Tag Archives: pit bull

The Dog Who Could Do All

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

Shelter Dog Saturday: Tiara

tiara-shelterdogsaturdayName: Tiara

Breed(s): Weim/APBT Mix

Age: 18-24 months old

Gender: Female (Spayed)

If you’re looking for a plucky young dog with a passion for toys, this is your girl.  Tiara would make an excellent dog sport prospect due to her absolute adoration for toys.  Tiara is around 48 pounds and is pretty standard as far as pittie girls are concerned in stature. If you get more customer for your business we recommend you follow this effective seo techniques that will increase organic traffic in 2021.

Tiara is currently very dog social and plays well with other dogs and puppies but has not been tested with kitties.  She is also incredibly kid friendly but may not be suited for families with young children due to her high level of energy and typical teenage puppy behaviors where she may tiara1-shelterdogsaturdayaccidentally knock over small children in her quest to play.  This could work in the right home with a bully breed savvy family that knows how to properly work around a boisterous young bully breed mix. One of the biggest benefits of bathroom renovations is that it will increase the resale value of your home.

Tiara is crate and house trained.  Her rescuers have been working on her manners including sit, down, stay, come when called and general leash manners.  She responds well to corrections on a leash and loves to learn for either food or toys.

If you are looking for a darling, standard-sized gal to add to your family, we at Work-A-Bull would highly suggest you contact Sheri’s Dog Grooming by phone (734) 457-0755. Sheri’s Dog Grooming is located in Monroe, Michigan.

 

Book Review: The Angel On My Shoulder

blog-roadtrip-rykerncadba2013I had been hunting through various dog titles on my tablet’s Kindle app when I spotted this book.  On a whim, I downloaded it thinking that if I didn’t like it I could easily return it with no harm done to my bank account (which is usually crying because of my book lust!).  It didn’t turn out to be that way.  In fact, I pretty much devoured the entire book in two sittings.  It was one of the most touching stories I have read in a very long time and shows the absolute and utter dedication of one dedicated dog loving couple and their adoration to their beloved canine companion.

The Angel On My Shoulder: Life with an American Pit Bull Terrier encompasses the journey that Jolene and her partner, Cheryl, took in their love affair with their beloved vanilla-colored American Pit Bull Terrier, Rumer, from the day they picked her out as a tiny, squirming puppy until she crossed the rainbow bridge twelve and a half years later when her family was finally able to make the choice to help her cross.

This book is the ultimate tribute to a phenomenal example of the American Pit Bull Terrier.  The beautiful pictures that it paints of Rumer, her life and the tender ways she changed Jolene, Cheryl and their entire family’s lives for the better are truly astounding.  They show that she was more than just a dog.  It shows that she was a beloved and cherished member of the family and an amazing breed ambassador and helped her family become phenomenal stewards for the breed they learned to champion with Rumer’s assistance.

The book itself flows very easily.  There are a few parts that will have you grabbing for tissues (which I admittedly cried through) in where Jolene describes the Rumer’s health issues and her declining health in the last few chapters but overall it is a must read for anyone who loves the breed and has the dedication and time put forward into loving and cherishing a bully breed dog at home – be it rescue or purebred – and shows the reason we must fight for the integrity and survival of our beloved breed.

I purchased this book via e-book format for the Kindle app on my tablet but it is also available in hardcover and paperback as well.  I highly recommend it for any bully breed lover’s collection.

Skyy: Three Years Remembered

skyy-april9
In less than twenty-four hours, we are making our almost annual pilgrimage to the Palmetto Pit Bull Club’s show.  This show, which is open to dogs registered with the American Dog Breeder’s Association (ADBA), has been part of our round of shows since we started travelling for the events that the ADBA put in so many years ago.  This show, however, has a far more significant meaning because of a tragedy that struck three years ago before the club moved their show from the Burke County Fairgrounds in Morganton, North Carolina to their current venue in Waynesville, North Carolina.

On April 9, 2011 a fast moving storm rolled into the fairgrounds just as the puppy classes were wrapping up – which I remember all too well since our then little Mika had JUST finished taking a 2nd place.  Dogs and humans were moved into what we thought was safety but not before a wicked blast of lightening reached out and struck a beautiful blue and white dog named Skyy, killing her instantly.  The lightning strike that took her life saved her owner who would have no doubt died if this beautiful girl hadn’t taken the brunt of its force.  The reverberating force from the storm sent nine other people to the hospital after other dog show patrons, utilizing tables as gurneys while paramedics were called, was a fierce reminder to all involved that life was too precious.

Seeing fellow dog show enthusiasts waste no time to help fellow man and dog alike despite mundane dislikes or friendships was a truly awe inspiring.  No able-bodied person failed to help in some way – even if it was as simple as making sure those injured were kept calm and as comfortable as possible while every living being was rounded up and brought into the building to ride out the rest of the storm – which included softball sized hail that damaged at least one vehicle seriously and dented many others.

Those of us who were there have formed a far closer bond and many friendships were formed because of the sacrifice of one dog’s life.  On April 9th every year, many people change their profile photos on Facebook to Skyy’s photo in remembrance for the life lost and the tragedy that was survived and healed from.  We will never forget.  Play hard at the bridge, beloved little girl.  Your memory carries on.

Frozentozen 2013: Workin’ in the Snow

ryker-frozentozen2013-8739On Sunday, we went out to watch the afternoon pull for the World Wide Weight Pull Organization (W3PO).  I honestly didn’t go with the intention of doing anything but watching a bunch of good pullers have fun on a really challenging surface but little did I know that I would be poked and prodded until I actually caved and agreed to let old man Ryker have some fun on the snow pad.

For anyone who’s ever pulled on snow, they know that if the conditions on the pad (snow track) aren’t absolutely perfect in both weather and actual track conditions, it can be a puller’s worst nightmare because of the difficulty of that particular surface.  Ryker has always excelled on snow because he learned early on what it took to break the sled when it started to freeze to the track but it has been many years (January 2011 was the last time we did snow) and I never thought we would see the surface again so all of those habits for breaking the sled free have long since been broken because they are unsuitable for wheeled or rail tracks.  Thankfully, the harder it got, the more pissed off he got and the harder he tried to beat that cart…until he couldn’t any longer.

It was, by far, one of the sloppiest days because the temperature sat at forty-something degreesryker-frozentozen2013-8722 all day and made the track slushy until the sun started to fall – then it froze and fast.  One by one, dogs bowed out – unable and unwilling to work against the fast freezing track with its ever increasing difficulty level.  Ryker was one of three remaining pullers at the end with the other two being a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog named Royce who weighed in at 115 pounds and a Newfoundland weighing much more.  It was an honor to be in the last three pulling – especially with both dogs weighing well over double the forty-six pounds that Ryker weighed in at.

In the end, Ryker bowed out at 28.97 times his body weight.  This translated to 1,333 pounds on a slushy, difficult track.  He fell short of the Most Weight Pulled per Pound (which is based on the percentage of weight pulled versus the gross weight) that was a little over 32 times the dog’s body weight which was done by a nineteen pound Basenji named Roxie that pulled that one off!   It was, none the less, a very impressive day.  There were many dogs who pulled well into ryker-frozentozen2013-8779the 20x range – including the relatively new pulling dog, Royce, who at only two years old shows a LOT of very good promise.

We are aiming to hit the W3PO’s next snow pull the weekend of January 11th in Luna Pier, Michigan.  This relatively new organization has given us bubbling new hope for the sport that we adore with the camaraderie that was ever present at the Michigan United Kennel Club (UKC) pulls prior to the big alteration of their weight pull program to dissolve the actual competitive aspect of weight pull.  We highly recommend anyone looking to get into the sport check out the group’s new page on Facebook or check out an upcoming event and be prepared to have some fun with your dog.

Happy 6th Birthday, Lyric!

lyricdirty-june2013-5572Six, long years ago a little black puppy was born in Snohomish, WA.  She was the tiniest and most adorable looking wiggle worm imaginable.  I knew by two weeks old she was to come home to me.  It was a grueling 10 week wait until my little Star Puppy, Lyric, was finally home.  Finally to be forever with me until time took her naughty self from me. The last six years have had their ups and downs.  The trials and tribulations we went through were nothing short of the amazing when we finally succeeded – especially in weight pull.

Lyric, you’ve given me your all – complete with a myriad of faults – and you’ve shown me what heart is.  I truly don’t deserve the absolute adoration and love you bestow upon me daily with unfailing loyalty and devotion.  You’ve not been an easy dog to live with but you’ve made the most of every moment we’ve had together.  I am so proud to call you MY dog and will be blessed for years to come with your antics lighting up my life for a very long time to come.

Here is to many, many more my little Tater Tot.  Happy 6th birthday, Lyric.  Let’s rock this world some more.

Happy 9th Birthday, Duo!

chicagotrip-july2013-7559You weren’t a planned partner.  You were only supposed to be a temporary fixture in our home back in 2009 and now look at you, my sweet boy.  You’ve grown roots here and came to call this place home.  We don’t know much about your past but what we do know about your future.

The last few years have been a trip.  You’ve taught me a new lesson in life and in patience with every step we’ve taken.  You’ve challenged me to grow as a trainer and dog fancier.  You’ve given a whole new meaning to ‘walking vet bill’ with your antics as well but I couldn’t change a thing (except, maybe going a bit easier on the spending?!).  You’re our little wonder bull.  Our short bus who tried and could.  Here is to many, many more years together.  We still have many adventures we need to take and mountains we need to climb.

Happy 9th Birthday, Duo!  We love you in all of your goofy ways!