BAD RAP, co-founded by Donna Reynolds and Tim Racer, has been instrumental in the evaluation, rescue and  rehabilitation of the dogs in the Michael Vick case, providing vision and hope for these dogs as well as many other dogs from high-profile federal dog fighting arrests. They also rescue pit bulls, teach award-winning classes in the San Francisco Bay Area and support rescues nationwide.

The Honest Kitchen, makers of dehydrated, human-grade whole foods for dogs and cats, will donate a percentage of online store profits to BAD RAP this month and they pose a challenge for us all. BAD RAP’s donation will double if THK reaches 40,000 Facebook fans this month!

ACT NOW!

• Like The Honest Kitchen’s Facebook Page to support BAD RAP! Seriously. It’s that easy.

• Share this status on Facebook and Twitter: “Support pit bull education from @BADRAPorg with just a click! Here’s how:  http://btc4animals.com/weekly-cause/double-bad-rap…honest-kitchen/”

That doesn’t feel like enough?

• Listen to and share Bark Out Loud Weekly’s breaking interview “After Vick: What Have We Learned?” (also posted below) to learn more about BAD RAP and the amazing work they do.

• Chat Live with Donna and Tim of BAD RAP on Bark Out Loud Weekly, Monday, March 14, 9:15 PM EST! Chat space is limited to the first 100 people so get there on time!

• Visit BADRAP.org, and follow BAD RAP on Facebook and Twitter.

WHY IT MATTERS

Pit bulls are sentient beings, like all humans, all dogs and all animals, but they get a bad rap for being fighting machines when humans manipulate them into do-or-die survival mode in fighting rings across the country, exploiting their pain and suffering for entertainment and profit.

Donna Reynolds and Tim Racer of BAD RAP, turned the Michael Vick dog-fight tragedy into a hard-earned opportunity to dispel the myths surrounding loyal, loving pit bull and pit bull mix breeds. As large rescue organizations gave up without so much as meeting these animals, Donna and Tim recognized them as victims, evaluating each one, acclimating them into a world where the smallest of objects frightened them, and proved everybody wrong. All the dogs, but for two that were lost, have been placed in loving homes and are now best behaved ambassadors for the breed.

It’s time to dispell the myths and fear surrounding a misunderstood breed, hyped by media as the new villains, replacing a misrepresentation of Dobermans in the 70s and 80s. Watch the PBS episode of Need to Know called “The dogs are alright: The Vick dogs make a comeback” for more about the challenges Donna and Tim faced and the success they’ve achieved.

And now for Bark Out Loud Weekly’s podcast: