OUT OF THE PITS - A NON-PROFIT ANIMAL RESCUE ORGANIZATION

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What is Out of the Pits?

Out of the Pits is a non-profit corporation founded in 1996 to address the plight of the Pit Bull. We seek to make the public aware that the Pit Bull– not long ago America's favorite dog– has become the world's most misunderstood breed.

Inherently intelligent, loving and loyal to a fault, the breed once known as the "children's nursemaid" has only recently fallen into the hands of a criminal subculture that uses systematic brutality to force the dogs to fight or "guard" drugs.

Although Out of the Pits defines itself as a rescue organization (we have successfully placed hundreds of dogs), our main focus is on public education. Here we are at Christmas with teaching staff and four of our ten TDI certified Therapy Dogs at the Goff Middle School in East Greenbush, NY. We have just presented humane education programs to every class of sixth-graders in the school. This school's support of our dogs has been heartwarming.

For every acceptable home found for one of our dogs, we receive hundreds of calls asking that we rescue a Pit Bull. Only when the true nature of the breed is recognized, will a sufficient number of loving homes open up to the many thousands of displaced dogs filling streets and shelters. Our continuing efforts are aimed at restoring the breed to its former position of esteem in the hearts and minds of people everywhere.

Board of Directors

Cydney Cross, President

Mary Allen, Vice-President

Nancy Vlahos, Secretary

Lori Isabella, Treasurer

Bonnie Kellaher, Product Manager

Suzanne Bunney, Training Coordinator

Gabrielle DeMarco, Adoption Counselor

Advisory Board

Elizabeth Hess

Lawrence Osgood

Bernadette Peters

William Rasweiler DVM

Barry Thompson - Webmaster

Alexis– Our Official Ambassador

We have chosen Alexis to represent Out of the Pits because she exemplifies the miracle that can occur when someone reaches out to save one of the many doomed Pit Bulls whose cages line the walls of local pounds and shelters.

Cydney Cross had been called to the shelter after police, conducting a drug raid, brought in 30 Pit Bulls. The shelter was already filled to capacity, and all would be destroyed unless spoken for quickly– there was just no way to save every one. In a distant corner, one small bedraggled female caught Cyd's eye. She wasn't much to look at–just a waif– thin, filthy, and covered with open wounds. Some of the other dogs were in better condition, less frightened– more promising. Yet, there was something different about this quiet presence facing the back wall– only occasionally casting a glance over her shoulder toward the stranger.

Seriously abused, her wounds revealed that she had been used for fighting–not a good sign. She was exceedingly thin, encrusted with dirt, crawling with fleas. And, who knew what else. Still, Cydney felt herself strangely drawn to the quiet little dog. Knowing that she was choosing with her heart and not her head, she found herself driving home at the end of the day with the dog, that she had already named Alexis, on the seat beside her. "We were just starting to rescue Pit Bulls," she says, "I wasn't sure what I was getting into, but I thought I might foster her until we could find a home. Then, she crawled over and put her head in my lap. When I saw the trust in her eyes, I knew that she belonged to me."

That happened several years ago. Today finds Alexis a far cry from the pathetic figure huddled in a shelter cage. After nursing her to health, Cyd began Alexis' basic obedience and agility training. Gradually, the dog's confidence increased. Within a year she had passed her "Canine Good Citizenship" and "Therapy Dog International" tests. Her natural warmth and welcome presence was soon felt in nursing homes, hospitals and at Out of the Pits awareness clinics. In 1999, Alexis became the star performer and children's favorite at elementary and secondary school workshops.

At this point, Alexis has made dozens of appearances on TV, and has been featured in many national publications. Today, her efforts on behalf of Pit Bulls everywhere serve as testimony to the indomitable spirit and people-loving nature of this remarkable breed.