HELLO BULLY

Is a Pittsburgh-Based 501c3 Nonprofit Dedicated to Rehoming, Rehabilitating, and Repairing the Reputation of the American Pit Bull Terrier!

Linus, a confiscation from a suspected dogfighter in Florida. Adopted and now living happily with his sister Lucy.

Theo came to Hello Bully by way of the Missouri 500 case - the largest dogfight- ing bust in history. He is living happily in the suburbs and enjoys the life of a beloved companion.

Ohio 200 Alumni Ferdinand the Bull during a photo shoot. Proceeds from this project helped to fund Ferdinand's knee surgeries. Ferdinand was adopted this spring and is loving his new life.

By Daisy Balawejder, President of Hello Bully

Photos courtesy of Hello Bully

Hello Bully began in 2005 after the passing of our first Pit Bull, Kaneda. I had adopted Kaneda from a shelter in 1995 and immediately realized that owning a Pit Bull was different than owning any other breed. While he was easily the sweetest, most easygoing dog I’d ever met, people would see him and cross to the other side of the street. He was a wonderful dog, and after he passed away, my husband and I decided we wanted to do more for Pit Bulls.

Hello Bully’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and repair the reputation of the American Pit Bull Terrier. We promote adoption, speuter (spay/neuter), ethical rescue and responsible ownership. We truly believe that the “Pit Bull problem” has more to do with people than it does with dogs.

Hello Bully has nearly 100 active volunteers who help to run our programs; we have no paid employees. In partnership with local shelters, we run Pittsburgh’s only free Pit Bull Spay/Neuter Program, Pit Fix Plus. Since the start of our program in July 2008, we have speutered nearly 1200 Pit Bulls. Fundraising events bring in the money needed to sustain the program. We offer free training seminars, and our behavior team members help owners in need to keep their dogs in the home and out of shelters. We also have a “Pit Bull 101” educational program that is tailored to the general public and is available at no cost.

In addition to our outreach efforts, we also rescue dogs who need our help. We pull dogs from animal control, neglect situations, dogfighting busts, and from owners who are no longer able to care for their dogs. Notably, in the summer of 2010, the Humane Society of the United States asked Hello Bully to help with more than 200 Pit Bulls confiscated from a suspected dogfighter in Ohio. More than 50 Hello Bully volunteers provided much-needed daily care to the dogs. Meeting before the sun rose and carpooling close to 100 miles, cashing in sick days and using vacation time, our volunteers always made sure that each dog received critical care and everyday enrichment.

Some rescue dogs simply need a safe place until a permanent home can be found, while others—specifically dogs who have spent their lives on a chain—need to be carefully introduced into a world that is very foreign and can be extremely overwhelming. It can take months before they are ready to be adopted into a home. Regardless of their past, all dogs are evaluated and treated as individuals. Over the years we have relied on our volunteer foster families, who work with our behavior team to help set these dogs up to succeed in their forever homes.

Hello Bully recently began our search for a property where we can create a halfway home for Pit Bulls in need. We see a need for something that is more transitional than a traditional shelter, especially for Pit Bulls who have only ever known life on a chain. We are excited about the opportunity to help these dogs on their journeys from yard dogs to beloved family companions.

With the continued support of the public, and the amazing dedication of our volunteers, Hello Bully sees a bright future ahead for our organization and for the dogs we are able to help.

For more information or to make a donation: