As a long-time volunteer and animal advocate, I can't stand rescues and leaders that don't actually advocate for animals. Everyone should know that Donna, the director of Bad Rap, an Oakland advocacy group I have supported for years, spends time actively defending backyard breeders who don't spay and neuter. In addition, she defends the use of punitive tools such as prong collars and believes the deadly Iditarod is justifiable. This isn't someone who should be in charge of any animal organization, yet we see this all the time in animal rescue. Despite some of the great work this organization has done, in my experience, leaders like this are a clear indication that an organization is not a good one to support. May each animal in the care of this person/group be wrapped in gentle protection and kindness.
I remain a huge fan of Bad Rap and their two-pronged mission to educate people and restore the American pit bull terrier to its rightful place in our country. They have been a huge help to me with my rescued pit. Their website and Facebook page are an excellent way to learn about the dogs and see the rescues they bring into their fold. All of us who follow them celebrate the placement of each dog. Many go on to have their own blogs so we can even keep up with them in their new homes. No, their miniscule staff doesn't have time to answer every email that comes in, but they are quite transparent about what goes on at the Bad Rap Barn. The dedication of this organization to training people to handle and enjoy these great dogs is amazing, and I will continue to support their efforts.
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I became a volunteer handler at Berkeley Animal Control Services primarily so I could learn from and help Bad Rap. They have an awesome program that allows trained BACS volunteers to take pit bulls from the shelter to Bad Rap training classes. The idea behind this relationship is that a pit bull who is even slightly trained and somewhat socialized is much more likely to be adopted. Also, anyone who adopts a pit from the BACS shelter gets to attend Bad Rap's classes at no charge! I ended up adopting my "trainee" when no one else was interested. She was a terrible fence-fighter and very dog-reactive, but I saw potential. The Bad Rap trainers got us through the basics, gave me some socialization tips, and generally were just THERE for me when I needed questions answered. My dog passed her Canine Good Citizen test (much to my surprise) within a few months. Now we've moved on, and she's working on being certified as a therapy dog and an allergy-alert service dog. The Bad Rap folks gave both of us the confidence we needed to start out relationship, and I will be forever grateful for their expertise and patience.
Review from Guidestar
Two refugees from Spindletop arrived at BAD RAP August 21, 2012. The dogs have disappeared. BAD RAP refuses to give any information about these two dogs who survived a nightmare only to disappear. As a group which rakes in almost a half million dollars a year in public donation money, this group owes an explanation to the public about these two dogs. Where are they?
Review from Guidestar