10 Reasons Why You Should Adopt a Pitbull

Let’s just get the pink elephant out of the way now: Pitbulls have a bad reputation. This stereotype is just that – the “big, scary pitbull” stereotype is a foolish theory, just like most stereotypes. No matter the breed, every dog’s mentality and temperament are shaped from the story of its life and environment combined with its genetics. Are they the right type of dog for everyone? Of course not. Being a pitbull owner requires commitment, a thick skin, and an even bigger heart. What a lot of people don’t know or fail to realize, is that in the right hands, pitbulls can be the most caring and affectionate pet you’ll ever have. They have big personalities and are very loving, loyal, easy to care for, hilarious, trainable, and more. They truly encompass everything a great dog should be!

 

1.     YOU’LL NEVER FEEL UNLOVED – PREPARE FOR AN OVERLOAD OF LOVE AND AFFECTION

Pitbulls are extremely affectionate, loving, and devoted animals. Their zest for life is truly infectious. They like to cuddle, wiggle, and give you kisses. And, don’t forget about that incredible pittie smile! Pitbulls are smart and very in-tune with human emotion – they like to remind you regularly of how they much they love you. Pitbulls have a ton of personality and appreciate their owner’s attention and approval more than anything. You truly can’t have a bad day with a pitbull. Why? Just take one look at them – their huge smile and flopping tongue will undoubtedly make you smile as well.

 

2.     SNUGGLE BUGS: CUDDLING IS NOT OPTIONAL

Repeat: No matter where you are, the bed or the couch, cuddling IS mandatory! Pitbulls are GREAT cuddlers, so you may need to consider a different breed if you aren’t a fan of snuggling up close with your dog. We’re pretty sure pitbulls have a cuddle gene in their DNA, because impromptu cuddle sessions are very frequent and necessary!

 

3.     PITBULLS LOVE PEOPLE AND CHILDREN

Pitbulls are lovers! Since the 1900s, pitbulls were given the title of “Nanny Dogs” because they are natural caretakers. Many tend to show particular affection towards children, understanding their vulnerability and being a warmhearted companion to them. This is also why they make great family pets, because they are so devoted to their family. It’s always super encouraging to watch someone’s reaction when meeting a loving pitbull, especially when the pitbull is better behaved and affectionate than other dog breeds that they have experienced. Of course, it is worth mentioning all dogs should always be supervised when around children, regardless of breed.

 

4.     PITS HAVE BIG PERSONALITIES – THEY’RE HILARIOUS, FRIENDLY, AND FUN

Pitties make sure you never go a day without smiling. They are goofy and love to make us laugh by clowning around. They are natural entertainers, whether that’s their intention or not. Their expressive faces and charming antics make them great companions. Pits are fun and playful – even as they get older, they love to play around. They are extremely friendly, always wagging those big tails and quickly bond very strongly to their owners.

 

5.     PITBULLS ARE RIDICULOUSLY LOYAL AND ALWAYS EAGER TO PLEASE YOU

If there was one word to describe a pitbull, it would be “loyal”. When you visit a shelter, you won’t find another type of dog that is happier to see you than a pitbull. A best friend is all a pitbull is searching for, and they are eager to quickly grant that honor to you when you choose them. Still doubtful? Reach out to Friends to the Forlorn and come meet a few of them; our dogs will undoubtedly speak for themselves.

 

6.     PITTIES ARE HIGHLY INTELLIGENT AND EASILY TRAINABLE

Pitbulls are easy to work with and super smart; they learn quickly and pick up proper training very well. They crave consistency, structure, and strong guidance from their human. Give them that and watch them thrive. Pitbulls have gone on to become therapy and service dogs, agility champions, search & rescue dogs, and even military heroes. Pits are great listeners and, when their training in consistent, they will amaze you with their obedience skills – and maybe teach you a thing or two as well!

 

7.     PITBULLS ARE SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES

Pitbulls can be very sociable dogs. Many love meeting people and even other animals. They are eager and quick to make new friends and are typically quick to trust others. They tend to love human contact, so if you’re a people-person their friendly personality is a perfect companion match for you. When your pittie sees you being social with another person, they will often follow your lead and treat your friend in the same manner with plenty of kisses, wiggles, and excitement, which is also another great way to spread the awareness about how great pitbulls truly are.

 

8.     PITBULLS LOVE SPORTS, ACTIVITIES, AND EXERCISE

Pitbulls are typically athletic by nature and generally love to exercise just as much as they love to lay around and snuggle on the couch. Their drive for activity, stimulating the mind as well as burning off some energy, helps to keep their owners active as well. They are muscular and fit, and typically excel in agility and weight-pulling. If you are looking for a new jogging partner, a pitbull could be your dog! Just be aware their shorter snouts can cause them to be sensitive to heat, so know the signs of overheating and be prepared with lots of water and cool air. No worries if you’re not a runner, pitbulls are also happy with a walking pace. Many pitbulls also love to swim if you have the opportunity to provide them with a cool pool, lake, or even creek. They just need to exert their energy and prefer to do so while bonding time with their owner – you’ll instantly notice how happy it makes them!

 

9.     PITBULLS ARE LOW MAINTENANCE, HEALTHY, AND EASY-GOING DOGS

As a diversified dog, pitbulls typically have had the advantages of vast and extensive genetics. The ancestors of pitbulls were working dogs due to their strength and long life expectancies, descending mainly from farming lifestyles. Minimal grooming? Yes, please. With short coats, pitbulls only shed moderately and just require regular bathing, nail clipping, and ear cleaning. They don’t tend to have health disorders like some other large dog breeds thanks to often having DNA made up of different types of dogs, and, as long as they exercise regularly, they are normally satisfied living in any home setting.

 

10.   PITBULLS ARE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL – THEY WILL THANK YOU DAILY FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIFE

When you adopt your pitbull, your life will never be the same. It will be changed forever because from that day you bring your pitbull to their forever home, they will return the favor and spend every day of the rest of their lives rescuing you right back. They cling to their owners with fierce loyalty. They will stay by your side all day and night, giving you all their love, and are there for you no matter what.

 

It’s so unfortunate that there is an extreme overpopulation of pitbulls and simply not enough good homes to offset the need. Whether it be encouraging responsible ownership, supporting spay/neuter, providing proper training, or educating owners so they can keep their pets, we all have to work together to save these amazing animals and help them spend their lives in loving, furever homes. At Friends to the Forlorn, our goal is to help them do just that!

Thankfully, there are a lot of people who have joined us in educating the public about the breed and are helping to dismiss the negative stereotypes and false myths. Even if you aren’t able to adopt just yet, please take this opportunity to spread the word about wonderful pitbulls really are. Spreading awareness and education is crucial to saving the lives of the dogs we love.

Ready to make a pitbull part of your family? Visit our Adopt page to learn how you can give one of our pitbulls a second chance and adopt the best friend you’ll have ever have!


Friends to The Forlorn Pitbull Rescue Commits $130,000 to Spay & Neuter Program in Paulding County

Metro Atlanta rescue organization earmarks winnings from national fundraising competition and grant toward animal welfare through spay & neuter program.

JUNE 11, 2019 (ATLANTA, GA) – Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull Rescue, a nonprofit rescue organization based out of Dallas, Georgia with a reputation for community and spay & neuter outreach, is designating $130,000 toward spay & neuter for dogs and cats in Paulding County.

To support or receive help through the Friends to the Forlorn Spay & Neuter Program visit us at www.friendstotheforlorn.org/spay-neuter.

Friends to the Forlorn raised the majority of these funds through the 2019 Fund the Shelters Challenge. The rescue placed 2nd in the national fundraising competition, out of over 100 organizations, raising $221,768 in donations and winning over $35,000 in prize money. Friends to the Forlorn is splitting the money raised in the Challenge between its spay & neuter program and capital campaign to build FTTF’s own shelter. The BISSELL Partners for Pets Program contributed another $5,025 in grant funding for FTTF’s Spay & Neuter Program.

The rescue’s founder, Jason Flatt, will be making a presentation at the Paulding County Commissioner’s Meeting on Thursday, June 13 at the Paulding County Board of County Commissioners Office to officially allocate these funds toward fixing pets in Paulding County. This meeting is open to the public.

Since its start nearly 10 years ago, Friends to the Forlorn has fixed over 6,000 pets for families in Paulding County and Metro Atlanta, at no cost to the community. The rescue’s spay & neuter efforts have made an impact in Paulding County, helping reduce animal control intake and euthanization numbers as well as educating the public on the importance of spay & neuter as part of responsible pet ownership.

About Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull Rescue, Inc.
Founded by Jason Flatt in 2009, Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull Rescue is a volunteer-based 501c3 rescue and animal welfare organization based out of Dallas, Georgia. The mission of Friends to the Forlorn is to promote responsible pitbull ownership, provide breed education, combat pet overpopulation, fight unfair legislation, find qualified homes for sound pitbull-type dogs and other dogs in need in Georgia, and help people and animals within our community. To date, FTTF has rescued and found loving homes for over 600 dogs.

Media Inquiries
Stacey Greenwald
stacey@friendstotheforlorn.org

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Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull Rescue Hosts 6th Annual Candlelight Vigil & After Party on November 3

SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 (ATLANTA, GA) – The 6th annual Candlelight Vigil and After Party will take place on November 3, 2018, at the Strand Theatre in Marietta. The event is hosted by Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull Rescue, Inc. Atlanta rescue & welfare partner organizations, advocates, and pet families will come together to do more to help animals. Join animal welfare leaders and celebrate the collaborative success in honor of the animals we were not able to save.

“I always thought someone should do something about that…then I realized, I am that someone”, describes founder Jason Flatt. Be part of the Forlorn Family and be that someone too.

This kid-friendly event includes a FREE screening of The Champions documentary, meet and greets, and educational sessions with Best Friends Blood Bank, Dog Safety for Kids with Millie Travis, and Dog Nutrition from The Good Dog Company & Shoppe. The Candlelight Vigil event is also free and will be followed by a celebratory party. The guest speaker for this year’s Vigil is Jamie Beuhrle: pitbull mom, advocate and wife of MLB pitcher Mark Beuhrle, whose family is featured in The Champions.

The After Party will feature a silent auction, raffle, food by Ibiza Catering, and music by Kristin Tinsley. After Party tickets start at $25 for general admission, $60 for VIP, $10 for kids 7-14, and free for kids 6 and under. Sponsorships opportunities are available.

For more information & tickets visit www.friendstotheforlorn.org/vigil2018.


About Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull Rescue, Inc.

Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull Rescue, Inc. (FTTF) was incorporated in 2009 as a non-stock, nonprofit corporation with Federal Tax Exemption as a public charity under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. FTTF relies solely on donations for the care of the rescued dogs admitted into our organization. Our mission is to promote responsible pitbull ownership, provide breed education, combat pet overpopulation, fight unfair legislation, find qualified homes for sound pitbull-type dogs and other dogs in need in Georgia, and help people and animals within our community. FTTF has rescued and found loving homes for over 600 dogs, and spayed/neutered over 5,000 dogs and cats at no cost to the community. FTTF recently kickstarted a trap-neuter release (TNR) program for feral cats in Paulding County.

Media Contact:
Lauriel Leonard
404-409-5904
lauriel@friendstotheforlorn.org

 

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See Beautiful: Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull Rescue Creates Beautiful From Unexpected Places

Written by Jordan Sutherlin for FTTF
Edited by Rachel McLeroy for See Beautiful

Forlorn: pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely.

The word forlorn isn’t one that you would to describe beauty. However, beauty from despair is exactly what Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull Rescue strives to create. FTTF was founded in 2009 after founder Jason Flatt learned the plight of the pit bull. Pit bulls are the breed that even dog lovers love to hate. These dogs are discriminated against, abused, discarded, and forgotten, but we seek to step in and change fate for these pups. Read more…