From our family to yours...

This one is a Touch Down!

WAY TO GO SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

To read this AMAZING article check out BADRAP

Loki's Christmas Wish SUCCESS!

THANK YOU!!!

A HUGE thank you to everyone that answered our call for help. Loki's Christmas Wish was an amazing success all because of you.

To those that opened their wallets we raised an amazing $625.00 for the dogs at Chilliwack Animal Control I must thank you!!!


Krista Johnston - Langley
Marilee Baxter - Duncan
Alexandra Weynerowski - Penticton
Gwen Stepanick - Cloverdale
Karli Gasiorowski - Coquitlam
Jennifer Arbo - New Westminster
K & G Custom Metal - Conway AR USA
Mike & Lori West - Vancouver
Lael Miller - Williams Lake
Barb Melnick - Maple Ridge
Diane Merenick - Maple Ridge
Rosario Brittnum - Maple Ridge
Aqua Trans - Langley


To those that rounded up toys, blankets and treats

Meghan & Shawn - Squamish
Sarah - Whistler
Caitlin & Ian -Vancouver
Kayte - Coquitlam
Gennifer & Chris - Burnaby
Lauren & Luke - Langely
Ali & Nicole - Vancouver
Simone - Vancouver
Kely - Vancouver
Sherly - Surrrey
Rachel - Pitt Meadows
Treena -Pitt Meadows
Tasha & Allen - Vancouver
Jennifer & Randy - Abbotsford
Shelagh - Vancouver
Barb - Maple Ridge

To the organizations that helped us make our money go further... much further


Michelle and Staff at Bosleys - Coquitlam
Dog & Hydrant - Vancouver
Little Mischief Rescue - Vancouver
Big Heart Rescue - Vancouver
No Puppy Mills Canada - Vancouver
RC Pet Products - Vancouver
Aron Pet Products - Abbotsford
The Beloved Dog - Burnaby
Rio Friendly Meats - Vancouver



To Arlene and Lori for helping me put together the beautiful memory book. To Kayte and Arlene who helped me haul everything out to Chilliwack and to my loving fiance who let our house become a storage locker until the big drop off.

and a hugh thank you to Trina and her staff at Chilliwack Animal Control for doing all they can with what they had to work with. We really hope that the new items will make your work at the shelter a little easier.

All our efforts...

Chilliwack Animal Control

The Kennels

The Caring Staff

The Gifts

The Happy Dogs with there new stuff

More than enough yummy bones to enjoy

This was a Christmas that the staff and dogs at Chilliwack Animal Control will never forget.

Thank you to everyone that made this event so special... and thank you Loki for teaching us all about love and trust. We miss you but know that you are with us always,
I hope we made you proud.

Merry Christmas!

HugABull On CITY TV

Look for us on City TV this Monday December 15:

Before Tigger came into HugABull, City TV aired a piece on him, his terrible abuse and how he was look for his forever home. Now that he has found it they want to do a follow-up piece.

Tigger is now living on the Island and could not make the trip over however CITY TV have talked with Tiger's adopter over the phone (with their permission of course) and they will be able to talk on the phone at the time City TV airs.

So, Monday morning, Executive Director Shelagh Begg will be heading down to the studio with Dizzy her very own rescued dog where they will be meeting with Mark Vosper from the SPCA to do a follow up on the happy ending tales of these dogs, along with some positive press for us, the SPCA and pitties!

Check this out on Monday morning at appx 7:45am

A New Name... A New Life

Gabriel, or "Gabe" is not the tough dog he looks like - this boy is a total marshmallow, and the only thing bigger than that enormous head of his is his heart!

Gabe's life has been very difficult prior to coming into HugABull's foster program. He was kept for breeding and owned by an unsavory character who was breeding dogs for fighting, and isolated in an outdoor dog run most of the time. Gabe was kept with two younger, larger dogs who beat him up, and has terrible facial scars as a result. His ears have been cropped in a terrible home-crop job, which has left him with no external ear. His tail was docked also. Despite all of this, Gabe is a gentle, loving boy, who gets on well with other dogs, including his two canine foster sisters.

Gabe is estimated to be about 7 years old, past the nonsense of puppyhood, but with plenty of good years in him yet. He's a stately gent, with beautiful house manners. Gabe is a dream in the house, and has caught onto the foster home's routines quickly. He'll make a fantastic companion for someone who's looking for a laid-back pooch to snuggle and walk with.

However, Gabe needs your help. A routine exam during his neuter appointment turned up an enlarged spleen. We've been putting him through a flurry of tests, to try and determine why his spleen is enlarged and treat the cause, and the vet bills are quickly adding up. You can help Gabe, and others like him, by donating to HugABull's Lovely Fund.

Gabe will not be available for adoption until his health issue has been resolved. However, if you would like to be considered for Gabe once he's available, please fill out and submit an application form.

Dolly's Christmas Parade

Loki's Christmas Wish Fund

Loki’s Christmas Wish Foundation was named after one of HugABull’s own. Loki was a 5 month old pup that came to HugABull from Chilliwack Animal Control. Surrendered by his previous owners Loki had been neglected and his future was uncertain. Luckily for him the team saw something in him, the determination to trust and be loved. Just days after Christmas Loki found his forever home in the arms of a loving family whose life was forever changed. Unfortunately only 3 short years later Loki was laid to rest due to health issues. From Loki’s passing came this wish from his family. “Let no dog at Christmas time go unloved or unwanted”

With that wish, each year in memory of Loki, HugABull will be collecting donations of dog beds, toys, treats, jackets, food and anything else that could give a dog something to bark about.

New or Used Items Needed

For In The Kennels

Dog Beds - Please wash if used
Blankets - Please wash if used
Jackets - Great for dogs in kennels without heat, again please wash if used.

For Some Fun

Soccer Balls
Basket Balls
Lacrosse Balls
Stuffed soft toys
Long Tug Ropes
Kongs
Ultra Balls

Treats That Will REALLY Make Their Christmas

Raw Meaty Bones - they would be in heaven
Bully Sticks - again a great chew for a lonely dog
Salmon Skin Chews
Healthy Dog Treats

If you can help with donations please email us at hugabull@gmail.com

Let's work together to make sure these dogs get the Christmas they deserve.

New Trainer In Town

Something looks very familiar with that logo and we are loving it!!

We had to give a plug to HugABull's own Executive Director who is now also the owner and lead trainer behind Dizine Canine

Shelagh Begg is a graduate pet dog trainer, having received her certification through the International Academy of Canine Trainers. She is a member of the CAPPDT, APDT, as well as Executive Director of HugABull Advocacy and Rescue Society, http://www.hugabull.com/.


Since her involvement in the canine community nearly five years ago, Shelagh has become passionate about her ability to not only teach canines, but their companions as well. Having spent over 20 professional years in customer service, Shelagh has a unique ability to connect with owners to help instill the confidence they need to have a well trained pet. Her volunteer hours of instructing HugABull’s “Pit Ed” classes have garnered successful results with handlers and their reactive dogs.


We could not be happier for her and wish her all the success in the world.

So if you are looking for someone to give you a hand with your dog, Pit Bull or not, she is the one you want to call.

Pit Ed Moves Indoors

Pit Ed is moving in doors and it's all thanks to House of Wags. With their new location comes more space and a warm place to train with the winter months close at hand.

What is Pit Ed you say?

Hugabull's Pit Ed Classes are designed specifically for your reactive pit bull. Our classes help dog and handler develop a confident, and cohesive working relationship using distraction and re-direction techniques to avoid the reactive behaviours many of these dogs display.

Total of 6 sessions, 1 hour each - Free for HugABull Alumni and only $30.00 for any Pit Bull owner.

Instructed by HugABull's Executive Director Shelagh Begg and Owner of Dizine Canine

To enroll please email hugabull@gmail.com

Pick Us!!! Pick Us!!!

Bronte

We're sad to report that due to unfortunate circumstances, this handsome boy is again looking for his forever home

Who could resist that face!!?? Bronte is one handsome boy, with a pure joy of life. His goofy antics, such as his grunts of happiness, or playing with his 'Cuz ball', has his foster mom in stitches more often than not. He loves his daily outings and is a lively ball of energy when he's outdoors playing fetch (and brings the ball back perfectly), swimming or jogging with his foster mom, but is the biggest couch potato once he gets indoors, prefering to snuggle right beside you! If you're looking for an active canine companion, but one that understands "down time", Bronte is your dog!!

Bronte has got the basics mastered, sit, down, stay, and his recall is pretty good too! He thoroughly enjoys riding in the car, especially in the passenger seat. He's got perfect food manners, and is very gentle when taking treats... which by the way, he LOVES! Bronte has got a typical pittie coat, soft and short, with very little shedding, and definately needs a coat for the outdoors during those cold winter days, and wouldn't mind a raincoat for the wet ones!

Bronte would make a great companion for an active family, who will appreciate his bully exhuberance!

If you think Bronte might be a good match for you, please visit our website and fill out an application form.

Bronte Laying In The Sun!!

Bronte & Bailey = Love

Jane

Poor Jane is still waiting for her forever family. She's not too sure why she hasn't found a home yet, and neither are we. Jane is everything you could want in a dog: affectionate, obedient, playful, and compact. With her small size, lovely house-manners, and wash-and-go coat, Jane is a ready-made companion, perfect for a single, couple or family (yes, she's great with kids!) with an active lifestyle.

Weighing in at under 40lbs, this totally portable pocket pit has tons of personality in a tiny package. This cuddly, kissy girl has a playful side too, and loves stuffed animals. She's an expert face washer and foot warmer, who longs only for someone who can appreciate her talents!
Jane is three years old, housebroken, and knows her basic commands. Jane doesn't like meeting new dog friends, and would be best as an only dog (she prefers people). However, with the right match, Jane has and can live with another dog. Jane has been making progress in our Pit Ed classes, and will benefit from having this continued by her adoptive family. Jane would also prefer a feline free environment.

If you think Janey might be a good match for you, please visit our website and fill out an application form.

Sweet as Pie No! Wait! Better than Pie... Jane!!

A day of rememberance

We want to take the time to remember those who fought and are still fighting and those who have paid the ultimate price for our country.

We are so thankful for all the sacrifices you made and continue to make so that we may have all that we have. Our sincere thanks and love.

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

We can't forget to remember Sgt Stubby

Sgt Stubby

Senior's Deserve Better

Kevlar's story is absolutely heart breaking.

We were contacted by the CRD Pound asking for assistance with a senior boy they had in their care. Kelvar is a senior who has not lived the life he should have had. With no ears and no tail due to a home crop operation this boy has lived a life that most could never dream of.

For the majority of his life Kevlar was kept by a guy who was ultimately breeding dogs for the purpose of fighting them, although Kevlars owner was not fighting his dogs he was breeding them for others to fight. (Yes! there is dog fighting in BC)

For Kevlar his life was spent kept together with three other much larger and younger unneutered males who routinely beat him to a pulp. However, Kevlar knew he could do better and on several occasions was found running at large. Kevlar eventually wound up at the shelter, permanently homeless, but finally loved by shelter staff.

Surprisingly to staff even through being repeatedly attacked by other dogs Kevlar hasn't shown any signs of aggression with the dogs in their runs. In fact Kevlar actually gets through the play yard gates to lay along side the dogs in their runs. (Note: Not all dogs that have scars are dog aggressive see BADRAP)

Staff say he is a typical Pit Bull when in his kennel he likes to stand up against his door and cry like a baby for attention.

Kevlar is up for adoption and if you are interested in opening up your home to this sweet old man you wont regret it.

Seniors are by far the hardest to place, but are the most deserving. Please think about helping to make the remaining time he has left the best he could ever hope for.

CRD Pound 250-658-5745..

Tigger

You might remember this guy from a post we had added to our blog back in July, when someone thought it would be a good idea to light him on fire. Since that story broke HugABull had been following Tiggers progress so you could imagine our surprise when the Vancouver SPCA approached us with the request for help placing him.

We where nervous about what we would find, was he a going to be a dog that was able to put what happened behind him and trust people or would we find a scared, tormented animal? To our delight in spite of receiving burns to almost 30% of his body, resulting in the amputation of his right ear, Tigger put his trust in the people that saved him, and has shown nothing but love and affection ever since. His continuing faith in humans in spite of what he's been through is a true testament to the Pit Bull breed.

Now that Tigger has had some time to heal, he is ready to start looking for his forever home. Tigger has been in foster care and has his basic obedience mastered. One of the most amazing things about Tigger is too see his love of meeting new people when going to new places. He enjoys sipping coffee at starbucks with his foster mom where he gets lots of attention from curious onlookers.

Here is what his foster mom had to say about him: Tigger is a fantastic dog, he has amazing manners in the house, he's quite low maintenance. He LOVES car rides and is good in the car when left. He greets everyone with a tail wag and a "feel free to pet me" grin. He loves balls and running like a mad man in the back yard. His leash manners are stellar, very easily correctable with squirrels, cats, etc. He is absolutely kind with the kids and loves to play with them and be close to anyone sitting still. He sits, downs, shakes a paw, sits handsome, gives a double shake paw.......and takes treats very, very gently.

To think that someone took pleasure in causing so much pain to this dog is unbelievable, but what is remarkable is that this dog holds no grudges and is showing the world the true nature of the American Pit Bull Terrier.

American Pit Bull Terriers

Their love is like no other; their heart is pure as gold.
Yet while going on a friendly walk, they're faced with stares of cold.
They're so very close to human, in how they act and what they do.
Unless you've known their devoted love, it's impossible to explain to you.
They are greatly more MISUNDERSTOOD than any other breed.
We tend to punish this loyal dog, instead of mankind's deeds.
They are always and forever clowns, with a wish for center stage.
Yet while displaying this sense of humor, most people disengage.
They, oh, so want to make new friends, and run and jump and play.
yet when they happily approach, most people shy away.
Often I've seen children poke, or hop on for a ride.
And when I felt they might get mad, they've only beamed with pride.
I've seen these children yank and pull, with nary a reaction.
Yet media's not interested, unless they've put someone in traction.
They love to snuggle up real close, to give lots of loves and kisses.
Yet they suffer more than any, from unfair prejudices.
What animal do I speak of, whose love is so unique?
If you've truly known one, you know of whom I speak.
There is no creature on this earth who will ever make you merrier.
The animal I do speak of, it's the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Author: Patty Letawsky

Puppy Love

Meet Sophie our newest HugABull pup. She has made herslef right at home at Aunty Carla's and right at home with the resident pooches.

Here are some pictures of her making herself cozy.

Coming back... and looking for a home

Sweet Sweet Bronte, is going to be coming back to HugABull.

While we are sad to see him returning we are dedicated to helping him find his new forever home.

Who could resist that face!!?? Bronte is one handsome boy, with a pure joy of life. His goofy antics, such as his grunts of happiness, or playing with his 'Cuz ball', has his foster mom in stitches more often than not. He loves his daily outings and is a lively ball of energy when he's outdoors playing fetch, bushwacking, swimming or jogging with his foster mom, but is the biggest couch potato, once he gets indoors, prefering to snuggle right beside you! If you're looking for an active canine companion, but want one that understands "down time", Bronte is your dog without a doubt!!

Bronte has got the basics mastered, sit, down, stay, and his recall is pretty good too! He thoroughly enjoys riding in the car, especially in the passenger seat. Bronte has got a typical pittie coat, soft and short, with very little shedding
Bronte gets along famously with his fussy foster sister, but is selective in who he likes when it comes to strange dogs. He would do best as the one and only dog or as a second dog with proper intros, and supervision, and the off-leash dog parks aren't for him. Bronte needs a breed experienced owner who will truly appreciate his bully exuberance!

Fan Mail

We love receiving mail from families like this, and check out the pictures!!

We love Hug-A-Bull, since becoming owners of a beautiful pitty named Dexter we have tried hard to educate others on what a great breed pit bulls are.

For Halloween there was nothing else we would do then show our support!! See our pics of hug-a-bull.

Sincerely,
The McKnight-Chalmers Family.

Halloween & Dogs

Just a reminder that with Halloween only days away things can get pretty scary for your k-9 companion.

Having worked in the shelter system i have seen first hand what happens to those dogs whose owners do not take the proper steps to keep their dogs safe and secure.

Firecrackers while fun for humans, can be very scary for dogs. If you are planning on taking your son or daughter out trick or treating, please leave fido at home secure in the house.

Never leave your dog outside alone on Halloween, many get spooked by the loud noises and end up getting out and lost. With so many people dressed up in scary costumes it is easy for dogs to get confused and injured.

For dogs that are extra spooked at loud noises, you can try adding a little Rescue Remedy to their collar or a bandana to help calm their nerves. This can be purcased at your local drug store easily.

The safest and best place for your dog on Halloween is inside your house with a bone to chew on and a warm bed to relax on.

If you are going to be having kids coming to your door, make sure your dog has the obedience manners to stay sitting at a location in your home where they can not end up rushing out the door if spooked by a noise of child in costume.

Keep Fido Safe & Happy Halloween

HugABull Hounds Looking For Homes

Meet the HugABull Hounds

Tigger! You might remember this guy from the news a few months ago, when someone thought it would be a good idea to light him on fire. In spite of receiving burns to almost 30% of his body, resulting in the amputation of his right ear, Tigger put his trust in the people that saved him, and has shown nothing but love and affection ever since. His continuing faith in humans in spite of what he's been through, is a true testament to the Pit Bull breed.

Handsome Hugh Hefner is a sweet and charming boy whose amazing personality and drop dead good looks are breaking hearts all over town. This loveable character wiggled his way into our program all the way from a shelter up North and just like his two brothers before him Hugh is a dog with an amazing personality.

Our newest little lady Sophie! She is not available yet but will be after she has settled in and has learned some puppy manners. Keep your eyes open for this little angel, she is as sweet as she looks.

Poor Jane is still waiting for her forever family. She's not too sure why she hasn't found a home yet, and neither are we. Jane is everything you could want in a dog: affectionate, obedient, playful, and compact. With her small size, lovely house-manners, and wash-and-go coat, Jane is a ready-made companion, perfect for a single, couple or family (yes, she's great with kids!) with an active lifestyle.

If you are interested in any of these dogs please fill out an application form

HugABull Calenders are on the way!!!!

HUGABULL CALENDERS ARE ON THERE WAY!!!

THIS YEAR WE HAVE TO THANK
DOG & HYDRANT & UNLEASHED PET PORTRAITS

FOR THEIR HARD WORK

PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY!!!!

ONLY $20.00