Star

(sorry for the kennel view but this girlie is camera shy)

This is Star ~ my new foster. Star recently came back to ARLP when her owner’s child developed allergies. Unfortunately for Star that meant spending the last three months in an outdoor kennel. Dogs don’t understand these things so for Star the change must have been pretty traumatic.

See Star became very timid and frightened. We were not really certain if she would come out of her protective shell. And, if she was able to move beyond it, how long would that would take? I cannot imagine how it must have felt to be removed from her family, watching them from a distance, no longer included.

Upon her return to ARLP Star spent some time with volunteers Larry, Amy, Magnum and Ora. While in their care Star slowly began showing signs of improvement. Of course sometimes it is two steps forward and one back. But let me tell you I am amazed at how well she is doing in such a short time. (Thank you Amy & Larry!!! You are the best!!!)

I was immediately interested in fostering Star. There is nothing more rewarding than coaxing a dog out of their shell and watching their personalities re-emerge and flourish. It just takes a little patience and understanding.

So be warned – you’ll be hearin’ a lot about my Star Buckle.

Star when she first came to ARLP back in 2006

Star a few days after her return to ARLP

Kellie Diller teaching a Dog Safety Program

A lot of people don’t know that ARLP has a Dog Safety Program.

ARLP volunteers go to public/ charter schools and community centers to talk with Pre-K thru 5th grade kids about appropriate behavior around dogs and how to be safe in situations where they may encounter a stray dog. It’s a great program. And surprisingly, many kids with dogs in their homes don’t always know that they shouldn’t stick their face in a dog’s face.

The Dog Safety Program is one of the most intimate and direct ways in which ARLP volunteers can make a real impact on our communities. I would like to think that these kids will remember Madeline, Marri, Kellie and me like I remember some of the people that came to my elementary school classrooms. I can’t remember what they told me but, I’m sure it’s in my head somewhere.

ARLP is always in need of reliable help. As the program has caught on it has been difficult to keep up with the volume of requests. We are constantly on the look out for Teacher and Dog/Handler teams. Because many of these programs occur during the day it is difficult for our small core of dedicated volunteers to continue to get time away from work. Please contact ARLP if you are interested in helping out.

Additionally, ARLP is always looking for classrooms and children’s groups to bring our program to. If you are involved with kids and are interested in ARLP coming out to your class or group to conduct a Dog Safety Program we’d love to arrange something!

If you have any questions about the Dog Safety Program please contact our Director of Education Kellie Dillner at education@arottalove.org

To see all the pictures from Monday April 28th’s Dog Safety class check out http://www.madelineandi.com/4_29_08.htm

A Rotta Love Plus is a small non-profit animal rescue dedicated to the physical and social well being of the Pit Bull and Rottweiler breeds. This blog is a place of celebration and enlightenment about the dogs we love. Here we will write about the goings on of A Rotta Love Plus (ARLP), our program dogs and our own dogs, who always make life a little more interesting. A Rotta Love Plus is an ever growing and changing organization. We are comprised solely of dedicated volunteers who bring a wide spectrum of experience, knowledge and passion to our mission.

Traditionally, ARLP has been focused on the rescue of unwanted or abused and homeless Rottweilers and pit bulls. We have saved hundreds of dogs from euthanasia since our inception in 1997. As life is a journey our focus has expanded. In 2005 a Bite Prevention program was launched and has been met with much interest and success. Over the course of the last year this program has been spotlighted several times on area news broadcasts, here and here.

June of 2007 brought the threat of Breed Specific Legislation to Minnesota and activated ARLP to educate our selves and other dog owners of targeted breeds about the legislative process. Together we have worked to fight the threat of losing our beloved pets in a swift, positive and articulate manner. ARLP has worked with lawmakers at the capital to move comprehensive amendments to Minnesota’s existing dangerous dog laws through the 2008 legislative session. Laws constructed to protect all Minnesotans from dangerous dogs and dangerous dog owners without penalizing good dogs and responsible dog owners. While the legislative session is not quite over, to date things are looking favorable.

We hope that 2008 will bring subsequent growth in all areas of ARLP. The year is already shaping up to be one of new challenges and initiatives. ARLP recently attended the Tri County Humane Conference in St. Cloud. This years keynote speakers were Tim Racer and Donna Reynolds of Bad Rap fame. Recently, Bad Rap was brought into the spotlight for the role they played in the rescue of the Michael Vick dogs in West Virginia. It was a wonderful experience and it was hard to hide our enthusiasm that more of Minnesota’s rescues and humane organizations are interested in the successful rescue and rehoming of pit bulls. ARLP brought 4 pit bulls from St. Paul Animal Control to the event and we are happy to report 2 were inducted into two newly formed programs in St. Cloud and Mankato Minnesota. Catch one of the girls aptly called “Monkey Girl”.
And of course we cannot forget the dogs! The reasons we are here in the first place. The ARLP blog will also be a forum for the wonderful dogs we currently have in our program. Each program dog arrives with his or her own story and unique personality. Here we will showcase them and why we love them. And most of all why they deserve the love and safe havens our communities and a new home can provide them. So welcome! And come back often.

Lara