The show must go on....

Even though Reunion Rescue is just about broke and has pit bulls coming out of our ears, we still find time for entertainment. In fact, who needs cable tv when you've got a houseful of dogs who think they can act?

Just this morning when Peanut was ready to go outside to chase the ball, he looked up at the sky and noticed the dark clouds. Remembering Rene Zellweger's Oscar caliber performance from 'Cold Mountain', old Peanut was not to be outdone.

Whoever claims pit bulls are not hams doesn't know what side their bread is buttered on....

next thing you know, here comes Amber trying to one up Peanut...now I love Ms. Amber, but actress, she's not. She has one move when it comes to stage work....and if anything has to do with the kitchen, it's all she wrote. This one's all about the food. Maybe she can get some advertising work in commercials?

Next thing you know, Nolan is lined up stage left waiting on his big break. No offense to Nolan, but we think he got this script confused with 'Gone With the Wind'. Move over, Rhett Butler!

The whole time, though, BeBe knows whose got real star power. How many other dogs have their own multi-zillion dollar movie franchise?

Let's not forget this was 'Batgirl' before she reinvented herself. Is anyone else thinking 'comeback'?

BeBe is a one take wonder. She is a special girl, but these guys are all pretty spectacular in Reunion's world. Really. Who needs tv?

Lights.....Camera......Action......BeBe!

Learning from BeBe

BeBe...what does my future hold?

Most every day now I get up to the rowly sounding grumblings of BeBe when her herbs wear off around 6 a.m. Remembering the good old days when I slept in till 7 or 7:30, I roll out of bed to let BeBe out and make up her herbal meatball.

BeBe is the dog who started the whole Spindletop saga with me and Reunion Rescue. BeBe used to be Batgirl from Town Lake here in Austin before it become the Austin Animal Center. The only place I could find on short notice to board and rehab her was Spindletop Refuge. It was too good to be true. Way too too good to be true.

"Spindletop Refuge's mission has been since 1985 to provide a safe haven for abandoned, neglected, or abused American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers as well as a number of mixed breed dogs. Spindletop Refuge is a no kill facility for adoptable dogs and promotes spaying and neutering of all pets. We do not operate with spay/neuter contracts all dogs are spayed and neutered prior to adoption. Spindletop Refuge gives the highest quality of care to all of our orphans and has strict adoption protocols. Spindletop Refuge also promotes breed education, owner responsibility, dog safety, and proper training for all dogs, as well as population control by spaying and neutering. Spindletop Refuge works with national breed organizations as the contact for the National American Pit Bull Association. Spindletop Refuge also promotes the fight against Breed Specific Legistlation and has been fighting the war against breed mis-identification and BSL since 1985."

Over the next year and a half, I became close with Leah Purcell, the proprietress of Spindletop Refuge and Rescue. I believed in Leah and her operation wholeheartedly. In fact, I placed several other dogs in her care and recommended her facility to others across the United States.

Two of the dogs placed into Leah's care were Amber and Stella who'd been found by a BARC volunteer abandoned and noosed to a chain link fence in a vacant lot during the hottest part of the summer. Stella's ears had been cruelly butchered off and she had blood running down the sides of her face and neck. One would think that sort of torture would be the worst of it, but worse was yet to come. Stella was killed in the Morgan Building with 37 other dogs victims of heatstroke.

If anyone has ever seen a dog suffering from heatstroke, it's not a quiet matter. The thought of 38 screeching dogs is hard to imagine. I wake up at the crack of dawn to one yowly girl, so almost 40 screaming animals is almost too much to conceive. 

In a roundabout way, what I'm trying to get at is this. Every time I start to resent waking up to BeBe's noisy alarm and her setting the others off like a crazy zoo, I have to remind myself to be grateful she is alive. 

I come downstairs and let her go outside. I stop by and pet Amber who is still alive and here with me. When I look into her eyes, I always think of Stella. I missed the opportunity to pet her and get to know her. There is a sadness in Amber. Dogs know. She knows her friend is dead. My job now is to care for her and make certain her life is happy, to put the spark back into her eyes. 

Amber has a star on her head, some scarring from some unknown horror in her past. BeBe has fence fighting marks along her own muzzle and head. Nolan is still trying to gain weight from being almost starved to death and Peanut who somebody had named 'ugly' in Spanish is still trying to learn not to be afraid. 

What happened to these dogs? Their awful stories did not start at Spindletop. Whatever happened to them and the others who wound up at Spindletop is a mystery, but something we must all be held accountable for. What is going on in our country that there are so many abused animals? When did it become allright for millions of animals to be killed in shelters because there are too many of them? We did that. We are the reason there are too many animals, so many that we cannot prosecute animal abuse properly and so many that mass death becomes the norm...becomes acceptable.

What needs to be done so that animals like BeBe, Amber, Stella, Nolan and Peanut do not wind up at places like Spindletop? What can I do to help change the tide? 

I have made BeBe a promise. She is so messed up, much worse than the dog I entrusted to Spindletop. Being crated 24/7 does that to an animal. She has been driven insane. I am watching her and waiting for the answer to help her. I know it will come. We are on a journey together, BeBe and myself. I'll be honest, I lose my temper with her. She can be trying at times. When I do, I apologize. I actually say, "I'm sorry, BeBe. I'm just a person. I am not a dog trainer." She'll look up at me like she's saying, "I understand. You're only human."

We have a relationship, BeBe and me. We are two and we are strong. I am really blessed to have her in my life. She is also a very silly girl. Sometimes, I call her by her other nickname, Bambi, like an exotic dancer. Today, when we were playing ball, and there is a very specific way to play ball with BeBe-Bambi. You throw the tennis ball and she prances after it, bouncing her butt across the yard joyfully and very un-gracefully. 

When she retrieves the ball, game's on. I am then to try and get the ball from her. Everything you ever learned about training and proper game play with pit bulls is out the window with BeBe. The main exercise she gets is working to move her body just out of reach so you can't grab her. In fact, we both get a workout with this routine. 

When she's ready, she allows me to grab her by the haunches which takes both hands. I hang onto her with my right arm and manipulate her head with my right hand while trying to unhook the ball from her  clamped down jaw. She's nailed that ball with her canine so that it's near impossible to dislodge. More exercise for me. 

We do this over and over again. It's certainly not training in any form or fashion, but it works for us. For those playtimes in the yard, BeBe and I are happy together. There is no past, no trauma. There is no Spindletop for either of us, no guilt. There is no death row for her or a person hitting her on the head with a baseball bat. 

There is just BeBe and me and I have to believe this is no coincidence. She is here to learn something from me and I am to learn something from her. What that is has no time limit or definition. I'm hoping we are going to learn how to get through life, the hurdles, the hardships, the heartbreaks and also the happy times. 

I have wanted for so long to have my own refuge and was unable to. I couldn't seem to talk my husband into allowing us to build one here and certainly couldn't seem to raise the necessary money to build it. 

The raid at Spindletop changed that. Even without funding, I had to find a place to put these dogs. For now, we are very impromptu with regulated crating and lots of yard and ball time. It took a horrible tragedy to make it happen. I'm very sad, but must look forward and be strong for the dogs. BeBe will not let me shirk even a little bit. She expects a lot from me and that is just what I need. I am learning from BeBe.

New Reunion Bumper Stickers and Stuff

We just opened a new store to help the Spindletop refugees and to help raise money to build our No Kill Reunion Rescue Refuge.

http://www.zazzle.com/reunion_rescue_bumper_sticker-128197175517092015

http://www.zazzle.com/reunion_rescue_bumper_sticker-128259312560246186

http://www.zazzle.com/reunion_rescue_bumper_sticker-128220191704343585

http://www.zazzle.com/reunion_rescue_bumper_sticker-128795331185603112

http://www.zazzle.com/reunion_rescue_bumper_sticker-128269389560685874

Every bumper sticker sale nets Reunion Rescue dogs 10%. We also created some tee shirts and a hoodie which can be customized to suit any taste or color.

http://www.zazzle.com/reunion_rescue_ladies_white_baby_doll_tee-235307151706804957

http://www.zazzle.com/reunion_spagetti_tee-235152661165252923

http://www.zazzle.com/ladies_pink_tee-235427091054246184

http://www.zazzle.com/reunion_rescue_hoodie-235749294486727285

http://www.zazzle.com/mens_gray_reunion_rescue_tee_shirt-235660281204575049

Please visit and share our Zazzle products to help us care for the current Reunion dogs and help save others. 100% of all purchases go toward saving dogs.

Love in the Afternoon

Nolan, BeBe, Amber and Peanut got a big surprise in the mail from California today. Our good friend Kathi Richards sent beautiful handmade doggy beds for our Spindletop refugees. By their response, it was clear these dogs had never had such special treatment.

BeBe

We understand they were crated 24/7 at the former refuge and from photographs circulating on Facebook, the dogs were simply locked in the filthy crates without benefit of any kind of bedding.

BeBe was the first to test out her peaceful digs with hippy-dippy peace signs and flower power. She said it makes her rawhide chewing far out!

BeBe enjoys chilling out on the front porch and tried to pull her fan inside her crate. She is a real cool cat. Each day with her herbal treatment, we are seeing a little bit of change in her temperament. When BeBe got here, she had literally been driven insane. A dog like BeBe cannot be locked inside a crate 24/7 with no exercise or proper diet.

She is an amazing dog who is learning to relax and be at peace in her own body for the first time in a long while. All those peace signs on her blankie don't hurt either.

Nolan

Nolan lucked out with a gorgeous purple and peacock blanket. He settled in for a nice long afternoon chew on his new bed from Kathi. This is a dog who nearly died from malnutrition and was delegated outdoors 24/7.

Nolan is the calmest being. He is truly a gentle giant and so very grateful for the smallest gesture. What a joy for him to lay down on a soft new bed made just for him. Kathi took his measurements and it fits his big crate so that he can lay down on his back and stick his big long legs up in the air Nolan style.

Even though Nolan is probably 4 or 5 years old, he is starting all over and learning about being a puppy. He is a love to watch and learn from. He is a champion just like his name. 

Amber and Peanut got red blankies with black paw prints. Amber had to have red as it's just her color. She also has a red brocade collar and a matching red leash. We found a good deal on 6' red leashes at Randall's for $3.98.

Amber in red

If anyone visits their Safeway or Randall's or Tom Thumb market, Reunion Rescue is a good neighbor and you can help pit bulls when you shop if you use our number 12897.

Peanut has a red collar, too. It goes so well with his shiny fawn coat. Peanut was called 'Feo' which means ugly in Spanish. He is certainly far from ugly now on his sassy new red bed and red collar with a brand new red leash.

Reunion Rescue has always tried to give each dog a new collar even when were the broke-est. There is something special about a dog with a new collar that has never been on any other dog with any other dog smells. They seem to know it is just for them. You can literally see the doggy get a prance to his step and enjoy walking down the road.

Little Peanut

I've taught a lot of dogs to walk on a lead with a flat collar. When I have the time to walk with one of the dogs, I am always amazed at how easily they can adapt to a flat collar if both of us just breathe and try to have a bit of patience...mainly me.

I am hoping this is a new wave for Reunion Rescue. I know these precious dogs are going to enjoy the best night's sleep in their new soft beds made just for them by Kathi. I'd like to link Kathi's wonderful business in which she took time away to help out Reunion's dogs, but when people see these beautiful beds, they might try to convince her to quit her day job. I'm already trying to talk her into it. Please, Kathi....but thank you very much from the gang at Reunion Rescue.

Good mornin' pit bulls!

Sunday morning comes early here at Reunion Rescue No-Kill Refuge. First, BeBe wakes up at 5:45 for her morning heartworm and calming herbal meatball. She has a romp in the yard and settles in for some Kong time and chewing.

Next, Peanut has his transition breakfast. He has been through so much at Spindletop, the holding center and boarding until arriving here. His stomach is upset and due to so many foods, we had a hard time finding anything he could keep down. After trying everything from the old school boiled chicken, broth, white rice and cottage cheese to a quality kibble, he finally showed some interested in canned wet cat food. Even though we feed raw, Peanut needed calories and the only way to get those calories into him was cat food.

Amber

He's moved over to high quality puppy food kibble mixed with broth and cooked chicken along with his herbal supplements, Waiora detox and a little yogurt.  He'll be a candidate for raw soon, but not right away. His little system is simply too stressed right now. Until then, we are leveling the playground with lots of Australian Bush Flower Essence Emergency and slippery elm. He will also need his own special Robert McDowell herbal treatment specific to his body and make-up.

We had a major breakthrough today, though. Since he's been here, Peanut has been very timid and growly when approached by another dog. Today, I put him in the smaller day enclosure after his ball-time in the yard.

Peanut

After Amber sniffed around the flowers and watched a butterfly, she was ready for Kong-time in the big enclosure.  I placed her in the outer segment while encouraging Peanut to remain calm. Both dogs enjoyed a couple of hours downtime in the outdoor enclosures with no growling or barking.

This was huge. In fact, it was easier to arrange these two in the crated area than it was to try and upload their photos side-by-side in this blog. It just wasn't going to happen.

Peanut is like so many dogs in shelters, timid and unsure. He was most likely taken from his litter way too early and for whatever reason, wound up at the city of Alvin Animal Shelter. This little shelter is high-kill, but they have one shining attribute in a volunteer named Julia.

Thanks to Julia, Peanut was pulled when I wrote an article about him last December. His name was Feo at the time which means 'ugly' in Spanish. We tried out Mr. Peabody for the Bullwinkle character, a dog who had his own adopted boy, Sherman. Mr. Peabody just wasn't a fit, but Peanut does seem to work. He is a little Peanut, ready for a a new beginning.

Nolan

Nolan chowed down on his big Texas breakfast, our version of the old breeder show dog trick, satin balls. I swear he's putting on weight like a champ.

He looks so much better than he did when I wrote the article about him in June. He's only been here a little over a week and is showing drastic improvement. It's amazing to me that Nolan received treatment from three vets including overnights totalling almost $2K in vet care.

With all the sonograms, x-rays, biopsies and so on, I pulled a nasty huge engorged tick from the front of his chest. The tick had been there all the while as it was filled with a thickened black goo the consistency of Texas tar.

Growing up in east Texas, I spent my early years pulling ticks off dogs, so I'm quite familiar with the signs of a long-term unwanted visitor. My question is how that huge parasite managed to go unnoticed by all those vets? I bet they wouldn't have missed an unsightly error on one of their multiple estimates.

BeBe

BeBe with all her issues, always manages to lift my mood. She has so much to overcome, but her joy of life is going to win. She loves to play ball and roll over in the grass. She is a digger and a food-ie which makes for a fun way to whip life's challenges. My money is on BeBe. I think she is going to win out and surprise us all. Raspberry defeated her demons and I have full faith BeBe can come out on top, too.

Straighten up and fly right...a day with Nolan

Nolan is the big Dane and American Bulldog mix who was saved from begin starved to death near Lake Tawakoni outside Dallas. His story was covered in my American Pit Bull Examiner column June 22 of this year, "Picture of a living Texas nightmare."

Since the day Nolan was relinquished, his life has been a roller coaster. He was on his way to Spindletop the day of the raid and luckily his foster mom turned the car around and took Nolan back to the vet office.

He is in foster care here in Austin now and a Reunion Rescue dog. Nolan was doing well even though he is high heartworm positive and being treated holistically. He was doing well on his new raw meat diet, gaining a few pounds when he stopped eating. After spending a couple of days at the vet, it was decided Nolan should undergo a sonogram and check out a spot with an aspiration.

He was a very good boy at the vet as he is everywhere he goes. He is a sweet big hearted boy and loves everyone he meets.

We are waiting for the results to come in from the lab, but the internist feels Nolan's issues stem from the heartworm infestation.

One thing is certain, for sure. Nolan has a great big heart. He is a love to be around.

How to file an attorney grievance in Texas

Reporting a lawyer for ethical and other violations is not something most of us wish to do on our Sunday mornings. According to Lawyers.com, "Lawyers are human. Sometimes they make legal errors when representing clients. Sometimes they make bad decisions and are charged with crimes. Like anyone else, they have to pay for their mistakes."

Reunion Rescue recently became the financial scapegoat of an attorney in the state of Texas. This attorney, by using privileges bestowed by the State of Texas, strong armed the publication in which Reunion publishes dog and pit bull news stories to fund the upkeep of animals in their care.

Not only did the Examiner pull several articles based on untrue claims by this attorney, but a gang of cyber bullies began attacking the rescue and it's director with harmful and false statements.

How does the Texas Bar feel about one of its own using legal standing to threaten and manipulate a citizen, a federal non profit and a criminal investigation?

The University of Houston Law Center has published a helpful Q and A for those of us without the  benefit of a legal education.

"How can I tell if a rule has been violated?"

"Any person who believes that a rule of professional conduct has been violated may file a complaint with the State Bar. The State Bar will then examine the complaint and determine whether an actual violation is claimed. Not all disputes or disagreements with lawyers involve professional misconduct, but if you believe misconduct under the rules has occurred, you should file a complaint."

"The vast majority of lawyers follow the rules. However, for those who don't, each state has a disciplinary counsel or some other body that investigates and punishes code violations"

"What can happen to an attorney who commits professional misconduct?"

"The State Bar punishes lawyers who commit professional misconduct. The nature of the punishment will vary with the seriousness of the misconduct and other factors. Punishment may include private or public reprimands, suspension or disbarment."

What can the disciplinary process do for me?

"The State Bar disciplinary process is intended to protect the general public by punishing lawyers who commit professional misconduct. However, the State Bar cannot force a lawyer to pay a debt. Nor can the State Bar force a lawyer to reduce or refund a fee. The State Bar can punish a lawyer for failing to return a client's file, but cannot force a lawyer to return the file. The State Bar cannot reverse a criminal conviction, even if the conviction was the result of lawyer misconduct. Finally, dissatisfaction with the result achieved by the attorney usually does not involve professional misconduct."

"How do I file a complaint?"

"First, you must fill out a grievance form, available from the General Counsel's local offices in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Harlingen, Houston, Midland, San Antonio, and Tyler or by mail by calling 1-800-932-1900.

It is important to know that signing the grievance form waives the attorney-client privilege, which would otherwise keep discussions between your lawyer and you confidential. Waiver of this privilege is necessary for the State Bar to review your complaint.

To file your grievance form, send it to the General Counsel's local office nearest you. If you have any questions about where to send your form, call 1-800-932-1900. Make sure you include copies of all papers important to your complaint. You may attach additional pages if your full complaint cannot be stated on the grievance form."

The State Bar of Texas website has published a very simple step by step process in which to file a complaint should anyone feel an attorney has violated their rights:

http://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=How_to_File_a_Complaint

A person would expect all those years spent studying the law would deem a respect for justice.

"Lawyers have to follow a code of ethics. Each state has its own ethics code or rules, but generally they set out how attorneys are expected to act while in their professional dealings."

The law is for everyone, not just a select few who have discovered how to manipulate the system.

The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine.