Pit bulls are one of the most misunderstood dog breeds in America, but Save-A-Bull Rescue is working hard to change that. More than a rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming organization, the volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit operates as a breed advocacy group, lobbying hard for responsible dog ownership and training (both of pets and their people).
Most of Save-A-Bull’s dogs are rescued from the south. The one-eyed wonder below is Atlas, a 6-month-old puppy with energy to spare. We met him at an adoption event in early summer 2019 and are thrilled to report that he has since found his forever home.
There are plenty of other pups where Atlas came from. All of Save-A-Bull’s doggos are screened for heartworm, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. They are tested for temperament around kids and another animals and spend enough QT in foster homes that doting volunteers can learn the ins and outs of their personalities. Save-A-Bull also follows a rigorous adoption process, calling references (including vets and landlords) and conducting home visits. Save-A-Bull double checks that adopters follow city ordinances on permitted animal limits and have bully-friendly insurance; the vetting is even more intense when the adoptee in question is a special needs animal, like a pup on wheels. Adoption fees are a flat $300, which includes a $50 training reimbursement credit.
As the proud owners of two old-lady rescue dogs (shout-out to @american_chis), we know just how much love and joy these animals can bring to your life. To meet a selection of available dogs, stop by one of Save-A-Bull’s upcoming adoption events, outlined here.
If you can’t adopt a bully now, you can still support the rescue’s mission via its annual Save-A-Bull Summer Brewery Tour. A portion of sales from every #pintsforpitbulls event at these breweries goes straight to the rescue. Summer 2019 participants include Indeed Brewing (June 26, 5-9 p.m.), Saint Paul Brewing (July 13, 2-5 p.m.), Sociable Cider (July 28, 2-5 p.m.), Unmapped Brewing Co. (August 7, 6-9 p.m.), Headflyer Brewing (August 24, 3-6 p.m.), LynLake Brewery (September 10, 5-9 p.m.), and Modist Brewing (September 29, 2-5 p.m.).
Pit bulls aren’t your thing? That’s cool, too. There are plenty of other great rescue organizations throughout Minnesota, including Wags and Whiskers Animal Rescue in Shakopee, Underdog Rescue in St. Louis Park, Ruff Start Rescue in Princeton, Secondhand Hounds in Minnetonka, Feline Rescue in St. Paul, and Grey Face Rescue & Retirement in St. Cloud, which specializes in senior dogs. The Animal Humane Society of Minnesota also has locations in St. Paul, Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, and Woodbury.
