My Friendly Pets

Rachael Ray is one of those people either really like or really don’t like. I myself, think she is pretty good. I love watching her 30 minute meals (mine never turn out as good as hers) and I wish I could visit some of the cities she does for $40 a day!!!

But today I was especially impressed. On her daily talk show, Rachael brought on a guest, Donna Reynolds, who is the co-founder of BadRap (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible about Pit-Bulls). Donna’s organization was one that got involved early on with the Michael Vick dogfighting tragedy. Read more about it here.

The BadRap organization became involved early on with the plight of these dogs and in December of 2007, BadRap was given permanent custody of 10 of the dogs siezed from BadNewz Kennels. Donna and her colleagues were there from the beginning to assist with the evaluation of the dogs as well as to try and coordinate training and placement for these animals that had been through so much. Many of the dogs were going to be euthanized, but through much legal work and devotion to this cause, so many of the dogs were saved.

The dogs have gone through intensive behavioral, obedience, and socialization training and according to Donna, these dogs are ready for loving homes. Donna spoke with Rachael at length and explained the efforts that have gone into rescuing so many of these dogs and how, for the first time, the dogs were evaluated and treated as victims of terrible crimes. Usually in the case of dogfighting, the dogs are kept only as evidence until the case against the accused is complete and then the dogs are destroyed. Thanks to a very experience animal rights attorney and true angels that would serve as guardians, many of these dogs were spared.

Both Donna and Racheal (a pit-bull lover, as she has one of her own) want people to get involved with this cause and understand the suffering and cruelty that these animals experienced. But they also want people to understand that these dogs need a second chance. They haven’t been scarred for life. They can love and be loved and need the home and families who will love and adore them for the wonderful pets that they can be. Thank you Donna Reynolds and thank you Rachael Ray for showcasing this cause and reminding people about Michael Vick and the atrocities that he committed.

Above is my pit, who we too love and miss as he left us way too soon!! Check out the article on Rachael’s show by clicking here.