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Monday, October 13, 2008

CELEBRATE YOUR PIT BULL!

We put on our last shot fair of the year yesterday in Vallejo. We didn’t quite know how many dogs to expect as we had never done a shot fair in Vallejo before and this was our first (of many!) shot fair that we’d organized on our own, so we called it a “Celebrate Your Pit Bull” shot fair event. Because it was our first fair in Vallejo, our goal was mainly to start building a relationship with the community and support Vallejo’s pit bull owners.

How did it go, you ask?

PHEWF! Although the 2-hour fair officially started at noon, when I got there just after 10 a.m., there was already a line forming, and people were overheard mentioning that they wanted to be one of the first 50 people because we advertised the first 50 microchips were free. While people were waiting in line for their dogs to be vaccinated, Tim talked to everyone about training and offered support and answers to their questions. A number of people were very appreciative and interested in signing up for BAD RAP’s new pit ed classes in Vallejo, taught by Linda.

In the end, 75 pit bulls and pit bull mixes were vaccinated, at least 60 were microchipped, and we gave away just over 50 vouchers for a free spay/neuter surgery. Most people were more than willing to get their pit bulls spayed and neutered – the biggest obstacle was the expense. And what an expense it is, too! When I called around to find general spay/neuter prices in Vallejo, a city that recently filed for bankruptcy, it ranged from $250 to $550!

The event was truly an example of what can happen when people and groups come work together for a common goal. We couldn’t have done it without the help of the Greater Vallejo Recreation Department, the Benicia-Vallejo Humane Society, Vallejo Animal Control, Ms. Diana Lang, and of course, our BAD RAP volunteers who make things look so easy! Even Vallejo City Council members Stephanie Gomes (who personally helped hang doorhangers in and around town!) and Michael Wilson came to support the event and offer their help.

What a great day for the both the Vallejo community and pit bull owners! We’re so looking forward to next year’s fairs!

10 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:36 PM

    Thank you so much BADRAP for all that you do and in particular what you did on Sunday in Vallejo. I was able to bring my 2 dogs and get them vacinated. Your kindness and education was very appreciated and I hope you have continued success. It's a great service that you provide. I have had pittbulls before and find them to be very loving and caring animals who are very much family members.
    Thank you again for everything you do.
    Loretta Brando and Talia
    Vallejo

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  2. Anonymous8:51 PM

    I just wAnted to say thank you for the opportunity, my boyfriend, sister and I were within the first 10 people there, we really appreciated it Thanks again

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  3. congratulations on the success! if and when i ever move back to california, i'm pretty sure bad rap has convinced me to make it back to the northern territories just so i can be a part of this community in any way i can.

    after 8 years in new york city, i'm terrified of beautiful weather and home ownership, but for pit bulls, i just may do it!

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  4. Anonymous11:12 PM

    Great job guys! It is so important that people with pit bulls understand that pit puppies are amongst the list of breeds that is more succeptible to parvo, so vaccines are very important. Never take your puppy anywhere in public unless you carry him until he has had his vaccines. We see parvo puppies at work, and unfortunately, it doesn't always end well. Also, when you start your vaccine clinics up again, I am an RVT and would be willing to lend a helping hand giving shots, as well as some friends of mine.

    You do great things!
    Natalie

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  5. Anonymous8:38 AM

    Just a quick note for the folks in the south bay. The San Jose Animal Care Center on Monterey Highway is having a low cost rabies vaccine clinic this Saturday from 9-1. I believe that the cost is $6. If your dogs or cats are due for rabies vaccines, this is a great, low cost way for them to get them! The shelter is located behind the fairgrounds, just south of Umbarger Rd.

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  6. Hey Natalie,

    Thanks for the offer! Shoot me an email, will you? I'd like to keep your contact info on hand for next year. christine@badrap.org

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  7. Anonymous9:57 AM

    Great Job Guys!!!

    Keep up the good work. Nothing says "I love my Pit" more then showing others in/around the community what friendly and loving animals they are. And bravo to the owners who took the time to get their dogs spayed/neutered. you are all doing the right thing in keeping the good pitbull word alive!!!!!!

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  8. Wow this is so amazing. You make this look too easy! If only other cities across the country would take notice and do the same thing. Great job!

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  9. Thankz alot bad rap I had the first three dogs and me,my girlfriend, and sister didnt even kno about the microchiping until vaccines were about to start i was just wondering how i was gonna get her chiped

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  10. Anonymous7:40 AM

    This is great news and outreach that EVERY community needs! Thanks BADRAP for all that you do (as always). Here's a good piece that we can celebrate as positive press for pibbles...and BADRAP has a cameo. Check it out at:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGairk18L8g

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