Out of the Pits (OOP) is a Capital District non-profit with a mission to rescue Pit Bulls that have been abandoned or abused, and to educate the public about responsible pet ownership and the true nature of the American Pit Bull Terrier.

According to Carley Murray, OOP’s Event Coordinator, the organization receives approximately 1,000 requests per week to take unwanted Pit Bulls.  1,000.  Per week.  To make the seriousness of the situation of Pit Bulls in the Capital District even more understandable, here’s another stat — it’s estimated that more than 80% of Pit Bulls in shelters are euthanized, and typically, only 1 in 600 Pit Bulls finds a loving home.  Carley notes that, “for every acceptable home found for one of our dogs, we receive hundreds of calls asking that we rescue a Pit Bull.”

In addition to their rescue and education efforts, Out of the Pits, founded in 1994, provides therapy dogs for visits to many public institutions in our community, including hospitals and nursing homes.  They help Pit Bull owners with training recommendations and other support services.  And due to the great overpopulation of Pit Bulls, they campaign extensively for spay/neuter services, and subsidize the spay/neuter of any Pit Bull in our community whose owner cannot afford the surgery.

The OOTP Fix-a-Bull Spay/Neuter Program helps spay/neuter dogs that are most at-risk in our community, and is in need of funding to continue accommodating all who seek the service. The goals of the Pit Bull spay/neuter program are to:

*  Reduce the number of homeless, unwanted Pit Bulls;
*  Reduce the number of Pit Bulls entering shelters;
*  Reduce the suffering and neglect of Pit Bulls; and
*  Reduce Pit Bull euthanasia rates.

This program, as well as many others provided by the organization, are set to benefit from their annual gala, Out of the Pits, Into the Ritz.  The event will take place on Saturday, August 20th from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Union Gables Inn, 55 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs.

In addition to lite fare provided by Classe Catering, a silent auction, and entertainment by the Rogue Scholars, special guests at the event will include:

Jason Keller, Emcee (from 102.7 EQX). Jason was the guest Emcee last year also.  Hilarious and an animal (Pit Bull) lover!
Valerie Lang, Assistant Professor of the Animal Law Program at Hudson Valley Community College.
Elizabeth Hess, author. Here’s a link to some of her work around the Michael Vick case.
Eadie, OOP’s Troy dog fighting ring rescue.  Eadie was found abandoned and abused, locked in a crate with several dogs, in a burning building in downtown Troy.  You could see in her eyes that she was scared and vulnerable – just looking to be rescued.  Troy Animal Control contacted Out of the Pits and asked if they would evaluate her.  They did, and fell in love with her.  This dainty little sweetheart came out of the crate needing much attention.  Originally thought to be fawn in color, Eadie received a “spa” treatment and reappeared glowing white.
Tara, an amazing Service dog.
Other Out of the Pits rescues with Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog titles.

I really, really encourage you to check out OOP’s website and take a more in depth look at what they do, and the dogs that have passed through their organization (including those currently up for adoption!).  If you’re not convinced that this organization and breed of dogs is absolutely inspiring, check out this story about Van Gogh (grab a tissue).

Stay tuned to the Saratoga Springboard blog for a follow-up post about OOP rescue dogs turned Canine Good Citizens and Certified Therapy Dogs.  Truly inspirational animals, and a truly inspirational organization!  Please consider attending the gala to support their amazing work!

In the meantime, here’s a few more pictures –

The last photo is from the OOP Kissing Booth, where I’ve personally had the chance to Kiss a Bull!  If that doesn’t make your day, I’m not sure what would!

(All photos courtesy of Out of the Pits.)