Florida’s Landmark Legislation: From Breed Bans to Boundless Opportunities
In December 2022, three dogs named Jambo, Ernie, and Miss Pearl left the Miami-Dade Shelter on a journey to Animal Farm Foundation in New York. Despite their good behavior, their appearance as “pit bull” mixes made finding homes for them challenging in Miami-Dade due to breed-specific restrictions. However, a recent bill passed in Florida will eliminate these restrictions, promoting equitable and inclusive dog adoption practices starting from October 2023. This legislation signifies a significant stride towards giving all dogs an equal opportunity to find loving homes.
An Accidental Advocate
Guest post written by Stephanie Filer, Manager of Special Gifts & Partnerships, Animal Rescue League of Iowa. The other day I received a call from a city councilperson in Randall, IA who needed our help. They were reviewing their city ordinances and she knew about our work to help cities strengthen their dog ordinances, so she […]
Perfect Fit: Why “Pit Bull” Dogs Are Flying Out Our Doors
Guest post written by Stephanie Filer, Manager of Special Gifts & Partnerships, Animal Rescue League of Iowa. A young newlywed recently asked us for help. She wanted to surprise her husband with a new dog for his birthday. Excited to assist, we created a gift that included a dog application with the words “APPROVED” on it and some dog toys. After she surprised him with […]
From Shelters to Service: “Pit Bull” Dogs Change Lives as Assistance Dogs
Animal Farm Foundation’s mission is to secure equal treatment and opportunity for “pit bull” dogs. In an effort to meet that mission, we established a Service Dog Training program  so that rescued and sheltered “pit bull” dogs can be considered for the same work traditionally reserved for pure bred, purpose bred dogs. Our first three […]
“Too Many Pit Bulls”: A Case of Psychic Numbing
We have too many pit bulls. All we have are pit bulls. We have a pit bull problem. Nobody wants to adopt our pit bulls. Across the country, in interviews with the local news, these sound bites are repeated over and over. Usually intended to be a call for help, a positive plug for the […]
For the Dogs It’s All Pain, No Gain
Recently we wrote a blog about “pit bull” dog websites and the damage that well-intentioned advocates cause when they post outdated information about the dogs. A prime example of this is the perpetuation of the old myth that “pit bull” dogs have a higher tolerance for pain than other dogs. One advocacy website writes, “Sometimes […]
Naming Shelter Dogs: The Framing Effect
Xena, Brutus, Trigger, Monster, Ruger, Tank, Harley, Chopper, Flex, Maximus, Whiskey, Storm, Tyson, Gunner, Bullet, Boss… Before you name your shelter dogs*, consider this: You can influence your adopters perceptions of “pit bull” dogs, starting with the names that you give them. That’s because their names frame them. It’s the context for how adopters will interpret the dogs in front of them. What’s the deal with framing? Framing is the way that […]
Progressive Animal Sheltering: Dogs are Individuals First
Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be. – Khalil Gibran As today’s animal sheltering professionals increasingly focus on providing dogs with quality care and getting to know them as individuals – through standardized evaluations, volunteer notes and foster programs, play groups, enrichment, and more – it’s time to […]
Responsible Pet Ownership Month: All Day, Every Day
We just heard that February is “Responsible Pet Ownership Month.” Who knew? And maybe a better question is, shouldn’t every month be Responsible Pet Ownership Month? Better yet, every day! Responsible pet ownership is one the KEY elements to creating safe, humane communities. So when dog owners disregard the basic rules that govern responsible pet ownership, they don’t just […]
Moving Animal Sheltering Forward: Individuality Takes the Lead
Shelters are in the business of sending pets home. If our goal is to provide shelter dogs with the best care during their stays, save more lives, and make better matches for adopters, we have to focus on their individual pet qualities first and foremost. That’s why we were discouraged to read the latest blog […]