Wednesday, June 29, 2011

We didn't win : ( but we made a huge splash

Hope this post finds you all well. As usual, we've been so busy our blog has been neglected.  Here's what has happened in the last few weeks.
We didn't win the World's Ugliest Dog Contest ® but we did place third in the Pedigree division.  Yoda won and deserved that win.  I think all of us contestants knew that upon Yoda's arrival!  We had so much fun in Calfornia.
Cuda was treated to a day of pampering at AnnaBee's Boutique at 5410 Coast Highway.  Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA were on hand with adoptable dogs.  Owners Maureen Murray and Mary Ellen Wood were gracious and Cuda was welcomed by the community so graciously!
The day of the Contest was interesting.  We ran into many people from the area who already knew who Cuda was.  We met returning contestants and new contestants.  We were honored to meet Princess Abby, who as you know inspired us to enter the contest.
On Sunday, we sat back and enjoyed the Pride Parade.  It was heartwarming to see many animal agencies such as San Francisco SPCA, Muttville Senior Rescue, San Francisco Animal Care & Control and especially Bad Rap, an organization devoted to Pit Bulls.  We even met 2 former Michael Vick dogs, both thriving and happy.
What's next?  Our work isn't done.  We intend to continue spreading her message.  Irresponsible breeding must cease!  Do you know any breeders in your area who have questionable business practices?  Let us know!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Happenin's

We have been so busy on Facebook that we have neglected our blog terribly.  Our Facebook page is www.facebook.com/cudathepitbull and you can always catch up there.  Some recent things that Cuda has accomplished include being featured on WRAL News and being the Ambassador at the Durham County Animal Protection Society Walk for the Dogs. 
Today is May 24th and one month from today is the World's Ugliest Dog Contest!!  We can't believe it's finally here!!  If you haven't already voted for us on the Sonoma Marin Fair's website, here is the link:
http://www.sonoma-marinfair.org/ugly-dog-gallery

And finally, we are excited to say that American Dog Magazine is being released and Cuda is in it!  Here is the link to that:
http://www.theamericandogmag.com/doggie-heroes/happily-ever-after/cuda

Next up- Cuda will be featured on 96 Rock in Raleigh- we'll let you know when!!

Thank you,
Love to you all- Cuda

Thursday, April 14, 2011

IT'S TIME TO VOTE!!!!!

Thank you all for your support-- voting is now live on the Sonoma Marin World's Ugliest Dog website...there is some stiff competition and the picture of Cuda is not the ugliest we have, but please vote for her by clicking the link below and sharing with your friends.

It's one vote per email so use up all of those addresses you have!
Thanks!
Cuda

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR CUDA

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Wake County NC SPCA's Walk for No-Kill Now on Saturday, April 16 (Raleigh)

We are going to be at the SPCA Walk this coming Saturday, April 16th! Have you registered?  Join the other dog lovers as they show their support for this wonderful cause.  We'll bring a few T Shirts and the rest of our bracelets. Come meet Cuda!

Wake County SPCA Site

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Whew- what a weekend and T Shirts are here!

We had an amazing time in Milwaukee.  Cuda made so many fans and we made so many friends I hope to go back! I'd even live there.  The city is fantastic and the Harley Davidson Museum is very cool.  I am so grateful to Lisa, our friend and tour guide and to my friends Linda and Jennifer who joined us. We also made great friends at Hal's Harley Davidson and Brew City Bully Club.  They are an amazing organization committed to the education and teaching of people regarding pit bulls....so this trip was an amazing success.  We currently stand at 3,171 fans on Facebook and hope to hit 5,000 by contest date.  Do you think we can?

Now for the fun part- We have T-Shirts!!  Full color and fun to wear. Show your support of Cuda in her goggles with her tongue hanging out.  T-shirts are 100% pre-shrunk cotton, white with Cuda on the front. We have mediums, large and X-large.  If this is a success, we will be ordering a bigger variety of sizes. The shirts themselves are roomy and heavy duty!

Shirts are $20 plus $5 domestic shipping- if anyone outside of the US wants one, provide us with your address and we will calculate your shipping costs.  Enjoy and get yours before they are all gone!!!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Cuda's Coming to Milwaukee- Meet her at Hal's Harley Davidson

We are so looking forward to our trip to Milwaukee to meet our fan Lisa.  My friends Jennifer and Linda are coming with me.  We will be there April 8-10th. 
On April 9th between 11-2 we will be holding a little meet & greet at
Hal's Harley Davidson
1925 S. Moorland Rd
New Berlin, WI
262-860-2060
We are so excited to be welcomed here.  All two legged and leashed four legged friends are welcome!  After
our event Hal's is holding their 9th annual Toast for Hope to benefit ALS a form of Muscular Dystrophy.
Check out Hal's website at
http://www.halshd.com/

Hope to see you there!!!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Cuda Bracelets! T-shirts coming soon!

Only 9 bracelets left- adorable black and silver beads with Cuda's name in the center. Show your support for Pit Bulls- BSL- overpopulation and irresponsible breeding all with one name...CUDA! Self adjusting and only $10, domestic postage paid.
Cuda beaded bracelet


We have ordered T-Shirts in assorted sizes for the "Support Cuda" club!  $20 each!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

This Saturday, March 26 1-3pm- Kiss A Cuda for Sugar & Iris


UPDATE!!!! 

Iris had ten puppies on March 27, 2011.  Mother and children are doing well.
Sugar is receiving medical care and was able to stand today.

Cuda helped raise $250 towards their care!  Thank you to those who came out and helped.  A little love goes a long long way!


CAT BANJO KISS A CUDA FOR SUGAR & IRIS!
2043 Cameron Street
Raleigh, NC 27605
919-833-6711

Sugar is a very sweet boxer who was hit by car in Greenville, NC.  After the required hold at the shelter, she went to the care of Debbi Cochran, owner of Cat Banjo, a wonderful accessory store committed to raising funds to rescue dogs like Sugar.  Sugar is now in the care of Debbie but has medical bills.

Iris is a rescue found in Whiteville, NC.  She was found malnourished and pregnant and in danger of being euthanized at the shelter. Debbi is raising funds to help care for Iris and her puppies and find homes for them all.

On Saturday, March 26, Cuda will be at Cat Banjo from 1pm-3pm offering Cuda kisses for a suggested donation of $2.  If you want to meet Cuda, this a great opportunity to see her, shop for some wonderful treasures and help Sugar and Iris.


As you all know, Cuda is a rescue herself with special qualities.  Your support of her and her trip to the World's Ugliest Dog Contest have been amazing. Debbi and I see this as a way of dogs helping dogs via people!

We hope to see you there!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Events Galore!

We've been so busy...in the last couple of weeks we have had lunch dates with new friends and fans of Cuda, have booked our tickets and hotel in California, went to another wrestling event with Cuda as a guest (that was fun and crazy) and made plans to visit Milwaukee at the request of a very special fan from April 8-10th!  If you live in the Milwaukee area, please let me know.

Tomorrow (3/19/11) we are attending the Super Pet Expo in Chantilly, Va. We went to the one in NY and had such a blast we have to do it again.  We do have some new friends and fans who are planning on meeting us there.  We expect to arrive around 2pm and stay until we can't walk around anymore!  If you would like to meet us, please email us at cudathepitbull@aol.com or comment here.  The info is as follows:

http://superpetexpo.com/chantilly.html

Chantilly, VAMarch 18-20, 2011

Dulles Expo Center

4320 Chantilly Shopping Center
Chantilly, VA 20153


HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
 
 

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Oh my goodness! Haven't posted in so long!

We've been so crazy with things that I have neglected our blog!  Just to give you the updates:

Our Indiegogo fund raiser has come to its end and we are so happy to say that because of the kindness of others in our mutal love for Cuda, we have reached our goal.  We've also raised $273 in addition to that and we're throwing in the extra money to make an even $300 for animal charity.

The donor that has raised the most money requested that Two Loons Dog Rescue be one of the recipients of that money and we are honoring that by providing them with a gift certificate to their favorite vendor so they can get supplies for their rescues.

We also are purchasing a gift certificate for Carolina Care Bullies for their fundraising efforts for us.  It's amazing that two rescues in need of their own funds are so giving themselves.

The remainder of the money will go to the United States Equine Rescue League for their amazing efforts in helping horses and horse owners in NC, Virginia, Indiana and Kentucky.

Thank you all for your donations, your support, your love of our wonderful pup, Cuda.  She is our diva and deserves to be! Your support is still needed as the contest isn't until June 24, 2011.  Online voting starts in April.  Please continue to share her page with your friends and families.

You can read more about the rescues above by clicking :

http://www.userl.org/ United States Equine Rescue League
http://www.carebullies.org/ Carolina Care Bullies
http://www.twoloonsdogrescue.org/ Two Loons Dog Rescue

To share Cuda's page click here:
www.facebook.com/pages/help-cuda-get-to-the-worlds-ugliest-dog-contest-june-2011/130963583605393


REMEMBER ABOVE ALL TWO THINGS:

UGLY IS THE NEW CUTE
UGLY CHIC IS THE NEW LOOK!


Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Cuda can teach

If you are in the Raleigh Durham area and would like to help teach kids or grown ups about responsible pet care, about safety around animals and why adoption is better than buying, Cuda and I will be happy to come speak to your group!

Cuda is gentle and quiet and loves people.  Kids love her and she loves them back.  Sometimes we take for granted that proper care and behavior around animals is instinct.  I've seen light bulbs brighten in the eyes of little ones when they realize that dogs and cats can't express pain the same way as people and cannot fetch their own water or food.  Dogs need to be taught that pooping and peeing in the house is a no-no and that people have to help them learn that.  Chewing, jumping and barking are other behaviors we need to correct.

One of my favorite tools to teach people involve safety around dog and cats we don't know.  Picking up a cat of your own can sometimes result in a scratch so picking up a stray cat can be dangerous.  Famous last words, "He won't bite" often result in bites!  I ask kids in classrooms if they've ever been chased by a dog and hands shoot up all over the room.  The "tree" is very useful in keeping you safe from a running dog.  Loose dogs will look at you as prey or toy and it is not often you can out run them.  Although it feels unnatural, remaining still as a tree will cause the dog to lose interest in you and move on.

I also teach people about caution around wild life, especially bats.  It is never safe to handle a bat, even when deceased.  While the rabies virus requires a live host, dead bats still shouldn't be handled.  It's best to contact your local agency when one is in your house.  If you've been exposed to a bat, it should be tested for rabies as they are known carriers.  In order to test a bat, its head/brain must remain intact, so smashing one to bits is not a great idea!  Pets and people can be bitten by bats without ever knowing it so if one is in your house, think about letting the agency pick it up rather than letting it fly free.  Bat poop (guano) is toxic to humans so don't tackle that attic on your own.  Call a professional trained to do that.

Soooo, if you are interested, please let us know- we love working with people and helping them learn about animal care and safety!

Cuda & Julie

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Getting Down to the Fundraising Wire

Hi everyone- while I don't see us meeting our goal within just a couple of weeks...I do want to thank everyone for supporting Cuda no matter how!!!  Liking her page, following her on Twitter, joining this Blog....donating or buying Cuda gear!!

Here is the link for our final push to cover her expenses while we try to raise money for pit bull education and rescue!!

http://www.indiegogo.com/Help-Cuda-get-to-the-2011-Worlds-Ugliest-Dog-Contest

Monday, January 31, 2011

TPPC TV

TPPC TV is a pet bloggers support site committed to education for our pets.  Cuda's story will be live this Thursday, Feb 3rd at 6:45.  Hear her story in full and how you can help see this unique dog win the World's Ugliest Dog Contest.

This is also a great opportunity for you to learn how you can joing the blog.

Cuda & Julie
http://www.tppc.tv/blog2/?p=3797

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Are you ready for some WRESTLING!?!?!

Power Pro Wrestling is a huge supported of Cuda and the Randolph County Knock-Outs Fast Pitch Softball Team.  They will be holding a Charity Event at Seagrove Elementary School at 528 Old Plank Road in Seagrove, NC tonight, Jan 29, 2011.  Doors open at 5pm for a meet and greet with the wrestlers and the first bell rings at 7:30PM
Cuda will be joining the professionals for some fun and to practice for the World's Ugliest Dog Contest.  They have promised to provide her with some ugly competition during intermission!!

So join us for some fun- help out a great bunch of kids and see Cuda in her very first competition!!!
http://p2wonline.com/Seagrove-SuperShow.html

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Cuda Hits the Airwaves!

Tune in tomorrow 1/28/11 to G105's Bob and the Showgram.  Cuda will be in the studio for their Friday Free for All.  Click the link below to see and hear:

http://www.bobandtheshowgram.com/pages/showgramcameras.html

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Fans, fans and more fans

Cuda is at a plateau of fans on her Facebook and it's making us crazy!!  Have we become greedy!?!?  We never expected to have over 2500 fans but it's so addicting to watch her numbers go up...plus when the Contest opens for online voting...well...you see how that makes sense.

Here's the latest Cuda bragging.....
Cuda has been honored with a full page spread in The American Dog Magazine, scheduled to hit news stands.  You can check out the digital edition by going to http://www.theamericandogmag.com/ and clicking on the right hand side. 

However, I digress.  I find I'm using this blog to promote and share articles. You can see all of that on Facebook or Twitter.  Today I want to address this new study about sleeping with your dogs.  First of all...another NEW study for something that has been taking place since humans domesticated dogs has suddenly shown to be a reason that you can die?

I don't know about you but I haven't recently visited anyone in the hospital dying of dog bed syndrome.  Having your pet in your bed is more than enough reason to protect him from worms, parasites and other illnesses, however.  So don't you think preventive care should be addressed?  Too many animals have not been inoculated or have had a intestinal parasite screening in..what, forever?  All too often after a 3yr rabies vaccination, people forget about that all important yearly physical.  Speak with your Vet to decide what annual vaccinations are recommended for your pet. Many intestinal parasites are undetectable visually so make sure you get a "fecal flotation" at your yearly visit.  Heartworm is preventable and a pet with heartworm is expensive to treat and compromises their continued good health.

I know those who are reading this page are wonderful and loving pet owners.  Sometimes it's just a matter of education.  If you know of anyone with pets who may need a vet visit fine tuning- help them realize how they can help their pet to live longer and healthier!

Oh and by the way- here's the link to that pesky article:
http://www.aolnews.com/2011/01/20/letting-sleeping-dogs-lie-in-your-bed-can-kill-you/

We had to get a king size bed to accommodate our animals.  The only thing that causes us sleep problems is dogs moving around and farts!  In addition, I have not been able to cuddle my hubby due to invading dogs in the middle for quite some time now....

Don't forget to share Cuda with your friends!  We are almost at the half way goal for our fund raising campaign to help offset costs for her travel....If we meet goal, we get 5% back from Indiegogo!  Please spare a dollar if you can!!

Love,
Cuda's Mom

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Another proud moment for us!

We are pleased to be part of Fido & Wino's R.O.A.R Squad!  Thank you Shauna!  Here are the links to read and become part of the R.O.A.R. Squad.  Shauna is looking for other rescue owners in the following states:

  • Oklahoma

  • Oregon

  • South Carolina

  • South Dakota- need asap!

  • Wisconsin- need asap!

  • Wyoming- need asap!    


  • So check out www.fidoandwino.com


     
    Happy Faces all around!!!!

    Saturday, January 15, 2011

    Eye Opening.....

    People often ask me about Cuda's physical health.  We know that she behaves just like any other dog, running, jumping and playing.  Since she came into our lives we've been fortunate that we have not had any health scares whatsoever.  Last night brought a whole new concern and appreciation for our baby girl.

    It started when we all turned in for the night.  Cuda seemed restless and kept jumping off the bed and going outside.  Since she can't jump back up on the bed, we had to pick her up each time, obviously realizing that something was up. At about 1am there was no denying something was terribly wrong.  We got up and accompanied her outside but she didn't seem to be doing anything...not throwing up, not...well, you know.  She came in and tried to settle down but seemed so uncomfortable. I was panicking that she was developing "bloat"- http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1571&aid=402  We contemplated running to the Emergency Vet but then she fell asleep, a little shaky, though.  This went on all night and by daylight we knew we had to take her to our Vet. 

    As the sun rose so did her spirits.  One of our older Rat Terriers, Cisco, however, seemed to be taking her path.  While Cuda ate and drank and went outside for "her business", Cisco tried to get comfortable and was shaky, too....ahhhh, now two dogs to go to the Vet...scary! 

    By 8:00am, Cuda was back to her normal self and Cisco is coming around nicely.  We had given the dogs a compressed cow hoof bone, split up among them yesterday.  We saw three of the dogs munch on them, but our little resilient Boston Terrier/Mini Pin mutt, Murphy was unfazed.  Rest assured, we will not be using those kind of treats again! We'll still see our Vet but I'm breathing great sighs of relief, at work unfortunately, after a sleepless night.

    Will Cuda develop physical and physiological health problems in the near future?  She does have that tilted rib cage, so it's a distinct possibility she's at risk for gastric problems I would imagine.  It makes us realize how precious all of our dogs are to us but with Cuda's triumphant spirit, she's simply a miracle.

    I posted about this early this morning on Facebook and Twitter and once again, her fans and friends proved to me that where the world is ugly, they are beautiful.  There are a lot of sites out there regarding safe dog treats, but I found this one particulary useful: http://www.dogguide.net/safe-dog-treats.php

    Monday, January 10, 2011

    Cuda Basking In the Spotlight Once Again!

    Fresh from the excitement of meeting some more fans on Sunday, Cuda is proud to announce that she is in PeoplePets today!  Her mom spoke with the editors and told her story.  They even picked the cool picture of Cuda with the Cuda!
    See the article and tell me what you think:

    http://www.peoplepets.com/news/dogs/cuda-the-deformed-pit-bull-wants-to-be-the-world-s-ugliest-dog/1

    Sunday, January 9, 2011

    Slapstick Dogs Going Mad I Say

    Beautiful Artists, Generous People

    I would like to thank both Arlee Bee and Totally Tattered for creating art in the name of Cuda.  Check this out:

    Throughout the month of January, Totally Tattered is donating 10% of all sales towards Cuda's trip.  They hold online auctions and work with crafters of  all kinds.  You can also find them on Twitter and Facebook.
     www.totallytattered.com is their website

    Arlee Bee creates unique and personalized doggy wear.  Collars, harnesses, tags and my favorite, Bee Blossoms, adorable and decorative blossoms in many colors.  Arlee Bee has created a special collection called Barracuda and all of the  proceeds from those sales go towards Cuda's trip.  You can find her Facebook and Twitter, too.
    www.arleebee.com is her website.

     If you can support Cuda by suggesting her to your friends on Facebook or Twitter, sharing her You Tube Videos, subscribing to her blog, donating via IndieGogo,  supporting our artists or making purchases from Cuda's Store at www.cafepress.com/cuda2010 we would be so grateful!

    Love and kisses,
    CUDA

    ARLEE BEE BARRACUDA BOW

    Friday, January 7, 2011

    Dog Rescues

    http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm

    I would like to take this time to post a list of Dog Rescue Groups.  The AKC has recognized the need to recognize that there are loads of opportunities to obtain a specific breed.  Our shelters are loaded with purebred dogs because many times people purchase them without researching the breed.  Cocker Spaniels, for instance, while a family dog can be nippy towards strangers.  Labradors are loyal and loving breeds, but can become very upset without constant attention.  Many times people purchase dogs because they are so cute as puppies, but they didn't take into account they grow and the owners are not prepared to handle that.

    As with all shelter dogs, purebreds can be trained out of negative behavior.  Older dogs are usually the most difficult to find homes for, so if you are considering a specific breed, think about one that has passed the difficult puppy stage.

    My rule of thumb is to see how many dogs are available for adoption at a rescue.  Ask detailed questions about the dog's personality and don't gloss over the facts about your commitment because you fall in love with the looks of the dog. 

    Good luck with your search,

    Cuda

    Tuesday, January 4, 2011

    Cuda is on Twitter

    For all of the people who prefer Twitter- you can follow her at CudaThePitBull for the latest updates.
    We are still just under 2000 fans...I'm grateful that there are almost 2000 fans out there- it's more than I ever expected and I'm humbled.

    We are also still trying to raise the money we need to get her out there.  We have to book her flight very soon.  If you can, please donate at http://igg.me/p/14602?a=63707&i=shlk which is at Indiegogo.com.  If you can give $1 it would mean so much to us.

    I was so worried that with Cuda's physical condition she would develop health problems or pain.  I'm so happy to report that she is thriving and happy against all odds.  She is an amazing dog.

    Thank you!

    Saturday, January 1, 2011

    Happy Birthday to ME!!!

    We really didn't know  what to expect when Cuda came home in April 2010.  Even with a clean bill of health by the Vet, there were and still are unanswered questions.  Exactly what happened when she was born?  Was the whole litter like this?  Will she live a long life?  Will she ever be in pain?  Not a day has gone by since she joined our family that I don't stop and hold my breath if I see her dragging one of her rear legs...She tends to lean her weight forward so her back legs don't seem to bear it all.  Sometimes she'll just use them as a  "tripod". I worry that she may hurt her legs or start to hurt and then everything will change.  For now, however, we'll just keep her health care up to date and monitor her.  She has no signs of slowing down.  Her ability to run so fast and jump so high is pretty impressive.
    Well, at 25lbs, she is a pint size ball of fire!  Happy Birthday Cuda- you may have to wait till June for your birthday present- but for now you have our undying affection!

    Please click on the side bar for IndiGogo and help send Cuda to the World's Ugliest Dog Contest!! Thank you!!!