HERE FOR THE DOGS....

Something older but worthy of sharing again!
August 19, 2008 - Tuesday



Since very recently taking over the Mid Florida APBTA profile this is the first of hopefully many informative and thought provoking blogs. To kick things off, we would like to address a few topics as they relate to Mid Florida APBTA fun shows and various other events. Before we get into that allow us to share with you the foundation of our mission. First and foremost we are here for the dogs. Over the past 8-10 years things have drastically changed for our dogs. BSL is rampant all across our country. Where BSL has failed or is being challenged, mandatory dog laws (spay/neuter, micro-chipping, anti-tethering) are passing with break-neck speed. Close your eyes and visualize the mushroomed effects of an atomic explosion. You can liken that to the overly exaggerated media hype as it overtakes our breed of choice; soon to be swallowed up entirely. The animal rights activists have such a stronghold on John Q. Public, you are looked at as if you have a third eye at the mere mention of kenneling your dogs outside. We would expect a visit from the Nazi police at the mere mentioning of the fact that we consider our dogs to be property, rather than our being the guardians of our dogs. (We can save that topic for a future blog of its own.) We are an American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) sanctioned club. That certainly does not mean we must stop there and only there. The sky is the limit if we are as tenacious as our dogs.



The ADBA was established in 1909. If the changes that we have felt over the last 8-10 years have been so stifling to us can you begin to imagine what Guy McCord must feel if watching from above? So times have changed and so must we. It is well past time to have circled the wagons. And, it is much too far into the game to have not outlined our offensive plays. One of the very biggest changes that must NOW occur is breaking the divide; imaginary or real. We have a responsibility to our dogs. We must openly embrace all who love this breed. We must encourage every owner and every potential owner to join forces with us in this battle to save our dogs. And in order to do that we must be open, educational, respectful, encouraging and uplifting to all. We must be eager to see the beauty in every dog; spayed or neutered, living in a show home or living the very special life of a rescue who was hand picked by someone with a heart as big as the world when others walked by to leave him to die. We must open our doors and welcome those that come with their beautiful house pets and find creative ways for them to feel an important part of our mission to preserve the American Pit Bull Terrier…..because they are. Not only that, we must uplift one another.




With that being said, everyone is entitled to their own opinions. last time I checked this was still America; home of the free. Free to form our own opinions, free to train our dogs as we please, and free to present our show dogs as we each individually wish. If you want to bring your dog in the show ring and stack him and have him stay that way till next month that is your personal right. If you want to bring your dog in the show ring and allow him to act out his breed type dog aggression that, as well, is your right. Know and accept the consequences of either decision because either does, in fact, have their own individual consequences. It is the mere theory of relativity.




Judging is an interpretation of the written conformation standard. It may cost you $3 or $5 at a fun show, or $18 at a sanctioned point show. That doesn't matter. You're still going to win some and you're going to lose some. That's just the way it goes. What one judge interprets as conforming to standard, the next may very well not. So, if interpretation makes you uncomfortable, might I suggest competition on the weight pull track where it is your dog, the weights, and the stopwatch? Either way it is your responsibility to your dog to represent him with class, dignity and graciousness. What our dogs cannot withstand, given their current unstable position in our country, is any display of poor sportsmanship.




In any organization there is ALWAYS room for healthy constructive debate. Each and every one of us can learn more about these dogs. And, we, the officers of Mid Florida APBTA, would appreciate and encourage you to come to us with your suggestions and opinions on how we can better showcase our dogs and our organization. How we can better educate. How we can better encourage others into the sanctioned show ring or weight pull track. How we can better reach the media about what our dogs really are. We can be all things needed for our dogs and dog owners. It is only when non-communication occurs that problems develop and fester. We should be here to encourage and uplift all dog owners, be it the papered dog, non-papered dog, the unaltered dog or the spayed dog, the couch potato pet, the stacked dog or the dog showing dog aggression. At our monthly fun shows we are all equal; no one person, style of showing or personal opinion is better than another. We should be thankful to have one another and positively embrace our differences. We should discuss them and learn from them for our own educational purposes as well as the education we attempt to perform in our community. Furthermore, any pit bull organization should have zero tolerance for harmful public negativity.




Mid Florida APBTA has come a very far cry from where we were even five years ago. We have worked very, very hard to move away from only having one or two guest judges and the remainder of the season's shows being judged by one officer or another. To successfully bringing in sanctioned ADBA judges or experienced and successful breeders and show exhibitors; individuals who have a yard with numerous titled champions or a well established bloodline. We have taken great measures to move in a positive direction and will continue to do so. Sometimes we hit a homerun; sometimes we strikeout. One thing is for sure, we won't quit stepping up to the plate.




So, when we all gather at a Mid Florida APBTA fun show, sanctioned show or a Mid Florida APBTA community event, we are there for the dogs, and we are there for each other. Differences of philosophies, unless debated constructively and with respect, need to be left at the curb. If your personal opinions are so strong that you cannot set them aside we respect you to the fullest extent should you choose to move on. Maybe the next organization you affiliate yourself with will meet your every expectation. Wherever you decide to land, be there for the dogs.




For now there is much work to do with limited resources and minimal manpower. Yes, each and every one of you is important to us because you are important to your dog. We must create a venue to educate, and we must educate on all levels. Responsible owners must educate the irresponsible. Seasoned judges must mentor the new. Experienced show or weight pull participants must take the time to light that same fire within the inexperienced. And, we must educate the media so they quit destroying. We must also create a venue for laughter, camaraderie, lifelong friends and special memories. We are more than a fraternity; we are family. Let something tragic happen to one of us and see how quickly we all come together despite any differences. Anyone who attended the ADBA '08 point show in Louisiana fully understands this. We must also create a venue to preserve the many facets our dogs served in our country's history, as well as the history of the dog itself.




To wrap this thing up, this club can be, and actually is, what each and every one of you wants it to be or makes it. It is whatever you personally want to pull from it. It can be all things to everyone. Seasoned show exhibitors can practice their personal handling skills while giving their dogs experience in a show ring. All the while getting excited about the thrill the person next to you is feeling because you too remember that feeling when you received your first little trophy. People may be there to decide if this is the breed for them, or to locate a reputable breeder for a show or pull dog, rather than a $100 pup out of the newspaper. Rescued dogs can seek out their forever homes. The list goes on and on. But, it will take creativity, balance, and unselfishness. Make this club what you want it to be for you, others, the community and more importantly for the dogs.




And, yes, we can do all this and more.

April's Fun Show....

Well, April's fun show has come and gone and today is 'recovering Sunday' for me. We had a great turnout again this month and we can't thank you enough for coming out and supporting this breed and our organization. Mid Florida APBTA will continue to strive to be the best that we can be, and we are always eager to hear your suggestions that will help us ful-fill the needs of our American Pit Bull Terrier community!

We had 12 dogs registered for our weight pull competition and the competition was tough indeed. We started out pulling at 300 pounds and finished at 1299. Leo, owned by James and Suzy (almost) Wolf took the Most Weight Pulled trophy, and Levi, owned by Kristopher Mayo took the Most Weight Pulled Per Pound. Special kudos to Lucy Loo, owned by Debbie and Lloyd Malott. Lucy hung tough pulling 1049 pounds without the enticement of her yellow tennis ball. She's definitely an up and coming contender!

There is alot of hard work involved in setting up the weight pull track and running this event. A huge thanks to Eva the Diva, our judge and scorekeeper; to Lloyd and his "dolly" (not Debbie, silly, his handcart!) for hauling all those weights around all day; to our never without a smile Fred, our cartman; and last but not least to Sara, our "hook-up" girl. (For all of you who are not familiar with weight pull, I'll let your imaginations run with that one!)

Mike Morgan of Old Family Reds and American Freedom Kennels was gracious enough to come out and spend the afternoon with us and judge our conformation events. Mike has over 20 years experience in breeding quality American Pit Bull Terriers and is responsible for many ADBA Champions and Grand Champions. We had 59 registered dogs
for conformation, and although that number is good we still had ribbons unclaimed in some conformation age classes! So what if you have never shown your dog before. That is exactly what these monthly fun shows are for....experience and of course fun!!

Newcomer Ronin, owned by Eric Brown took the Best Puppy trophy. Best of Opposite was awarded to Fina, owned by Eva Noble and Best of Show was awarded to Maverick, owned by Lisa Hutches.

Thanks again everyone, for brining your dogs out and spending the day with us. It was a great day in the park!

Who We Are and What We Do....

Mid Florida American Pit Bull Terrier Association is a sanctioned club of the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA). We have been in existence in the Tampa Bay area for nearly the past 20 years; some old-timers say even longer! Since my involvement with Mid Florida, for approximately the last 8 years, I can tell you it has been an organization made up of members who are truly dedicated to the American Pit Bull Terrier, members who, without a doubt, love and are devoted to this magnificent breed. It would be mind boggling indeed to total the number of years of experience our organization has with the American Pit Bull Terrier. And, those experiences include a very wide range indeed such as owning these dogs as pets, as show dogs, as competitors, as breed stock, as working dogs, and always as family companions. Our membership has been, and is, as versatile as our dog of choice; the American Pit Bull Terrier.

For quite some time Mid Florida APBTA has hosted monthly ‘fun shows.’ These are actual conformation dog shows judged by the ADBA conformation standard and weight pull competitions conducted following ADBA weight pull rules. These monthly fun shows are held in an effort to offer our community activities where they can bring their APBT’s out and allow them to ‘strut their stuff’ in the show ring! Or, demonstrate their strength and tenacity over on the weight pull track. All 'pit bulls' are welcome to participate; the spayed or neutered, papered or not, the very special rescue pit bull and your pet bull family companion. You know your dog is a champ so bring'em out for a chance at a ribbon or cup! Also, these fun shows give us the opportunity to come together as owners in masse, and present our dogs in an open community environment to the general public who may know nothing about the breed except what the media has written….which is very scary indeed!

To better understand ‘who’ we are allow me to share a little bit of information about the organization that we are sanctioned by, the American Dog Breeders Association. The ADBA was established in 1909 and quickly became the premier registry for the American Pit Bull Terrier. “In 1976, the A.D.B.A. was petitioned by the owners of the breed, who possessed a very competitive spirit, to develop a standard on the breed by which conformation dog shows could be held. They did not want a standard that copied those of the UKC or AKC, but a standard for those dogs that they owned and continued to breed for the traits of intelligence, character, loyalty, and the athletic conformation that the breed was originally bred for hundreds of years ago. Thereby, they could continue competition, in a legal endeavor. Thus, the formation of the A.D.B.A. Conformation Standard.” The ADBA continues to grow in the US and countries overseas. The ADBA is the largest registration office of the American Pit Bull Terrier. The ADBA registered American Pit Bull Terrier is the #1 breed of dog exhibited in the USA today, through conformation dog shows and weight pulling events sponsored by the American Dog Breeders Show Inc. Mid Florida APBTA is honored to be sanctioned by the ADBA and is proud to present dogs demonstrating the original breed type; a well conditioned athlete.

Besides our monthly fun shows one of our main goals is to host an ADBA sanctioned point show consisting of both conformation and weight pull. These are attended by APBT owners all across the southeastern United States. Unlike our fun shows dogs are required to be ADBA registered to participate. We have set a tradition of hosting our point show over the Thanksgiving weekend for the past 3 years.

Throughout the year you will find us at the Pure Breed Dog exhibit at the Florida State Fairgrounds, the AKC Responsible Dog Owners’ Day, Pit Bull Awareness Day and other venues as they arise. It is our hope to educate the public about this breed and always work to prohibit breed specific legislation in the state of Florida as well as all across the country.

Why an American Dog Breeders Association dog?

Why do I choose to own an American Pit Bull Terrier? Now, I’m not talking about owning a bully breed, I’m not talking about a owning a pit bull type dog of questionable parentage, and I’m not talking about owning an Am Staff. There is nothing wrong with any of which I just mentioned, but I’m talking about why I choose to own the ‘real deal.’ And, if the phrase ‘real deal’ offends you, so be it. Quite frankly, I’m tired of trying to be politically correct in an effort to bring a diverse group of people together for solely the benefit of the dogs. That concept only seems to work as long as my side seems to be moving towards the other. I can’t say I see much effort at all from the other side ‘moving to meet us in the middle.’ That only tells me, that my choice of dog must still be viewed as a part of the ‘pit bull problem.’ Matter of fact, I've been told that specifically! Silly me, I’ve always thought it to be education and irresponsible ownership that was at the root of the pit bull problem. What a pity and injustice for the dogs, and shame on you ‘holier than thou self’ that thinks otherwise.

Now to answer the original question….deep inhale; slow sighing exhale……Why do I choose to own an ADBA registered American Pit Bull Terrier? Why, because my ancestors who fought, and lost their lives in wars past, provided me the Constitutional right to do so. PERIOD. No more explanation should be needed. And, if you are tired of hearing about constitutional rights, too bad because my ancestors didn’t loose their lives for naught; I cherish my freedoms. Big brother is working hard to take as many away as possible, and those of you who choose to put your nose in my business about what my pit bull should act like, is helping big brother along the way I might add. You too will one day feel this same pinch and will find yourselves fighting for your own cherished rights….you can take it to the bank.

Now, mind you, before I can answer the question I think it important to define what an American Pit Bull Terrier is. More specifically what an ADBA registered American Pit Bull Terrier is. The American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) was founded in 1909. A lot took place over the next 66 years but I quote from ‘History of the ADBA,’ “In 1976, the A.D.B.A. was petitioned by the owners of the breed, who possessed a very competitive spirit, to develop a standard on the breed by which conformation dog shows could be held. They did not want a standard that copied those of the UKC or AKC, but a standard for those dogs that they owned and continued to breed for the traits of intelligence, character, loyalty, and the athletic conformation that the breed was originally bred for hundreds of years ago. Thereby, they could continue competition, in a legal endeavor. Thus, the formation of the A.D.B.A. Conformation Standard.” Key points here…standard that did not copy UKC or AKC….legal endeavors……continue to breed for intelligence, character, loyalty, athletic conformation that the breed was originally bred for hundreds of years ago. Tired of hearing about hundreds of years ago? We are not. That is precisely one of the many things we love about our breed. We can study pedigrees, we can identify the various ‘lines’ and which breeders had their hands in the make-up of the very dogs we care for and pick up after each and every day. We do not want our dogs to change. We strive to preserve the very same genetics of the dogs from hundreds of years ago. Why do we choose to own this breed of dog? Because of our deep love and admiration of them for just the way they are....their intelligence, their character, their loyalty, their athleticism. No, these are not necessarily the dog for anyone and everyone and it is important you fully understand what you are getting before you go out and buy your first American Pit Bull Terrier. These dogs are high energy and high performance and you had better have the time, loyalty, and stamina that it takes to work off your dog's energy each and every day if you wish him to be in the house as your couch potato at night.

Mid Florida encourages and embraces all types of pit bulls or bully dogs to come and be a part of our organization. We do love them all and enjoy having them all spend the day with us. We also want you to be fully aware there are characteristic differences in American Pit Bull Terriers verses 'pit bulls" verses bullies. We love and accept pit bull type dogs and we love and accept bully dogs; we only ask that you accept ous, the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Our dogs are well cared for, well fed, with more than adequate housing, they get regular exercising and conditioning…we fulfill their need to work and perform. Their love for us is undying and they are courageous, loyal, and dedicated enough to die protecting us. We are each others soul-mate. They are funny, silly and clownish enough to make us laugh when we are mad, and gentle and intuitive enough to know and kiss our tears away when we are sad. They can read what is in our hearts and we can read what is in theirs. No, they are not the dog for everyone. Yes, they are high maintenance, especially those who display the trait of dog aggression. And, let’s face it dog aggression in today’s dogs, as well as the history and heritage that most often includes dog-fighting, is what this question is really about anyway. So let’s quit dancing around what we are really talking about.

Our dogs do not run loose causing harm to other animals and certainly not to people. And, do not put me in the position of needing to explain that dog aggression and human aggression are very different indeed. We're taking care of our business appropriately. Don’t begin to tell us our dog of choice should change with the times. Dog aggression becomes a problem when an uneducated or irresponsible owner is involved. So, put your effort into those areas and leave us and our ADBA registered dogs alone. We give you no reason to be critical. We have gone without incident. Yes, we own treadmills, carpet mills, flirt poles, spring poles, and breaksticks. Yes, those of us with numerous dogs have not only learned the dance, but have perfected the crate and rotate waltz as an orchestrated event.

Yes, we hail to the names of Lightner, Clouse, Wallace, Colby, Tudor, Carver, Garner, Crenshaw, Hemphill, Wilder, Boudreaux, Boyles, and others. Absolutely not because we are glorifying dog fighting, but because they are responsible for creating this incredible dog curled up beside me on the loveseat whose head is resting peacefully, lovingly and contentedly on my legs. Not because he ‘bows up’ to another dog….that just comes with the territory of owning this breed. But, no longer will I be made to feel embarrassed by it or made to feel like I should change it, because I am not.

So, do what you wish with your dogs, that is your business. But for heavens sake do not set the breed up for failure by going around touting pit bulls are just like any other dog because they are not; or, worse yet, that a pit bull should be or act like any other dog.

Funny thing is I thought we had bridged this gap and worked our way past this point. I thought we had agreed that education and irresponsible ownership is where the problem lies and that we were setting philosophical differences aside to work together to tackle this problem….and, making good strides at that. But apparently, the easier solution is to change the dog. Not on my watch. I am sorry. What really saddens me the most is how this hurts the dogs. It’s more important for an agenda such as that of …(I’m looking for a stronger word but can’t seem to find one) promoting spay and neutering and changing a dogs genetic make-up being more important than getting to the real nuts and bolts and doing the hard work of educating about all pit bull characteristics and responsible ownership.

Why is it that every other breed of dog can hold on to their original reason why the breed was developed, their heritage, and maintain their individual breed integrity? Why can’t the American Pit Bull Terrier? And, don’t tell me because they have to change with the times because bird dogs are still bred to be bird dogs, and likewise with other breeds. Maybe that is the question people need to be asking instead of why I choose an ADBA registered American Pit Bull Terrier.