Rescue Stories

Tessa Tessa's story by Gretchen Dixon	A friend of mine who runs a dog walking service in Long Beach contacted me on July 27th from the Long Beach Dog Park, and said someone had "dumped" a bull terrier. She knew the difference between a pit bull and a bullie because she had seen my former dog, Abbey (one of Susan Murphy's bullies). Anyway, I immediately went to the park to see about rescuing the dog. Julie (my dog walker friend) realized that "Tessa" the bull terrier was with a woman who belongs to STAMP (Second Time Around for Magnificent Pets) here in Long Beach. Pat w/STAMP had rescued Tessa from her terrible home life just six to eight months prior, and was looking to find a good home for her. I explained my love for the breed and that I had owned several bullies over the years, but couldn't have a dog of my own right now because I rent. I knew my sister and brother-in-law were looking for another bullie to replace "Eddie" who had died last May. When Pat rescued Tessa, she was being watched by a couple who were left with the dog; apparently Tessa's owners had moved and left her behind!! Unbelievable!! Tessa had been chained up outside most of her life, was thrown any kind of food, including people food from the neighbors, had lost her coat, was terribly over weight and suffering from pneumonia when Pat rescued her. To make a long story short, I went to a STAMP adoption, on behalf of my sister and brother-in-law, the very next Saturday, July 29, and adopted Tessa! The vet told us that she is probably six or seven years old. As far as her chronic eye infection, it has improved dramatically due to proper meds. Tessa is the sweetest, most gentle bullie I've ever met. She seems to know that she's got a good life now and in an environment where she is loved and looked after. Even though I'm not suppose to have a dog, I periodically have Tessa over to stay the weekend, or I watch her while my sister and brother-in-law are away. She's just the best! When I do get a place of my own, I plan to rescue at least one bullie. I can't wait!!!

Horus Horus's story by RuthAnn Wachsmuth	Unlike a lot (too many!) Rescue Bullies, Horus didn't come from a sad or tragic background. He had a warm, loving home and people who doted on him. Unfortunately, one of his owners was terminally ill, and they were moving out of the county to Mexico. Worried about the prevalence of dog fighting rings, as well as having to move to a small apartment, his owners contacted his breeder and rescue. We had been looking to adopt a rescue bullie. I was working full time, so a puppy was out of the question. Plus, we already had one Bull Terrier, Cassie. We needed a dog that would get along with her - not always easy to find in rescue. We submitted our application and waited. and waited. and waited. I happened to call Rhonda, not too long after she'd heard about Horus. We discussed him on the phone, and she gave me his owners phone number. I called and had a delightful conversation with Maureen. We made arrangements to go see him in LaJolla, and took Cassie along as they could meet and see how they get along. They were thrilled with each other, needless to say. Horus was very excited. Cassie too! We thought this was just a meeting to see if the dogs got along, and were we surprised when they expected him to go home with us! Maureen had all his papers together, along with a two page print out of his likes (bread), dislikes (large dark dogs), and his daily schedule (see picture at left for Horus's current daily schedule) and medical records. Maureen hugged me and cried as we left, and my heart ached for her. Horus is a wonderful dog, I can't imagine having to give him up. He came along at the perfect time, and was just right for us. Rescue was concerned about trying to place him because of his age - he was 7 when we adopted him - and because he has a chronic eye condition that has caused his vision to deteriorate quite a bit. We think he's nearly completely blind, but it doesn't stop him or even slow him down - just change direction if he bumps in to something. Even though he had never been around small children, he is amazing with our daughter, born about a year after he came to live with us. She's now two, and both dogs are nothing but patient with her, despite ear and tail tugs, or the insistence that Horus pretend he's a pony. She can wrap her tiny hand around his collar and say "Come on, Howiss!" and he follows her anywhere. He turned 10 this October, and we can't imagine life without him.
Adoption Application The Bull Terrier Club of America's Rescue Support Commitee

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