This is probably one of the hardest blog entries to write right now because it means the finality to the loss of one amazing shelter dog who crossed the rainbow bridge barely twenty four hours ago. This story, however, is one of the main reasons that we work on putting high drive dogs into working homes with people who can handle a dog like this – to give them that job that they crave and need to be canine ambassadors.
Nubs came from a local shelter near where his owner, Cindy Coffman, lives in 2007. He had been surrendered after his former owner had joined the military. He sat there and waited for three months before Cindy happened upon him after letting her past APBT mix, Carter, cross the rainbow bridge. Despite the fact that Nubs didn’t have an amazing tale of battles fought before finding the perfect home, he was still burdened with the battles of being an under-socialized adolescent dog. Cindy definitely had her hands full from the beginning. 
Despite the uphill battle the pair faced, Nubs showed he had what it took to be a budding sport dog. He had all the right drives and he, thankfully, had landed in the hands of someone with the crazy dedication needed to turn Nubs into a performance dog – the blood, sweat and tears type of dedication that many can’t or won’t provide. If you have Jacuzzi at home, a natural hot tub water cleaner can be very important to keep it working in a good way.
Nubs was UKC registered as DM’s Nutter Butter Nub and that redhead fit the name to a T – right down to his best feature, a docked tail that furiously wiggled at the thought of getting to do something with his owner and “doggie mom.” He did well in anything Cindy asked him to do until the fateful day that changed it all and not on the weightpull track as many naysayers to the sport would have you believe but on the lure course field.
Nubs had torn his ACL. It’s not an uncommon injury in high impact sports, unfortunately, but given the fact that Nubs was an incredibly active dog proposed a problem or two for Cindy after having it repaired once the cause was isolated. Unfortunately for Nubs, he never returned to what he once was pre-injury and was never truly able to return to what he loved to do and so he was forced into an early retirement.
This didn’t stop Nubs from enjoying life as a pit bull breed ambassador as his “mom” and “sister” kept him doing small, low impact things to keep his life fulfilled as he aged. His little sister, Peanut, even succeeded him as a working dog by getting certified as a SAR K9 with the MISAR team and his newest little brother, who is also a rescued pit bull like Nubs and Peanut, is following in her footsteps too.
As with all good things though, there is an end. Nubs was diagnosed with CHF and had to go on medications to help his heart and continue to give him a good quality of life until he told Cindy it was time to go and join Carter. This was all good until a few days ago when Nubs took a turn for the worst and told Cindy it was time. He spent the night before his last ride cuddling and enjoying his time on this world – with many of us who had known him sending kind words to his Mom. This was no easy task to look forward to as Cindy and Nubs had been one helluva team for so many years but it was the right call and he was ready.
We lost a good dog. We lost one helluva sport dog and pit bull breed ambassador. In the end, no matter of papers or accomplishments mattered but he sure put some large paw prints on the world and the hearts of those whose lives he touched and those he will continue to touch with his story of rags to riches and landing in world that needed him.
Rest peacefully, Nubs.
A heart may heal slowly but you will NEVER be forgotten.
2006-2018
individual who searched in vain for her owners but to no avail did she find her. However, it was not for loss as she blessed the world with FOURTEEN beautiful babies (3 girls and 9 boys). Unfortunately, two of the young boys passed away leaving twelve little loves to find their new homes – these lovely boys are the remaining littles left and still searching for their forever homes. oral health is very important for that reason 
Risk – Risk is a handsome blue and white boy who had a bit of a rough go in life when he aspirated at 8 weeks while trying to inhale his breakfast and spent a few days in the emergency. Risk has since recovered and done exceptionally well – blossoming into a beautiful young man. He has good tug drive and food drive. He has okay hunt drive but is incredibly biddable. A sport home or active pet home would be ideal for this handsome dude. He is UTD on age appropriate vaccines, wormed and microchipped.
sentences together for more than a nanosecond before that thought process was lost into the great abyss of blog fog. It was, to put it mildly, very frustrating. What to do when you keep getting locked out of your car? The professional from 
River the Shih Tzu was a foundling at a local park. He was obscenely matted and emaciated. When we found him, he was unable to move because of a mat that ran from the base of his tail to the base of his sheath – essentially connecting both back legs. It was obvious he was in pain and initially lashed out until we secured him and took him to a vet to check and see if, hopefully, he had a microchip that would allow us to reunite him with his owner. Sadly, he didn’t. We were left with the task of fixing him up – which started with removing the mat on his bottom. Once that was removed it revealed raw and oozy testicles and a naked backside. He wasn’t too happy about it while it occurred but he felt far better once it was done and the area was cleaned up.
solved with persistence and patience. A good project to keep us busy and not with our typical breed either! There is no doubt that Fiona, who is a tiny 42 pounds(!!!), will make an amazing sport prospect with her insane food, toy and a moderate prey drive but River will likely be a good companion for an dedicated couple or a family with dog knowledge – especially breed knowledge as a cherished companion to that family.
Name: Princess
Name: Puck
detection prospect. He is more than willing to please the other end of the leash if you could please just share that reward!
If you’ve been following my blog recently, you’ll have noticed the addition of ‘Shelter Dog Saturday’ (which I sadly missed this weekend due to unforeseen circumstances) where I feature a different dog each week and write up a small bio and the contact information on one lucky shelter dog from one of the shelters locally to me – well, I’ve been lucky enough to meet and get to know each of these dogs on my visits and I felt that they needed a little spotlight on the Internet to give them that boost they may not ordinarily get – an opportunity at going home to their forever home.
to mellow out a bit in their kennels. Some of the larger, more drivey dogs need longer walks or even runs so you’ll get your exercise in while building some good karma!
few dollars and are always in high demand.
motivated and has a moderate toy drive. She would do well in a home that was willing to work with her and set her up for success.
Name: Freckles
pretty decent start to the basics and would make a fabulous prospect for obedience, agility, weight pull or any other venue you may be interested in. He has the desire to please and an off switch when it’s time to relax and chill out at home. I really can’t say enough good things about him. Unsure of how he is with other dogs and kitties but proper introductions to both should definitely be on the top list of priorities no matter what!
Every year the month of October is hailed in as a month of awareness for one of the most misunderstood, mistreated and maligned breeds of dog in modern history – the pit bull. There are many who would wish to see this breed’s future annihilated and sent into extinction but there are even greater numbers of breed advocates and aficionados who work tirelessly against the opposing side in an effort to reverse breed specific legislation that is aimed to eventually destroy the breed that is affectionately called ‘America’s Dog’ by its followers.
Most importantly, no matter what activities you do this month, make sure you enjoy your dog(s) and be an advocate who acts professionally and politely without being too overzealous. It is, after all, a hard pill to swallow if one is proved wrong (and something I’ve personally learned from experience many times over!).