TOTALLY TATTERED totally ROCKS!

Totally Tattered to donate 10% to Cuda!
www.totallytattered.com
If you like unique items for your home and wardrobe, Totally Tattered is for you- they create unique hand made items- quilts, purses, etc. for YOU.  They offer many themes, all breeds of dogs and special requests.  They even do layaway!
And now through the end of January- they are donating 10% of what they sell towards Cuda's expenses in getting to the World's Ugliest Dog Contest.
You know I thank people here a lot...today my human mom is humbled.  She is getting so much support she thinks she needs to make promoting me a full time job!  Well, I need her to keep her day job..just sayin'.  People from her work are taking notice of the Cuda Nation buzz....and now this...so please, shop at Totally Tattered- and treat yourself to something wonderful while helping me out!!!
Love,
Cuda

Cuda the Pit Bull for World's Ugliest Dog

Sometimes my feelings get hurt.

I found my name doing a search and saw there is an entire thread dedicated to arguing why I am here, how I got here and what is wrong with me.  I'll let you read and decide for yourself.  I went public with myself in an effort to win the World's Ugliest Dog Contest, however, I have come to be the poster child for poor breeding.  Say what you will but I will tell you my people were told I was inbred by breeders, numerous times.  I cannot lose sight of what's important here...ME!!!

http://www.bulldogbreeds.com/forum/general-misc-bully-discussion/62892-dangers-inbreeding.html

And to all a good night.....

Christmas Eve....I'm more the spiritual type...but here goes...Our first Christmas with Cuda is so special...this year we have even less funds than the last few years but we have her and we have each other.  We are feverishly working on getting to California...we've too much invested now, there's no turning back.  Along with the efforts Scott, Joey and the home zoo, we are relying on the spirit of Cuda's mom to guide us through these next few months.  I never thought about her till tonight, Christmas Eve.

Is she alive?  If so, is she warm?  How many times has she been bred and how many puppies has she nursed? How many times did she have to choose between eating herself and feeding them?  Did she even get to love them? How heavy was the chain around her neck while she gave birth?  I've seen it, I've been there...not for her, but for many female pit bulls, left weary and discarded to starve to death in the streets when they could no longer produce.  How many have become bait for their own offspring to train with?  I think of Cuda's siblings, all generations...how many came out to the expectations of the breeder?  How many didn't make it and how many were drowned?
So my little Cuda with the weight of all of this experience on your crooked shoulders....I promise in the spirit of your mom to take care of you for as long as you shall grace this planet.  And to all a good night.

The kindness of others

I met Santa today and some more faces from Carolina Care Bullies, talked with some people, was a little scared but overall enjoyed my day!  I have this little fan page on Facebook that tells  my story in addition to this page.  Today, because of the kindness of friends and total strangers, there are more 1,000 people who have given me a few minutes of their time whether it be just to click "like" on my page or read my whole story.  I have international friends and local friends.  I have friends who have purchased their dogs and those who have opted to adopt. For those people who have purchased a dog, my intention was not meant to make you feel badly....but maybe your next dog will be adopted!  I don't try to insult breeders, I'm here because of one, but maybe your next dog will be chosen differently.  Every person who has given a part of himself or herself to me matters and I am so grateful of the attention.

My dad shed tears tonight as he got caught up in the excitement of the rapidly increasing numbers.  He said he was overwhelmed in just thinking what could of happened to me and what is currently happening..and who knows...maybe in June I'll walk away with a trophy..in most eyes, an oxymoron title for me maybe, but at least the world will know my story. 

I'm going to meet Santa!

I am so excited...not only do I get to meet Santa this Saturday, I get to see my friends from Carolina Care Bullies again.  You see, over the last few weeks I've learned how much the people who volunteer with CCB love and care and dedicate their time to helping pit bulls.  We all know that too many people think the world would be better without pit bulls.  I don't know if people think pit bulls are the only dogs who ever were trained to fight or have ever bitten anyone but I'm not going to finger point at other breeds.  People really need to understand that there are places where  pit bulls and other kinds of dogs are banned.  I don't mean like renting an apartment or trying to get homeowners insurance..I mean GONE.    That means my own family could lose the right to have me.  Please read about BSL and know the breed of dog in your family may be  next!
http://www.animallaw.info/articles/aruslweiss2001.htm

As for ME- come say hello to me and meet some wonderful pit bulls who need a home very badly.  I know I'll never wonder where I'm sleeping or who loves me.  The pits you will meet Saturday hope for that feeling, too.
http://www.facebook.com/carebullies?v=app_2344061033&ref=ts#!/event.php?eid=167352193299936&index=1

Animals as Presents

As I look around at people caught up in the holiday spirit, I think of how animals are so often given as Christmas gifts.  Parents may want to give their children everything but as a parent, if you are not willing to take on the responsibility of physically caring for that gift, then do not expect your child to do so.  Would you buy your child a baby human to play with if she asked for one?  Don't you replace the batteries of your child's favorite toy when the need arises?

Puppies and kittens, while cute, do several things that are unpleasing and require attention to...they nip, they poop and pee and they grow.  It is important to remember that a puppy or a kitten needs guidance and training just as a child does...your child will not likely turn to the potty himself.  Puppies and kittens also need food, water and a warm place to sleep.  Mostly, if you are not willing to nurture that animal and your kids lose interest after a few weeks, this will reflect in the personality of a pet.  Even rodent pets, reptiles and fish need to be cared for daily. Again, if you are not willing to take this responsibility on yourself, do not consider getting a breathing, living creature as a gift.

Consider teaching your child how to become a responsible pet owner by giving a stuffed doll or one of those electronic pets that require attention.  As your child learned to cultivate a life, he will learn responsibility and patience. 

Thank you!!!
Love,
Cuda

Look at me go!

When out and about, people often ask if I can get around.  They look at me with my awkward body and think that maybe I'm inhibited in some way.   Well, today we had our first snow of the season and my very first snow ever.  Flakes started falling late this morning and the sky's steel color cast a shimmery glow to everything.  Once outside, I found the cold air exhilarating and I was driven to explore. 

There will be no questioning of my physical capabilities once you see my video.  I run like the wind and I do it with style!!!  Although stopping for a couple of treats..one I had to root out of the snow and one I caught in mid air, I glided through the air and loved it!

Enjoy!
Cuda

Rest in Peace Officer Ray Fuller ACO 13

When my mom was stressing out over trying to convince my dad to let her take me home, Ray told my mom not to worry...he said, "You know he'll get over it once he sees her,"  Ray was right.

Ray Fuller was a man with a big heart.  He was a friend to animals and a friend to his co-workers.  Ray's 7mth battle with esophageal cancer was fought with courage and honor.  Despite setbacks and interferences, he smiled for as long as he could.  When he couldn't smile anymore, he tried harder.

You will be missed, Officer Fuller,  Thank you for being a part of our lives.

I got a bath today

Once again the kind folks from Carolina Care Bullies showed me loving...I attended their Pet Wash and Adoption Event at Unleashed Pet Store in Raleigh.  Although  as usual, I was scared, I can't deny the bath made me feel so much better.  I'm working on my dog to dog skills because I get weird sometimes when I meet a new dog.

Telling my story will never get old.  I'm finding a lot of people understand about inbreeding and when they meet me, it really hits home.  I'm happy to be the ambassador of education.

Happy Thanksgiving...Who is more thankful, my people or me?

I would love to be the one to say how grateful I am for my family finding me and providing me with my daily necessities and love in abundance.  When people look at me they see this little twisted body and this permanent smile and wonder if I'm in pain or if perhaps I should have been put down.  What they don't realize is that I know no different.  I am who I am and I'm here and I'm loud and proud!  The only time I wonder if everyone else feels this way is when I can't scratch an itch in a particular spot or when I can't get on to the couch.  With the help of my people, I'm 100%.

I've seen people tell my family how lucky I am that they found me.  What they don't always know is how grateful they are for me finding them.  When I make them laugh and smile or when they are cuddling up to me or presenting me proudly, I know they can never imagine life without me. 
Love, Cuda

During the holidays, remember to keep your own furry friends safe from getting sick.  The ASPCA gives tips on how to do that.  Click on the link and have a great holiday!!
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/thanksgiving-safety-tips.html

Designer Dogs

It used to be that there was pride in owning a "mutt"...now shelters have all kinds of dogs discarded from people thinking how cute it is to combine breeds.  Designer dogs, pocket puppies and hybrids are all giving the same message..that it's ok to continually overpopulate this world with unwanted cats and dogs.  People seem to assume that as long as there is a shelter taking the animals in, or better yet, a "no-kill" shelter..then their conscience is clear.  People don't understand that the cute Puggle they created has a breed that howls incessantly and another that can be less affectionate than others...so the creation here?  A shelter dog.

There is even a site for "designer mixes"...and where a lab/doberman mix used to be a cute mistake adopted from a shelter, now people are trying to make tons of money off of them!!  In our  household we have a Boston Terrier and Mini Pin mix.  We were told she was an "oops" but  when we were asked for $50 to pay for her first set of shots and vet visit, we realized she and her litter mates were being advertised as BosPins!

It is so disheartening to know how many cute breeding experiments resulted in the shelter. 

Cuda Support Gear

OK, so selling stuff is kind of weird...I have a store devoted to me..should I think I'm so great that people will want to buy stuff with my face on it? Yes..because, guess what...you'll never ever find anyone like me!
Here is the link to my store...take a look around...I'm really excited that people have already bought things..I feel very proud!

Cuda's Support Gear Store

People who care

I had a great time at the Super Pet Adopt-a-thon at Greensboro Harley Davidson.  I want to share the groups who were there showing support for animals in need!
Rescue Groups from across the triad including  Safe Haven Equine Rescue and Retirement (SHERR), the SPCA of the Triad, Animal Rescue Groups of NC (ARGNC.com), Carolina Care Bullies, Boston Terrier Rescue of North Carolina, Pet Supplies Plus and Animal Control of Guilford County, NC were there, donating their time in an effort to educate the public and find some furever homes for deserving pups and kitties!

There are too many unwanted cats, kittens, puppies and dogs in the world and for every pet placed, there is a long line waiting...and too many never find homes.

Super Pet Adopt-a-thon Greensboro Harley Davidson

Carolina Care Bullies and Greensboro Harley Davidson will be hosting a super pet adoptathon Nov 13, 2010 from 12-4.  I urge you to attend..I am so excited to go!  I saw this event advertised by Carolina Care Bullies, a wonderful organization for dogs like me...and of course, being the biker dog I am- what better than to have this event at a Harley dealer!  The Piedmont Humane Society and Guilford Animal Control as well as the SPCA are on the flyer too...and while chili will cause me and my family an unpleasant experience....you humans can check out the chili cook-off taking place that day!

Hope to see you there!

Cuda

A little comic relief

I was searching the internet for "inbred dogs" because I wanted to see if I could find a dog out there like Cuda....and I found this dog..."inbread"  Hope that makes you smile...Love, Cuda

Wishes

My heart goes out to the 2yr old  boy who is in critical condition after being mauled by 5 of his grandmother's pit bulls.  This news has quickly become national news.  There are few details right now except that she was not breeding the dogs and that she told investigators she had been trying to give them away.  One dog was reportedly shot on scene by a deputy.can behave more like their ancestors than family pets. My person has seen it first hand and I currently live within my own pack- five dogs in my household. 

How many is too many?  It doesn't matter when it comes down to this type of situation and the issue of pit bull banning is going to blow wide open again...it always will....I can only hope with all of my soul that this baby survives and recovers completely.  It's not about the breed right now, it's about his recovery.

Pin Up for Pitbulls

Just a link...a great link...

http://pinupsforpitbulls.com/

It's amazing where the support comes from.  A high school classmate of my person has come back into her life.  You're talking the early 80's!  His name is Rudy Zelada and he was known as 2 Soon in HS....he has created art of me for me and has posted it on my FB fan page.  We created a photo album and I'm sharing the link...

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=25091&id=130963583605393

I never thought I would look so good in an artistic medium...does it take away from my quest to win the World's Ugliest Dog Contest?  Nahhhh...no one is uglier than me!!!!  The beauty of me is that I was not created to be ugly, I was born naturally ugly due to someone's attempt to make something beautiful and gain from it monetarily...but you already know that story!

My next stop

My fan page is growing daily.  I rock....so my next appearance will be at Greensboro Harley-Davidson on November 13, 2010..but I'm not asking you to go to see me...you see, The Humane Society of the Piedmont is holding a Super Pet Adopt-a-thon there from 12-4...in addition to that, they will be collecting cans of pet food AND having a chili cook off...see it for yourself on this link...

http://www.hspiedmont.org/

For the love of me

I did some traveling this weekend and wow, do I feel loved.  I've come to realize I serve a purpose to make people feel good.  People were surprised to find out I was a pit bull, for one and for two and three, that I'm sweet and happy despite the fact that I am so different.  I even have a follower now thanks to Sumer amd my fan page members skyrocketed in a short time!

One incident was rather disheartening, however.  While drawing a crowd on Main St, New Paltz one person in particular wanted to know about me.  My story was explained to him but when I got to the part where normally I would have been likely drowned at birth because I am the by-product of inbreeding he proudly told me that was standard behavior in how his family handled each unwanted litter in his household.  Speechless, he was told promptly cut off and told, "I'm done here".

It made me think because so many families took that as standard practice instead of spaying and neutering their pets.  This normal behavior makes me wonder if standards will ever change.  It is only with the love of the majority of people that helps me to have faith in mankind.

Modern Dog Magazine

Won't you vote for me!!!!
http://www.moderndogmagazine.com/photocontest/dogs/10/10/25/cuda

I'm determined to get famous!

Getting noticed

I attended an adoption event in Raleigh yesterday.  Everywhere I walked people wanted to know my story.  My person told it over and over again, never tiring.  People couldn't believe what they heard about my life and what could have happened to me.  Suddenly my fan page jumped to over 600!!  My competitor, Icky the Ugly Dog posted to my page that he is looking forward to meeting me in Petaluma.  I feel so excited to be moving closer towards my goal of being the World's Ugliest Dog 2011!

Fans

Who would have thought I'd have so much support and gain so many fans?  The people who are my fans are pure animal lovers or people who understand diversity and eduction matters across the board. I met some fans last weekend and was treated like a rock star! 
To think my life could have ended before I had a chance to live it boggles my young mind.  I don't know what happened before I turned 4 months old and was given the opportunity to join a family who didn't care that I should have been put down by my breeder but I am so happy that I am here.
I have blossomed and love to play with the other four dogs and three cats at home.  They don't treat me differently which goes to show you that animal love is unconditional.

My trip to PetSmart

Oh the fun of people loving me although I am a pit bull...how come no one is scared of a deformed pit?  My jaws are just as large?!?!?

They say Pit Bulls are vicious killers.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=12780876

I say the owners of those dogs are vicious and need to be stopped.

A Vick dog success story...happy ending.

Culling?

"Culling is the process of removing animals from a group based on specific criteria. This is done in order to either reinforce certain desirable characteristics or to remove certain undesirable characteristics from the group"...source Wikipedia.
Technically, I suppose Cuda should have been culled.  To say she should have been euthanized whether humanely or not because she was undesirable boggles my mind.  I was advised that inbred dogs exhibit the following traits in extra tight inbreeding:
HOCKED SPINDLY LEGS, UNDERBITE...
Inbreeding is a standard for breeders to make bigger, better, perfect dogs.  It is widely used by all breeders- "back yard" and "professional".These breeders who inbreed and cross breed feel culling is a mandatory need in order to breed genetically superior dogs.  This means that the "mistakes" are just part of the game here and should be immediately destroyed as they serve no purpose.
I never knew about this.  I'm so happy someone scooped Cuda up and that she somehow landed in my lap.  Cuda was one of the lucky ones.  She is in no pain and has no physical problems now but who knows what's to come, I admit...when that times comes, then she will be humanely dealt with...not axed out because she didn't come out right at the start!

I'm going to the World's Ugliest Dog Contest

Who would want to discard me? Who knew that in April I would find the family filled with love for me...my mom ran into a couple at a gas station who couldn't keep me or didn't want to. She couldn't believe her eyes when she saw me. Immediately it was evident that I had been inbred or my parents overly bred. I'm a Pit Bull and Pit Bull's get really bad raps. I hardly look like one but I assure you I am. If you read my profile you can see all of the things "wrong" with me that make me so right.
When my person got me we went to a pet store to get me some toys...everyone at the pet store looked at me weird and asked my person, "Eew, what is wrong with that dog?" I didn't care but my person had a sad yet defiant look in her eyes...but even when she brought me home the other people in the house were dumbfounded...but it only took minutes to fall in love with me..yes, I am one ugly dog but I am full of love and sweetness.
I am headed to the World's Ugliest Dog Contest and you can find me on Facebook under the group, "Help Cuda Get to the World's Ugliest Dog Contest June 2011"...long name but it speaks for itself.
I will entertain you with my adventures..feel free to share with your family and friends...the more people know about me, the more people will become educated about creatures with special needs, Pit Bulls and tolerance!