How often do pit bull survivors from fighting rings get headlines that call them a "A phenomenal dog" with "a huge heart?"We're saluting the passing of most wonderful Bad Newz Kennels survivor 'Red' today, who made a home in Monterey County after hitching a ride on the famous cross country RV trip that brought 13 Vick dogs to a new beginning in CA. Red did some amazing work changing minds in this part of the country before finally dying of cancer early this week. We'll always be grateful to the SPCA for Monterey County for saying 'Yes' to Vick's dogs, way back before any of us knew what they would be like. Bravo Monterey. And thank you Red. Godspeed, little man.
Phatman Part III
Our happy traveler has made his way to the east coast. Phatman made his patriotic pilgrimage to the White House and various landmarks in D.C. before escaping to the beauty of the coast. Cindy's photos are so beautiful that we had to put them in a slideshow to show them off proper. Take a look-see below. This pup sure is giving us the travel bug.
From Cindy: After beautiful beach weather in Wrightsville Beach, NC we traveled up to Washington DC. It was the beginning of the Cherry Blossom festival. Phatman visited the Lincoln Memorial, the National Monument and the White House. Then after a quick visit to Pennsylvania we were off to Boston where he saw Fenway Park and the Boston Harbor. From there we drove up the coast of Maine (absolutely beautiful) where he had another beach day at York Beach and visited a light house in Portland.
When we were walking around downtown Portland we met Connie - a fan of Badrap. From sea to shining sea!!
Today he went to Lake Champlain in Vermont and next we'll be off to Niagra Falls, New York. Almost everywhere we've been, especially Savannah, Boston, Maine, and DC, people from little kids to grandmas want to meet him. We have people constantly stopping us to ask what kind of dog he is, ("is that a Pit Bull??"), can they pet him, and to tell him what a handsome boy he is. It's been amazing. Occasionally you hear someone saying "did you see the head on that dog?" as they're passing by (and I laugh) but most people just want to love all over him and he's been loving all the attention.
Phatman's Latest Photos
Love, love, love the photos of Phatman!!! What a lucky guy to have his picture taken at Fenway Park. What a lucky family to have such a wonderful dog!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great pictures of DC! It made my day to hear that Phatman is being well received, especially in DC. What a head he has. Looks like they timed it well, its going to be 90 here today. I'm sorry to hear of the loss of Red, but as a cancer survivor I would agree with their decision.
ReplyDeleteCondolences to Red`s family and to all who knew and loved him.
ReplyDeleteThanks to his rescuers.
Phatman is 'phat'astic.Can you imagine the dreams he`s going to have when he gets back home.It`s great that most want to meet him and pat that big head of his.
Those are great photos. They could make a calendar out of them!
ReplyDeleteThis is why God put dogs on Earth. So we could learn by their example. Live in the moment. Don't sweat the small stuff. And Enjoy! Oh Enjoy every moment here in this world.
ReplyDeleteLeila & Quizz
Richmond, VA
Red must have been one helluva dog...
ReplyDeleteI sure hope there is a childrens book in Phatman's future!
yay! Love the pics! Got any at Wrightsville Beach? I went to school at UNCW and SO glad Phatman got to see the area. :)
ReplyDeleteslideshow reminded me of the traveling gnome!
ReplyDeleteO man, I wish I knew Phatman would be at Lake Champlain today! I'd have driven up to Burlington with my pittie girl to say hi. I hope the weather up at the lake was better than where I am, we had some wicked cold rain this afternoon. Safe travels to both Phatman and Red.
ReplyDeleteLOVE THE PICS!!! Adorable!!
ReplyDeleteTo Anon 8:35
ReplyDeleteYou're right. Red was one helluva dog.
For such a humble, unassuming little guy, he cast a huge shadow.
He is greatly missed and fondly remembered.
s&b/mty
Phatman is so cute! Great photography too.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the East Coast Phatman and family!! Fantastic photos. You gave us a big smile this morning.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about Red.
ReplyDeleteWould have loved to have run into while at Lake Champlain. My boy Riot would have loved to say hello. Phatman is just beautiful!
This post was inspiring - Red was a fine ambassador for not just pits but people trying to overcome past hurts. And Phatman, that pic in front of the White House is awesome.
ReplyDeleteTough week here in NYC - a beautiful and rare blue fawn had to be euth'ed for behavior (4 human bites) and 2 returns from 7 months ago.
Boy, did I need to see something positive about our bullies today.
Love from NYC.
Just a note for Phatmans owners... dont cross into the canadian border with him, as he is illegal on the other side. Yea its BS but i would hate if you guys got hassled. Great photos by the way!!
ReplyDeleteRIP Red
A great post and a great site! Thanks for keeping up the diligent work, BADRAP! What a wonderful diplomat for pitbulls and a handsome boy. Lots of Love from Asheville, North Carolina!
ReplyDeleteWatching that slideshow made me emotional - every single beautiful shot is like a great big middle finger from all the abused dogs to people like Vick and all the bully destroyers out there.
ReplyDeleteTalk about a symbol of victory! :)
I agree Janet!
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear about Red--how wonderful that he got a chance to be cherished and happy.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe Phatman was in my town (Boston). The photos are great, and Phatman--what a nice sit/stay you have!
Krista
Woof Hello from Portland to Phatman, your older canine sister and super human guardians! It was great to meet a Bad Rap grad. We love our pitties and Bad Rap here on the East Coast, so come back anytime and bring your furry friends!
ReplyDeleteYou should enter phatman in the Today Show's TOP DOG contest! What a great way to let everyone know that it's the deed, not the breed. Check it out
ReplyDeletehttp://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/35444966/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals/