Pet Tales: Hello Bully gives pit bulls 2nd chance
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Linus had a rough start in life. He was one of 20 fighting dogs that lived in cramped cages or on short chains attached to posts in Union County, Fla. Last April, the dogs were freed when police, acting on an anonymous tip, broke up the dog-fighting ring, seizing dogs and other property and arresting the dog fighters.
Linus has moved up in the world, and he'll be an honored guest at the fourth annual "Lovers Not Fighters" gala Feb. 18 at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland.
Linus, a red American pit bull terrier, ended up in Pittsburgh with Hello Bully, a nonprofit group that finds new homes for pit bulls and educates the public that these dogs make loving and loyal pets in the hands of responsible dog owners.
Even right after his rescue, Linus "was always a polite dog," said Emma Dauk, a Hello Bully volunteer who fostered him. "He never jumped on anyone or demanded attention. He gently rests his head on any part of you he can and looks up at you with big soft eyes," asking to be petted.
Because the former fighter got along so well with their pit bull, Lucy, Mrs. Dauk and her husband, Tim, adopted Linus. In September, Linus earned his Canine Good Citizen certification.
The gala raises money to help dogs like Linus and to pay for spay and neuter surgeries -- 1,400 since 2009.
Also coming to the party will be adoptable pit bulls from the three Pittsburgh shelters and from Hello Bully.
The gala runs from 7 to 11 p.m. Admission is $50 per person or $120 for a VIP ticket. Festivities include a DJ, hors d'oeuvres, dessert buffets and cash bar. Cocktail attire and two-legged guests only. Go to www.hellobully.com to order tickets.
Although the Steelers aren't playing in the Super Bowl Sunday, there's a very slight Pittsburgh connection. The national anthem will be sung by a new customer of a South Side grooming parlor, A Diamond in the Ruff, at 1555 S. 18th St.
First Published February 4, 2012 12:00 am
