves been a rescue. Mum was bound bit and determined to haves a rescue but it didn't happen. I has lots of long stories...hehehe...Whitney was from a breeder BUT in mum's heart her rescued Whitney (another story). But we is aaaaaall fur rescuing and we helps our shelter out.
    Anyways, we haves NEVER EVERS had a problem withs breeds...we has problems withs idiots.

    Dis was a remarkable post!!!!!!!!!

    Please gives kissies to your mom and dad from me fur giving you a home!

    Puddles

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  11. Great post Corbin! We are all rescue's too, but we are not pitty's. You and other bloggers have changed our minds through education about your breed. I would be honored to meet you someday in person. Keep up the good work.

    Kisses,
    Emma Rose

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  12. Well said! I think you are doing a great job of leading through example and seeing what an amazing dog you are is likely to change a lot of minds. I think attitudes are changing...slowly, but surely.

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  13. That was just beautiful. Pitbulls are banned here, so we don't know any. There are a few people we know who should be caged!

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  14. Corbin :) I'm so glad that you were rescued and that you are so loved by your humans! My aunt Jamie works with rescues and has started her own blog too http://irescuedogs.blogspot.com/ We have learned so much from her and are now currently fostering our very first doggy-Owen :) I'm glad that your story had a happy ending and we are hoping Owen's will too. Well said today :)
    Kisses,
    Maddy

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  15. You don't have to change my mind... I always knew the bully breeds are good dogs. :-) Irresponsible owners are the ones to blame for the headlines.

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  16. Corbin, you gave me the chills! As a fellow rescue dog (I know our situations are different), I am so proud of you and I know you will change some minds! I was adopted 9 years ago after being abandoned like trash. My anniversary is this Saturday and I am going to be doing a special post about the shelter who rescued me and shelter animals in general.

    Your fellow rescue dog, Pip

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  17. You've written some very wise woofs, Corbin! I already knew pitties were wonderful, and we're all rescues here ourselves, so while you didn't change our minds, we do feel the same way that you do!

    Bunny

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  18. Corbins,

    Dis was a wunderful post todays. Mom and me is so happy dat you IS here and dat we know you and your mom in da furs too! See you tomorrow at da Crossings! Can't waits to meet Cranberry!

    Woofs and Licks,
    Maggie Mae

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  19. Oh poop! Just saw on Levi' bloggie dat you won't be coming tomorrow night wif Cranberry..oh well, I will see you soon den...'kay?

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  20. Corbin,
    Briana and I can't wait to meet you! we'll have to meet you out on one of your walks or something. :) Briana loves to run!!!
    <3

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  21. Corbin,

    That was just terrific! Good dog!

    If your post doesn't change some minds...I don't know what can.

    Your furrend,
    MinnaK

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  22. Oh Corbin! You touched my heart. My and Lala are both rescued pooches!! I don't talk about my past because it was horrible. I want to just keep it blocked from my memory. I am thankful that all of us rescued poopers have loving families and special furiends. See we were once broken and now we are fixed forever!!! Your post will touch many and hopefully they too will pass the word on ^5!

    Hugs & smooches XOXO
    Hailey

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  23. Corbin that was such a great post!
    I am very glad that I found your blog when I did:)

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  24. Hey Corbin I hope you change many minds - you didn't need to change ours since we already love Pitties.

    woof - Tucker

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  25. ...and some of us won't give up until everyone one is one of the lucky ones...

    Sam

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  26. Corbin - thank you for the beautiful and moving post. Rescue pups are the best, and it's awesome of you to share your story and get the word out. We rescued Bella almost 8 years ago now... best decision ever.

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  27. You have definitely changed our minds on adopting Corbin !

    Thanks for sharing such wondering and moving story of your life.. We wish your family filled with joy and love on a daily basis !

    Licks
    Zelle

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  28. Woof! Woof! Well said Corbin. LOVE it. Totally agree with you on having a positive attitude n mind. Both you n your current family are very lucky to have each other. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  29. Great post! My parents weren't able to rescue for a variety of reasons (both my sister and I came from the same small family-run breeder), but they recognize the importance, of rescuing, and supporting organizations that promote no-kill shelters. So while we ourselves are who we are, Mom and Dad give LOTS of support (in money and time) to rescue organizations both locally and nationally because there are tons of doggies (and kitties) who are nowhere near as lucky as Abby and I have been. As for pit bulls/not pit bulls? You guys and gals just have a bad rap - as you well know, every dog can be a great dog, given the right opportunity. And we're glad that you got your opportunity!!!!

    *kissey face*
    -Fiona and Abby the Hippobottomus

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  30. Corbin, what a great post. Mommy fosters dogs through a local organization.....that is how we ended up with my sister Ebby! She was abandoned on the streets and when picked up by animal control, only had 7 days to live if it had not been for the rescue group. I sadly, was bought from a breeder 4 years ago.....mommy loves me to pieces but said NEVER AGAIN. See, she really wanted a puggle and we just weren't popping up in rescues and shelters then....but we are now! (Due to overbreeding of course)

    Tell your Mommy to keep up the good work. you ARE one of the lucky ones....just like my sister Ebby!

    Hugs and Licks, Bruschi

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  31. Well said, Corbin. Frankie, like you, was due to be euthanised and while I didn't rescue him I was lucky enough to buy him from his rescuer. Beryl isn't really a rescue but as an ex-racer she was up for adoption and it was love at first sight for me. Recycled dogs rock!

    Great post.

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  32. Wow Corbin thanks for teaching us all that stuff. You are one lucky kid
    Benny & Lily

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  33. I just found you and Wow - you write powerfully and poetically. I was truly moved. You are changing opinions - your followers are testimony to that. Keep up the good work! Check out my blog if you get a chance. http://www.arwenspack.blogspot.com/
    Thanks!

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