The work intensive jam sessions of 'Camp' have been especially gratifying because they give shelter staffers hands-on opportunities to work on learning projects that matter: Everything from exercises to keep kenneled dogs content and well socialized, to setting up dog play dates, to running a public training class and a spay/neuter outreach event in low income neighborhoods. Then the real fun happens - After our guests go home, we get to watch them implement lasting change in their home shelters as a result of what they learned.Budget Challenges
With shrinking animal control budgets, covering the travel/housing costs of internships can be the biggest obstacle to seeding progressive bay area practices in other cities. In 2011, we were honored to receive a grant from PetSmart Charities to bring shelter workers here via a partnership with Best Friends Animal Society for a busy four days of instruction. But the cost to house them ate up a big chunk of the budget (over 10K) - money that could've gone to other pressing needs - like, providing more free spay/neuters for low income neighborhoods.
Enter the Unexpected Pit Bull Calendar. This generous group of dog loving photographers from organization HeARTs Speak pour their hearts into incredible calendar photos and then give 100% of the profits away to rescue groups. One hundred percent of proceeds donated!Last year, the UPBC helped us build an addition on our Rescue Barn, which gave us laundry and allowed us to save the lives of some very special dogs including Star.
In the new year, their generosity continues. Thanks to the UPBC's vision, we've been able to buy ... drumroll please ... on-site accommodations for interns in the form of this small guest cabin! How fabulous is that? The cabin will make Pit Ed Camp more affordable and will also allow us to welcome out-of-area adopters and other special visitors. Look how cute this thing is! It will live right next to the Rescue Barn so - of course - the foster dogs will also get a chance to try out real world house skills with visiting guests. Would we have it any other way?
We're thrilled, delighted and downright giddy about the chance to continue this important work and help other communities get the info they need to help their dogs back home. Thank you Unexpected Pit Bull Calendar!
A note about internships: Although the cabin won't be here until after our winter rains end, we're happy to hear from shelter workers and rescue groups who hope to gain experience in favorite methods and polices practiced by BADRAP and our community partners. One of our criteria is that attendees have the authority and their supervisors' blessings to make changes in their shelters based on what they learn in camp. If you have interest, please let us know so we can alert you to dates in 2012. contact@badrap.org
14 comments:
This is absolutely fantastic!! I wish you much success on this very needed mission :)
Wonderful news and what a wonderful partnership. People working together like that can do amazing things. I volunteer at an animal shelter and of course the majority of dogs there are what the shelter thinks are pit bulls and mixes/young dogs. It is heartbreaking. We try to walk them all as much as possible but all the dogs are so full of energy and they just need a break and someone to train them and give them plenty of exercise and structure. This shelter has come a long way but there still is a long way to go to get people to be more responsible dog owners and breeders of dogs. These dogs have so much love to give and it breaks your heart to see them reach out for attention. Thankfully though at this shelter they spay/neuter the animals before they get adopted & microchip the animals. That is some good news. Thanks for all you do. Thanks for showing us the good that comes from donating.
I have Kane looking over my shoulder in my cube. I love this calendar. The size is perfect for jotting down appointments and the photos are gorgeous. Hoping to make it out your way in 2012 for my friend's exhibit at the Oakland Museum.
That is AWESOME news!
You're welcome! I bought the UPBC this year and chose you guys to get the donation. From all the way over here in Maine, I can see what a great job you all at Bad Rap are doing for these dogs! THANK YOU!
I'm thankful that you are able to keep an eye on the big picture, even as the here and now beats down your door. Figuring out how to make limited dollars go further over the long run is critical, and this is a great example of that!
Perhaps residents of the bay area would be welcome to letting a guest stay with them during the workshops? I know I would welcome a visitor if it meant saving money for this very important cause... maybe you already thought of this- but had to throw it out there just in case :)
How do I get a calendar?
You all are doing so much with so little in a great way with an amazing philosophy! You should be giving corporate talks on how to lead and innovate.
Soooo hella stoked to have helped in this rad and wonderful project.Go Bad Rap go!!
Does the cabin have a name or title yet? What a great idea. Maybe something else-not quite as attractive as the cabin--would be travel trailers. I LIVED in one once and they are usually very space efficient and comfortable. Maybe you could put out a call for donations of well kept travel trailers that are no longer used. The donor could get a tax write off, no?
I am beyond excited about this! Your dedication to these wonderful dogs is beyond amazing. Thank you for all you do, and please know how much you have touched my life in so many ways. Please sign me up for my reservation!!
I really love your blog and will follow it from now on!
I love Pit Bull and I'm so glad you are taking a good care of them!
Can I move in? :o)
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