Bullies are so misunderstood. They are thought of as mean, aggressive and intimidating. They may look nasty, but it is a misperception. In reality they can be quite the contrary; sweet, passive and loving. Misunderstood, bullies are. Bully breed dogs that is, Pit Bulls, Rottweiler’s, Bull Mastiffs and the like. They have a bad rap due to their massive size and their history of being used, or many would say abused, in the dark dog-fighting world. But there are plenty of people who have come to know these creatures to be gentle giants.
There is a group of people who have been working hard to change this misperception of the bullies through education and outreach. The Western New York Animal Alliance Group (WNYAAG) started an initiative called “Fix-a-Bull” last year to provide assistance with the cost of spaying and neutering, as well as education, regarding these breeds to qualifying families who adopt a bully from a shelter. With the help of local veterinarians, WNYAAG has been able to begin their mission of decreasing the number of bullies that are found homeless in local shelters.
Fix-a-Bull’s biggest fundraiser of the year, “Rock-a-Bully,” is happening next week Saturday, June 30th from 6 – 10pm at Mr. Goodbar on Elmwood Avenue. Last year’s event at Goodbar raised almost $12,000 with close to 200 people in attendance. Organizers are hoping to exceed last year’s success and intend on doing so by hosting an evening packed with entertainment and bully-loving patrons.
During the course of the night a DJ will be spinning music while upstairs 6 bands; The Heavenly Chillbillies, Lower Town Trio, 240 North, Whiskey Reverb, The Clockers and The Evil Things will be performing live. Between bands the Boom Boom Betties and members of Buffalo Burlesque Collective will tastefully wow the crowd. A 50/50 split club will be part of the night, along with a basket of cheer. Natural dog treats by K-9 Crunchers will be on sale as well as locally produced Headstone Heat Hot Sauce. But the focus of the night will most certainly be the canine creatures for whom this money is being raised, and the Fix-a-Bull program that helps their plight.
Through fix-a-bull, families or individuals who are interested in providing a good home to a bully are assisted through the goodness of participating veterinarians to become educated about the breed and are aided in the cost of the spaying or neutering process.
Dr. James Albert of City Creatures Animal Hospital on Delaware Avenue is proud to be involved with the Fix-a-Bull program, and has been since its inception. He has seen time and time again the opinion of people that these breeds are dangerous, but feels that like every living thing, each dog needs to be judged individually.
Suzanne Laba, a founding member of WNYAAG, stresses the need for more veterinarian participation in the Fix-a-Bull program. She herself has fostered countless bullies and is dedicated to making a change in the community with regard to these breeds. Laba has seen many pregnant female bullies get left behind at a shelter while the pups get quickly adopted. It is a heartbreaking scenario that happens all too frequently unfortunately. Laba exclaims, “All you want to do is get these dogs fixed.” But that comes with a price. According to Laba, “we would love more vet participation, especially in Niagara County.”
At the present time, participation is limited to City Creatures and Nickel City Animal Hospital.
As for the vets’ take, Dr. Albert states, “this is the reason we became vets, for the love of animals, not the money…it fulfills our obligation to give back to the community.”
Through Fix-a-Bull several bullies have been given a new lease on life. And it’s not just the dog’s life that is changed. Dr. Heather Allen, another participating vet, remembers educating a widow with six children on the bully she was adopting and spaying through Fix-a-Bull. Dr. Albert cites this case as one of the most rewarding parts of her experience with the program. It is moments when the “saver” is also saved that make the whole process worthwhile.
So join the festivities on a summer night in the city, at one of Buffalo’s iconic institutions, Mr. Goodbar on Elmwood Avenue and support a great cause at the same time. Admission is $20, payable at the door. You can visit the event’s website at rock-a-bully.homestead.com for more information or to pay via PayPal. You can check out their Facebook page and help promote the event by “liking” it at www.facebook.com/pages/Rock-a-Bully/. Help give a bully a second chance and have a great time while doing so!