Hello all,
Finally got around to joining this forum after being recommended to it by Jill E.
My name is Noelle and I have (as best as anyone can tell) a ~4 year old Am Staff/Beagle mix named Tallulah. You may have seen her as "Miss November" alongside the lovely Jill E. in this year's pin-up calendar! Such a proud moment. My goofy little bully girl went from the streets to almost being euthanized in an overcrowded shelter to posing in a calendar and prepping to be a therapy dog. She's such a gem I don't understand how anyone could have abandoned her. Of course that's true with so many of these fantastic bulls, isn't it? And that's one of the reasons I love them so much: they can be abused and neglected but if re-homed are full of nothing but love and smiles (and desire for the cushy part of the couch).
When I was finally able to start looking for a dog of my own I began by fostering for Buffalo Humane. They are such a terrific organization and they work closely with Educate-A-Bull. Knowing how bad the bully situation is, I'm leaning towards wanting to help this breed more specifically. Unfortunately I work long hours and live in an apartment, otherwise I would do more fostering. Someday I hope to have enough land to be able to do a bit more. In the meantime I try and educate others about the breed and the necessity for spay/neuter. People need to know that this is a gentle, loving breed and a great family dog.
Thanks to all of you for encouraging the love and enthusiasm for our bully friends! I look forward to learning a lot from you.
-Noelle Rose (and Tallulah!)
Rochester, NY