Welcome Lesley Bailey back to the PitCrew!

Good morning, my beautiful pittie-loving people!

Paula Jean Wagglesworth here - giving ya’ll the 411 on what’s new with the PitCrew.

Almost two weeks ago, we had a bit of a shake up at the rescue.  Aunt D decided to resign :-O   We were all shocked and surprised at this sudden news - not to mention, what were we gonna do without Aunt D to take care of us?!

But - Mom and Dad were looking out for us, and were on the search for a new pibble caretaker, ASAP.  Lo and behold - the stars were aligned, and an old friend rejoined our pack.  I was finally able to sit down with her for a while yesterday and talk to her a bit.

Lesley first began with Shaw PBR all the way back in the beginning… some nine years ago. (Side note - wow! Has it really been that long?!)  Her family helped the early adopt-a-bulls in many different ways - fostering, intakes, daily care, gravel work - all aspects.  Back then, it wasn’t as ‘easy’, either! Gravel was transferred via old water buckets and a cart - oh my!! Nowadays, Dad still uses a bucket, but a big ole bucket attached to a tractor!

When I asked how it felt being back with the PitCrew, Lesley said, “Every since I met Aimee & Kenneth, and joined Shaw PBR, they have been my family and taught me so much about pittie breeds. Now that I’m back, I realized there is nowhere else I’d rather be.  These furbabies are my life. They make each and every day worth it. They motivate and inspire me to push on further, no matter what life might toss my way.”

Awww, that makes me feel all tingly inside!!

Lesley told me that for the last 20+ years, she has dedicated her life to dogs and all that consists of.  She has worked with different rescue and shelter groups, and has furthered her career by becoming a licensed dog trainer/canine behaviorist, and groomer - specializing in difficult to groom dogs (ahem, Che….. lol)

“I feel like every dog deserves a chance - whether that be a good haircut for a dog who hates being groomed, or little extra tlc for one who has been abused/neglected,” said Lesley.  “The pitties bring me peace. There is so much hope in them. I want to do right by them - help in any way I can to make them feel whole again. Rehabilitate, motivate, and inspire them.”

Now, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m thinking this new chapter in our lives is going to turn out great.  We were dealt a big blow, but today is a new day.

“Together we can make a difference - and that’s all that matters.”  You are so right, Aunt Lesley.  It definitely takes a village.  Or a PitCrew - and we are glad you are back!

Paula Jean Wagglesworth

Shaw PBR Reporter

May 21, 2012 - The day that started it all.

This was the day that 11 pit bulls were seized from a home in Caledonia and put to sleep without a chance of finding a new home. Let me clarify, I am not blaming the Humane Society - it was their policy (at that time) not to adopt out pit bulls. However, it was this event that put the idea in my mind that a local American Pit Bull Terrier rescue was necessary. Little did I know that it was going to come to fruition much sooner than I thought!

We ran our first ad in The Real Story Aug. 15. We received six surrendered pit bulls the following Sunday, Aug. 19. What originally began as “we can only house one pit bull at a time” quickly got blown out of the water! But we can’t turn our back on a pit bull in need. Apparently, there was a great need for a local pit bull rescue operation!

Starting this rescue has been pretty labor-intensive, but it is also richly rewarding on many levels. Finding a new, loving home for a rescued pit bull represents a victory in our life-saving work. Every person we reach with our message of compassion and care for these wonderful dogs will share it with others...and that ripple of compassion will keep growing and growing. That, in itself, is reward enough for what we are trying to do.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever does” (Margaret Mead).
Of course, our general love and appreciation of the breed has fueled our devotion to them over the last 30 years. We originally bred American Pit Bull Terriers, but when the wrong crowd started showing interest in our dogs, we stopped. We had no idea about over-population (which is growing at an astonishing rate, day-by-day for bully breeds). We assumed most all that bred dogs were educated in that particular breed, bloodline, temperament, genetics, etc. Boy, were we wrong!

There are so many reasons I could list as far as why we are advocates for 'pit bulls'; but I'll refrain :O) I guess the main reason is because there are so many that hate them, even tho they have never met one in person, or want to. And that just breaks my heart. All dogs show and feel love; but in my experience, none are like the American Pit Bull Terrier. They are such characters, goofy clowns, smart asses, and snuggle buddies. I want everyone to experience the love and companionship they can offer - or at least hear me talk about it constantly, lol!

We lose our minds sometimes; and the indifference and basic ignorance makes us want to rip our hair out of our heads and run screaming for the hills. There have been many times we almost decided to give up. But then along comes another dog that needs our help; or we see photos or videos of those we have helped over the years in their new, forever homes, living the high life - and that's the fuel we need to keep on going.

One of my favorite rescue poems ends with the words... "We rescue them; and they SAVE us." It's the God's honest truth.

Owners and Founders Kenneth and Aimee Shaw