Pay It Forward

Special thanks to Jodi Preis for her unending push for awareness and education!

With Labor Day and the SEMO District Fair comes a sort of closing for summer. Schools are back in session and we turn our attention to the business of getting fall under way. With fall comes anticipation of the National Pit Bull Awareness month of October.

In 2007 Jodi Preis of Bless the Bullys launched the idea for a national day of recognition for a breed which has been buried in misinformation and destroyed by the thousands because of ignorance and fear. October 25, 2014 will be the official day of recognition but the entire month of October has become synonymous with Pit Bulls. This is the time of year advocates are encouraged to make an extra effort in showing the public what the Pit Bull is supposed to be and the reality of this most misunderstood breed.

Southeast Missouri is diligent in addressing the need for education and awareness year round. On October 18, 2014 beginning at 1:00 pm the Pit Bull advocates will be presenting Pay It Forward in honor of National Pit Bull Awareness month as a means of thanking all those who have shown unwavering support of the American Pit Bull Terrier. Petco of Cape Girardeau, also a huge supporter of canine education will be hosting this event.

Plans have just begun but the idea is a simple one. Groups from around our area such as the Caruthersville Humane Society and the SEMO Rescue Alliance will be in attendance to share the message of what their groups stand for and the vision they have for the future of their individual organizations. We hope to add other groups who have been equally key in the preservation of the Pit Bull as well as representatives of the breed engaged in service fields some might find surprising. We are inviting representatives of ALL dog breeds which may also carry a stigma because of size and perceived tendencies which may not be correct.

This will be a fund raising event for the participating groups. Yvonne Roman of the Perry Animal Welfare Society has made a generous donation of a beautiful quilt which will be drawn for at the end of this event. Ticket sales have begun. You will find other craftsmen on hand sharing their amazing artistic abilities.

Rochelle Steffen will be on hand representing I Am Pitbull Strong with her unique items which are one of a kind and will truly bring a smile to your face. All funds raised by Mac's "grunts" (as they are lovingly called) go toward bettering the lives of our canine companions.

Drake will make his second appearance in the Kiss a Bull for a Buck booth. Not to worry about him being a novice kisser he is more than up to the challenge. As a matter of fact, his idea of kissing can last as long as your face can stand it, so you can be assured of getting your money's worth in Pit Bull kisses.

As the guest list and the fund raising participants grow, we will be sharing updates on this first of its kind event. We already have animal control officer Sarah Fomby on hand to share insight from the perspective of someone who must deal with dogs at large and someone who is also familiar with the challenges of rescue. Sarah is more than a bit experienced with the irresponsibility of some pet owners and can offer advice for those who find their pets at risk through no fault of their own. You will find this event to be both informative and helpful in facing the special challenges of being an owner of dogs condemned by nothing more than the way they look.

I am very proud and excited to announce this upcoming event. I send my deepest gratitude to Jenn Jeffries and Petco for their unending support of the American Pit Bull Terrier and all dogs threatened by ignorance and fear!