Celebrating National Pit Bull Awareness Day Saturday, October 27, 2012

MEDIA ALERT& FACT SHEET

Folks in Cape May County NJ join others around the country in celebrating the American Pit Bull Terrier. Our festivities and fundraising activities call attention to the loyal and loving nature of Pit Bulls. Events are sponsored by the Animal Alliance of Cape May County and the Gail Pierson Gallery.

ITS THE PITS!

THE EVENTS MOCHA MOSIES AROUND CAPE MAY

Mocha, a sweet Pit Bull, has agreed to greet some of Cape Mays local folks, as well as out-of-towners! (Diane and Rich Flanegan, artists of West Cape May, are Mochas proud parents.) Mocha will make the city rounds to draw attention to National Pit Bull Awareness Day. Each week, beginning 9/17, Mocha will be featured in a photo with a new friend on the street. Watch for the photos each week in local publication, Exit Zero. For information please email Joan, at Joanbob11@verizon.net. TAKE A PICTURE WITH THE PIT BULLS A beautifully hand-painted sculpture of two Pit Bulls and a box of dress-up clothes is making the rounds in Cape May, too. From Pet Smart to the Lima Bean Festival to other spots around town, families are dressing and posing with cut-out dogs. Family portrait and profile is being submitted to the Cape May County Herald. For information please email Joan, at Joanbob11@verizon.net.

ITS THE PITS ART EXHIBITION

A Call is out to Artists around the US, and specifically south Jersey and Cape May County, to enter an Art Exhibition to showcase Pit Bulls in painting, sculpture and multi-media. Artwork is for sale, with the goal to raise money for the Animal Alliance of Cape May County. Proceeds from the exhibit will go to support spay & neutering efforts in Cape May County. The exhibition is held at the Gail Pierson Gallery, and will run through November 17. An Artists reception to open the exhibit will be held on Saturday, October 27 from 5 to 7 pm and will celebrate National Pit Bull Awareness Day.

ITS THE PITS PHOTO CONTEST

A Call is out to Photographers around the US, and specifically south Jersey and Cape May County, to enter a Photo Exhibition to capture Pit Bull portraits. The goal is to raise awareness and money for the Animal Alliance of Cape May County and for StubbyDog. Proceeds from exhibit entry fees will go to support spay & neutering efforts in Cape May County. The exhibition is held at the Gail Pierson Gallery, and will run through November 17. A reception for Artists and Photographers will be held on Saturday, October 27 from 5 to 7 pm and will celebrate National Pit Bull Awareness Day. ANIMAL ALLIANCE SPAY/NEUTER OFFER In honor of National Pit Bull Awareness Day, the Animal Alliance of Cape May County, Inc., is offering free spay/neuter to the first TEN people who respond. Additional funds may be available so dont hesitate to contact us. In addition, the owner of each dog altered, will have the opportunity to share in a drawing with the winner receiving $500.

National Pit Bull Awareness Day October 27, 2012 Sponsored Events Around Cape May BACKGROUND

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The American Pit Bull Terrier, known as the Pit Bull. How much do you know about Pit Bulls? Most Pit Bulls are exceptionally smart, loyal, friendly, and can be wonderful companions. Originating in 19th century England, Ireland and Scotland, the Pit Bull is a registered breed, originally a cross between a bull dog and a terrier. This very intelligent dog excels in strength, agility, and endurance. As a working dog, the Pit Bull has served ranchers and farmers for herding and hunting; has worked side-by-side with police; and has been enlisted as a hearing and general service dog. Pit Bulls have been active in military service, providing outstanding service in World Wars I and II as messenger dogs. For many years the Pit Bull was one of Americas favorite family dogs.

Famous Pit Bulls: Sergeant Stubby (From Cesar Milans Cesars Way: cesarsway.com)
Stubby was the most decorated dog of World War I. He was adopted by Private J. Robert Conroy and became the mascot of the 102nd Infantry, Yankee Division. He learned a lot about military life including bugle calls and how to execute a salute with his paw. He was smuggled to France when his owner shipped out and allowed to stay when the commanding officer saw him salute. After surviving exposure to gas, Stubby became invaluable as he had learned to recognize the scent and alert the human soldiers to its presence. He also could recognize English and was able to locate wounded soldiers and alert paramedics. He also was credited with capturing a German spy, who he tripped and attacked until American soldiers took him prisoner. Stubby was wounded by a grenade and was sent to a Red Cross hospital, where upon his recovery, he became a therapy dog, comforting other soldiers. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant and received many medals, and became the first dog to be received by a sitting president, Woodrow Wilson. He later followed his master to Georgetown and became the Hoyas mascot.

This noble breed has fallen on tough times. The enlistment in the 1960s of the breed for dog fighting has resulted over the years in overbreeding, and over-emphasis on dog aggression. Pit Bulls now comprise an estimated 80% of the Animal Shelter population, with only about 1 in 600 able to find permanent homes. It is estimated that close to 1 million Pit Bulls are euthanized each year that is about 58% of all dogs euthanized in the US.

About the Animal Alliance of Cape May County The mission is to promote the well-being of Cape May animals and help end the euthanasia of pets through aggressive spay/neuter, TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) and educational initiatives. To learn more, please call: (609) 465-6388, or go to: animalalliancecmc.org.

About StubbyDog
StubbyDog is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) transmedia organization thats focused on changing public perceptions of pit bulls and dismantling the associated stereotypical thinking. StubbyDog develops

and disseminates emotionally resonant and entertaining content, showing pit bulls as the loyal and loving dogs they are. For more information go to: stubbydog.org. Our Vision is a world where every pit bull enjoys the right to a good life. Our Mission is to help people rediscover pit bulls as lifelong friends. About the Gail Pierson Gallery In a Victorian house at Cranberry Court, in the oldest section of downtown Cape May, the Gail Pierson Gallery is in its fourth season. Modern, well-appointed exhibits bring visual edge to an historic setting. The Gallery welcomes you to a year-long calendar of events, with opportunities to meet artists from all over the east coast. Art in education is a year-long focus. Located on Washington Street in Cape May, across from City Hall.