NATIONAL PIT BULL AWARENESS DAY - Some Famous 'Pitties'

Because today is National Pit Bull Awareness Day, I thought I'd give a shout out to my breed and some of the more notable 'bullies' who've made headlines thorohg the years. As many of you know (and as we pointed out in our our last post), 'pitties' were and still are known for their agreeable and loyal temperaments. It's what lead to us being labeled 'nanny dogs', because we are so gentle with and protective of the human young in our packs. Helen Keller had this to say about her beloved Sir Thomas: "Whenever it is possible, my dog accompanies me on a walk or a ride or sail. I have had many dog friends - huge mastiffs, soft-eyed spaniels, wood-wise setters and honest, homely bull terriers. At present, the lord of my affection if one of these bull terriers. he has a long pedigree, a crooked tail and the drollest 'phiz' in dogdom. My dog friends seem to understand my limitations and always keep close beside me when I am alone. I love their affectionate ways and the wag of their tails."

Helen Keller and Sir Thomas

 Buster Brown, a popular cartoon character and the mascot of  the eponymous shoe company, had a pit bull named Tige. During WWI, a pit bull named Sergeant Stubby distinguished himself in combat and became America's mot honored and beloved war dog. (read our post on Sgt. Stubby) And, or course, their was Petey, the black-eyed canine star of the Our Gang Comedies. 

Petey

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On a more contemporary note, a certain, strikingly handsome pit bull plays a pivotal role in GIMME SHELTER, the story of an angry man who finds salvation when he rescues an abused, homeless pit bull. So what's the takeaway here? Whether he's a pit bull or some other fabulous dog, be sure to spoil your pooch tomorrow, and every day. Our dog lives are short, and all we want from our human partners is affection, exercise, and lots and lots of treats and toys! A small price to pay for all the love we send your way.

with Tanner @ Calamigos Ranch

'POOCH PARTY'…A CUT ABOVE

Our dear friend, realtor Sophie Kidian with Seabreeze Estates Realty, has invited Eugenie, Tanner, and I to join her annual Pooch Party at this year's Malibu Arts Festival, Saturday and Sunday, July 25-26, from 10:00-6:00, Malibu Civic Center. We'll be signing copies of GIMME SHELTER  with $5 from each book going to Healthcare for Homeless Animals (formerly Malibu Pet Companions). The Pooch Party will offer cool drinks, hip doggie bandanas, a dip in a pool, and treats for our K-9 pals. Other guests include the “Lucky Lab”, with homemade treats and accessories for your pooch, Malibu Coast Animal Hospital  providing tips and on caring for our furry friends, and the Agoura Hills L.A. County Shelter (Tanner's onetime home) with information on how to keep our four-legged friends safe and sound. If you're in the area, please stop by and say 'Hi'. 

I LOVE A PARTY!

Not long ago Eugenie and I attended a party where we met a local cinematographer. A few weeks later we ran into him in Brentwood. He mentioned that he was getting set to direct a show on kendo, the art of Japanese swordsmanship, and asked if I might be willing to serve as his martial arts advisor and help recruit the kendoka (kenshi) for his shoot. I did, and I got to spend a fun, informative day on the set watching Sensei Cary Mizobe  of Westside Kendo Dojo and a senior student demonstrate the speed, power and grace of the centuries-old discipline. Made me want to go out and take up the sword. Almost.   

Mizobe Sensei- live blade

"...BOMBS BURSTING IN AIR" - GETTING READY FOR THE 4TH

With the annual July 4 bombardment right around the corner, here are a few simple tips to protect your pets. 1) Even if you're at home with them, before the fireworks start, be sure to securely fasten all doors and yard gates  to prevent an anxious dog (or cat) from going on the run. 2) For dogs, swaddling in a familiar blanket or their guardian's old T-shirt can provide emotional relief.  3) If your pooch's anxiety is way off the chart, there's always Bach's Rescue Remedy, a natural tranquilizer, as well as prescription meds. 4) Despite all precautions, dogs will sometime pull a Steve McQueen and pull a great escape. That's why it's important that your pet's collar have your contact information, and that he be microchipped. 5) If your pet goes missing, immediately contact the local animal control and nearby veterinarians to see if your dog or cat has been brought in.

Tanner, a pit bull patriot

Tanner is still no fan of the 4th but he's gotten better each year. Here's a look back at how it went on his first Independence Day (from GIMME SHELTER, Chapter ) - "[Tanner] stayed home while we drove to Carl’s for a cookout supper and front row seats at the annual Malibu  Colony fireworks. Lounging on the beach as powerful explosions shake the earth and rivers of color rain down on the Pacific is a visceral, magical experience. We left early to be with our dog. We found him quaking in the dark, burrowed into his bed like a tick on a deer, a casualty of the neighborhood kids and their cherry bombs." 

Lou and I are both both Instagram newbies (@tannerthepitbulll has way more followers than @louisspirito) and still learning how to share things we enjoy, like this picture of a strikingly handsome Husky with impeccable literary taste. Thanks to indieBRAG (@indiebrag) for posting and for honoring us with a BRAG Medallion in Nonfiction.