Meet Olive & Toby!

Olive, available for adoption though Love-A-Bull, Inc. 

I absolutely love volunteering my time offering photo sessions for rescue organizations. It's my way of giving back to charities that I support and of course, I love to snuggle with new pups and kitties any chance I get. Happily, last week, I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing two beautiful dogs for a great rescue, Love-A-Bull, Inc. This organization has been one that I have worked closely with for years. Their rescue program is top notch, offering foster homes to rescued bully breeds in the Austin area, and they also have committed themselves to being a positive voice for dogs in our community. 

Olive and Toby are just two of the great dogs that are part of Love-A-Bull's program right now. Olive came into Love-A-Bull's program after being found locked in a storage shed, heavily pregnant and malnourished. This charming girl ended up having 8 beautiful puppies, who Love-A-Bull happily raised until they were old enough to be adopted. Once her puppies found their forever homes, it was Olive's turn and it seemed that her happy ending would be an easy one as she was adopted into a home of her own. Sadly, two years went by and Olive was returned to the Love-A-Bull program, where she is currently waiting for a new and hopefully forever family to find her. Olive is a little selective with other dogs, so she needs to be in a single pet home, but she loves attention. After I picked this sweet girl up from the boarding facility, I was in awe of how calmly she rode in the passenger seat of my car as I rubbed her velvety fur on our way to the park for her photo shoot. Olive is very attentive and was a dream subject during our photo shoot! 

Toby, available for adoption through Love-A-Bull, Inc. 

Toby joined the Love-A-Bull program after being discovered at a small rural shelter in Georgetown, TX, He is about 2 years old, goofy, playful and overall a wonderful dog! When Toby first came out to say hello, this tall, lanky, goofy boy just made my day! Toby is a little taller than the average pit bull, maybe he has a little Hound in him, but that doesn't stop him from thinking he is a tiny lap dog. After happily hopping into my car, Toby tried to curl up between me and the steering wheel for some scratches. After I asked him to scoot over to the passenger seat, this funny boy tried his hardest to curl into a ball, never quite finding a comfortable spot on the ride over to a local park for his photo shoot. Toby was thrilled to be out and we ended up spending time walking around to sniff everything in sight before starting our shoot. Once asked, Toby was quite the gentleman, sitting nicely for his photo and really enjoying my banana and peanut butter puppy treats!

These two dogs would love to find a forever home of their own. If you are interested, or please share if you have a friend that might be interested in adopting, visit Love-A-Bull's website to learn more! 

Stephanie Conrad
Pet Studio Art | Owner | Artist
www.petstudioart.com

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Dog of the Day: Whitney

Whitney is an adorable, small pit bull lady. She is full of life and looooooves affection! This girl is beyond sweet. She loves kids and nothing makes her happier than a nice belly rub.

Along with several other adoptable pups with Love-A-Bull, inc, stopped by my studio in October of last year for an adorable 'Prom' photo session. (Prom was the theme of last year's annual pittie pride parade and festival). Whitney came trotting into my studio like she owned the place and was a perfect lady for her photo shoot!

If you are interested in adopting Whitney or learning more, visit her adoption profile here!

Stephanie Conrad

Pet Studio Art | Owner | Artist
www.petstudioart.com

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Love-A-Bull visits Pet Studio Art

Since moving into my new studio, most of my time has been dedicated to organizing the space and getting the business setup and functioning, so this week, I was delighted to have my first rescue photography session with the amazingly gorgeous pups from Love-A-Bull Rescue. 

One of my visions when moving into our new studio was a space that I could offer a little more than simply painting and printing. I wanted a space that could offer something for the many local rescues that I adore, so when we signed our lease earlier this year, one thing I promised myself was that I would eventually have a photography area set up. While this is a great space for me to expand on and offer photography for clients, I really wanted to be able to invite the many pups that are currently in foster homes in for a free photo session. So, when Love A Bull mentioned they were in need of a 'Prom' themed photography session, I couldn't resist and just a few days later, we had our first group session. 

Five pups stopped by for their glamour shots and I could not be more thrilled with the results! My personal favorite visitor was Whitney, an adorable little brown pittie mix. She bounded into my studio, full of wiggles and smiles! This girl is carefree and just wants to be loved. While she wiggled around constantly, it only took her a few minutes to calm down and we were able to dress her up in her fairy costume and get some adorable shots! This sweetheart listened like a champ and when we finished her photo session, she covered me with kisses. Her profile states that she is not great with cats, but she does love all people, kids included and would make a wonderful addition to any single pet family!

Each of these pups brought something special to the table. I can't even begin to explain how happy I was to meet them, but listening to their stories, I was even more struck with how happy and settled these pups are in their foster homes. Collin, a gorgeous little brown and white pit bull was the fist to my studio and just really set the tone for an amazing photo session. This sweet boy is fostering with a couple who are simply amazing for him. Collin's foster dad, Drew is a photographer, so he was the perfect 'assistant' when it came to settling Collin into the new space. After chatting for a few minutes, I learned that Collin is scheduled for a meet and greet this weekend, which is so thrilling! This sweet pup was as calm as could be, even taking a little nap on the floor after the photo session - how cute is that?


Davey was the second pup to arrive for his photo session. This handsome brindle boy was a rescue from Spindletop, an 'animal sanctuary' that was shut down a few years ago after animals were discovered in disgusting conditions. Love-A-Bull stepped up and saved a handful of dogs during the initial raid of the Spindletop facility, while many other dogs ended up in various rescues. Davey is settling into his new foster home and has been doing wonderful. His foster mom noted that he is already house-trained and is working hard to learn his basic manners. As our photo session started, I chatted with his awesome foster mom, Kat about his current progress and we were able to spend a little extra time working on his listening skills! While Davey needed a little more time than the other pups for his photo session, he was an absolute joy to work with - I could just see the desire to learn in his eyes and with just a little patience, we were able to get some charming photos of Davey!

After Davey's session, Seymore (lovingly nicknamed Seymore Hiney) came barreling into my studio! This stocky boy is exactly what I think of when I think 'Pit Bull'. He is charming, has a gorgeous smile and wants to be the center of attention. Love-A-Bull really stepped in for Seymore when he needed it the most. This handsome boy is currently undergoing medical treatment to rid him of heartworms. He is restricted on activity while he undergoes his treatment, so getting out into my studio was a treat for this sweet man. Seymore has some amazing foster parents who had a blast showing off all of Seymore's tricks. Once this handsome boy is ready for adoption, his new family is going to be one of the luckiest out there! 

My last visitor this week might not really fit the 'pit bull' profile exactly, but she is just as charming. Sasha is a pit bull, shepherd mix (??) full of happy energy. She was a dolll to photograph, listening well to every instruction and posing perfectly for the camera! I could have photographed this sweet girl all day and was almost disappointed when we finished so quickly, but that's what happens with great dogs!

I can't wait until the next visit from Love-A-Bull and will always have my door open to this rescue that does so much amazing work for the community. If you live in the Austin area, be sure to check them out and come visit the Pittie Pride Parade later this month (October 26th)! I will be there with my tote bags and of course all well-behaved dogs are welcome to the event - Love-A-Bull proudly supports and invites dogs of all breeds out to celebrate!

Stephanie Conrad
Pet Studio Art | Owner | Artist
www.petstudioart.com

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Pit Bull Pride

Pit Bull Pride - Day #29

The day started with a chill in the air. With the temperature in the mid-fourties, we arrived at Republic Square Park at 8:15am. The park was bare except for a handful of Love-A-Bull volunteers setting up shop and getting ready for the day's festivities. 

As one of the first Vendors to arrive, we were able to say our hellos to the Volunteers and allow ourselves plenty of time for setup. With Pit Bull Awareness Day being our most profitable (and of course most fun) event of the year, my husband and I were ready to get things moving!

A few hours after arrival, we were comfortably set up, waiting the day's festivities. At 12pm, the Pittie Pride Parade would be arriving on the fair-grounds and we knew that those few moments of the 'calm before the storm' (a storm of wiggling tails) would be much needed!

Then, suddenly, the parade appeared and hundreds (literally hundreds) of dogs and their people arrived! Dogs in costume, dogs with designer collars, dogs with bows, big dogs and little dogs alike could be seen in every direction!

I love events in Austin. Not only does it give me a chance to re-connect with the many amazing pet-related small businesses in my city, but it gives me the chance to really get out to interact with my own clients face to face. I was thrilled to meet Daisy and Arlo's mom, who I have spoken with many times, however I had not met her in person until PBAD. I was delighted to see Jagger and his amazing family again. Of course, meeting miss Coco Puffin was a huge highlight to the day and of course meeting many new friends and future clients just makes my day!

My husband jokes that within my circle, I am something of a celebrity (I wish!) and all day long I was delighted to be recognized by wonderful pet owners and fellow rescuers. We rarely had a moment to sit down all day with our booth space staying packed to the brim!

During the festivities, we were honored to have special guests, Tia Torres (of Pit Bulls and Parolees) and her crew stop by to say hello as well as Leroy Brown, owner of Karma the Flying Pit Bull, who picked up one of our T-Shirts for the event!

Overall, the day was executed brilliantly, the Love-A-Bull team should be over-overwhelmingly proud of themselves! The silent auction was a hit (my donation was purchased for several hundred dollars), the pittie pride parade was spectacular and everyone was all smiles as the day went by. 

The big question I have now is... Can I go ahead and reserve my space for next year already?? 

Love-A-Bull, you are awesome! Thank you for hosting this amazing event! 

Stephanie Conrad
Pet Studio Art | Owner | Artist
www.petstudioart.com

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Arlo, the Great

Pit Bull Pride - Day #16

Arlo is a handsome, 5 year old oversized baby! He weighs in around 75 lbs and is a solid mass of pure joy. 

His family had no idea that rescuing Arlo would change their lives forever. 

When Arlo's family first begain their search for the perfect dog to bring home, they had an English Bulldog in mind. Being a military man, Arlo's dad really wanted to bring in the Marine mascot, as they had already made a connection with the breed. But, as many adoptive pet parents will tell you, what you have in mind isn't always what you end up falling head over heels in love with! 

Arlo was found in a part of rural Texas, where it is not uncommon for dogs to be dumped or left behind by an unloving former family. As it happened, Arlo was one of these dogs. He happened to wander onto the property owned by the brother of a coworker/friend of Arlo's now family. He lived there for nearly 6 weeks, however since he was much too big to play comfortably with the resident dog, he just couldn't stay. So, Arlo's dad headed out to meet him. As he arrived, he realized that Arlo was just an overall cool dog. 

Arlo was the first pit bull that his family brought home, but he fit in immediately. His first play session included a bout of nibbling on his mom's ears and covering her in playful licks.  It was love right away. His family knew nothing of his breed other than what they had heard, but his happy attitude quickly won them over. Arlo was even invited to be the 'Best Dawg' in his parents wedding! 

Although his family loved him very much, they did face some adversity bringing home a pit bull, especially one as big as Arlo. They were quick to learn that people will judge their dog without getting to know him and have even been told outright that he is 'nothing but a baby killer'. This ignorance led them to seek out Love-A-Bull and other pit bull owners. Since meeting Love-A-Bull, Arlo's family are now able to use their knowledge and become an advocate for pit bulls and all rescued dogs. Arlo has also opened the door to other dogs that have joined their family, including Daisy, who was rescued from the Humane Society of Central Texas. 

Arlo has passed his Canine Good Citizen Certification and uses his positive attitude to win over everyone he meets. His favorite game is being wrapped up in soft blankets, then spending the next hour rolling around, tangling himself up, then untangling himself. He enjoys gnawing on his bones and chasing lizards and squirrels from the yard. 

Arlo is constantly making us smile. He is super smart, but pretends that the only words he understands are "breakfast", "lunch" and "dinner". He acts like a big tough dog, then suddenly jumps because he sees a pinecone! He has no problem being vocal in letting us know that it is Arlo time, and demands to be scratched all over his rump!

"Arlo is my "heart" dog. You know, that one special dog that comes into your life and just changes everything! I owe it to him to speak up for the rest of them and to help change all dogs lives for the better."

-Amanda, Arlo's mom

Stephanie Conrad
The Pet Studio | Owner | Artist
www.petstudioart.com

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Mocha, a Love-A-Bull Legacy

Every pet that enters our lives is special. Each of them has their own personality, their own funny quirks and their own way of expressing their love for us. While every pet touches our lives, there are those that change them forever. 

This week, I am heartbroken for a friend and fellow animal rescuer who lost her dear pooch, Mocha. Mocha was not only her best friend, but Mocha was a life-changer as well. Not just for his amazing mom, Lydia, but for hundreds - no, thousands - of people and dogs.

'Mocha', 12in x 12in painting by Stephanie Conrad, The Pet Studio.

You see, Lydia is the co-founder of Love-A-Bull, Inc, a pit-bull advocacy organization located in Austin, TX. Love-A-Bull is responsible for saving the lives of hundreds of pit bull type dogs since it's start in 2003. One of the dogs that inspired it all... Mocha. 

Mocha received her therapy certification 4 years ago and has spent countless hours sharing her compassion and friendly spirit with everyone from disabled children and adults to our soldiers. Mocha was happy to offer up a kiss and a tail wag to anyone she met. 

Mocha in action, sharing her love with our soldiers at Fort Hood. 

Sadly, Mocha was diagnosed with cancer and yesterday after fighting for some time, Mocha lost her battle. As she passed, the rain began to fall outside....

Mocha's spirit and legacy will live on, as she has touched many lives and showed us that being a dog of a specific breed or stereotype does not determine the amount of love one can give. 

Mocha graduates and becomes a 'Divine Canine'!

Love-A-Bull, Inc (a 501(c)3 organization) was formed in 2003 and received their 501(c)3 status in 2008. Dedicated to educating and advocating on behalf of pit bull type dogs, Love-A-Bull has quickly become one of the largest and most successful Pit Bull Advocacy organizations in the country. Each year, Love-A-Bull hosts their annual Pit Bull Awareness Day, in which thousands of pit bull lovers and hundreds of pit bull type dogs gather together to celebrate our love for the breed as well as offering the general public a view of the real attitude of these pooches, their loving, playful nature!

I have been honored to participate in Pit Bull Awareness Day since it's start and plan to continue offering my support for this amazing organization. 

Stephanie Conrad

The Pet Studio | Owner | Artist
www.petstudioart.com

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In honor of Mocha's memory, you can make a donation to Love-A-Bull, Inc by clicking here. 

A win for the Pit Bulls!

Ohio Lawmakers have finally come to their senses! Today, Governor John Kasich signed H.B. 14 into effect!

This means that Ohio, which previously had a statewide vicious dog label on all 'Pit Bulls' , no longer will discriminate against the Pit Bull type dogs based solely on appearance! Each dog will have the opportunity to be judged as an individual! What a win for the pitties!

My Pit Bull, Holly taking a nap with 'her kitty' Izze Belle.

Great Job to the Ohio Government! As a Pit Bull owner, I am proud to see you moving in the right direction! Now, it's time to step up and put a law into effect banning individual local governments within Ohio from enacting these ridiculous laws. 

Not only has this law been ineffective at preventing the dreaded 'dog attacks' but it has certainly been a cause of countless deaths of innocent dogs solely because they are labeled before given the chance to prove their own individuality. 

Myself and one of the Pit Bull labeled pups available for adoption with
Austin Pets Alive just after the Bastrop Fires happened earlier this year.

The changes that were put in place today with the signing of this new law not only takes away the label to pit bulls but more correctly shifts the blame of incidents to the owners and to truly dangerous dogs vs. targeting family pets. It will also allow the Animal Control employees to spend their time focusing on the important cases where truly dangerous dogs may be involved.

Unfortunately, this does not mean that all discrimination is gone within the state, as many local governments still have laws that discriminate against particular breeds. However, this is a positive step forward and it will make change possible within all of Ohio! 

Not only have Breed Discriminatory Laws proven unsuccessful in every area where they have been implemented, but they cost millions in taxpayer dollars every year! The former vicious dog law in Ohio is estimated to cost around 17 million dollars each year in taxpayer money.

As a celebration for Pit Bull lovers everywhere, I will be offering all Pit Bull Themed necklaces (minus those that are reserved for charitable organizations) at only $5 this week! Show your pittie pride with a Pit Bull themed Necklace designed by The Pet Studio!

Stephanie Conrad

The Pet Studio | Owner | Artist
www.petstudioart.com

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Have you kissed a Pit Bull Today?

Every morning I open my eyes to a happy little face staring back at me. This face belongs to my 50lb Pit Bull mix Holly Madison, who waits patiently for her mom to wake up, but once my eyes open, I am smothered with Pit Bull kisses. 

Typical of the breed, Holly is full of excited, positive energy and is happy to get to know everyone she meets.

This Sunday, I was fortunate enough to be involved in the Pit Bull Awareness Day, hosted in Austin, TX by the Pit Bull Advocate group, Love-A-Bull. 

 

Leading the Parade were Meghan Turner, co-founder of Love-A-Bull with Pit Bull, May, Shorty Rossi (of Animal Planet's Pit Boss) and Pit Bull, Hercules and the men of the National Geographic show Rescue Ink. 

Love-A-Bull began as a simple meetup group, where a rather small cluster of Pit Bull owners got together to walk around Town Lake, in the heart of Downtown Austin, once a week. Two years ago, Meghan Turner and Lydia Zaidman, then members of the meetup decided to take things further and founded Love-A-Bull, Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit mission-driven to promote responsible ownership, promote positive aspects of pit bulls and dispel myths through education and advocacy, to truly repair the damage that has been unfairly done to the reputation of these great dogs.

Love-A-Bull currently has 851 members and is now ranked the second largest Pit Bull Advocacy group in the country, following New York City's Pit Bull meetup.

The Pit Bull Awareness Day brought in over 1500 attendees, with nearly 600 Pit Bulls gracing the grounds of Republic Square Park. True to Pit Bull form, the park was a sea of happy, wiggling tails and slurpy kisses, including the Pit Bull Kissing Booth.

 

Pictured here is the 'Pit Bull Kissing Booth' and myself taking in a big smooch!

With so many people and animals crowded into such a small area, our Pit Bulls stayed true to form and made a wonderful impression on the city. With no serious altercations, our Pit Bull community proved that Pit Bulls are not killing machines, as the media often portrays them. These sweet dogs are full of love, loyalty and most importantly, they are part of our families!

The Pet Studio would like to thank Love-A-Bull for all of the wonderful things you do for our Pitties. Thank you for hosting such a wonderful event. The Pet Studio is looking forward to attending the 2011 Pit Bull Awareness Day!

Stephanie Conrad

The Pet Studio

www.petstudioart.com

In honor of Pit Bull Awareness, The Pet Studio is offering 10% off of any custom painting to the member's of Love-A-Bulls meetup!

More Photos from the Pit Bull Awareness Day Austin can be found on the Pet Studio's Facebook Page!

Sources:

www.love-a-bull.org

Meghan Turner, Founder - Love-A-Bull