This blog is not run by Shorty’s Pit Bull Rescue. To get a hold of SPBR please go to their website by clicking here.
I’ve been hearing about a new show on Animal Planet called Pit Boss. You know I had to check it out.
Former actor, entertainment guru and pit bull rescuer Shorty Rossi has lofty ideals, a tough attitude and an entertainment industry rolodex to help his cause. And he’s gathered together three friends/employees – Ronald, Ashley and Sebastian – to take on the gargantuan task of rescuing, rehab’ing and training the most misunderstood of dogs – pit bulls.
Shorty, a workaholic with a devilish sense of humor and quick temper, balances two jobs – running Shortywood Productions, a Hollywood talent management company for little people, as well as Shorty’s Rescue, his pit bull rescue. Shorty, aptly named, along with his three cohorts happen to be little people who have the biggest hearts for these adorable dogs who often are bigger than they are.
From the producers of “Millionaire Matchmaker” and “Blowout,” PIT BOSS is a docu-soap that follows the everyday drama and joy of these buddies and business partners who hit the streets of Los Angeles in their fight to overcome stereotypes – for themselves and the pit bulls they save.
Phenomenal! Exploiting man and beast. You should call this show Munchkin’s Best Friend.
By: Matt on January 29, 2010
at 11:07 pm
Love the show, I have two rescue pitbulls which changed my whole opinion of the breed. I just wanted to say thank you for the positive attention the American Pit Bull Terrier is getting, they are getting the attention they so need.
The other reason I’m contacting you is to let you know that one of the national pet store chains is being selective about what breeds they allow in there Doggie Day Camp, the store is Petsmart. I understand that this is a regular practice in many areas, but having a national chain single out what they call the “bully group” is a severe sentence to such a loving devoted group of dogs and is condoning the terrible vicious reputation put upon the whole breed. We have and are living Micheal Vick and those who support him and so how do we start to make a major difference in the everyday public?…Petsmart! I am planning on making a video of the Petsmart situation and posting it on facebook, My Space and YouTuble. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
By: Cynthia Kellett on February 4, 2010
at 10:14 pm
Cynthia, Thank you for writing. This blog is run by It’s The Pit’s and we do not have a show but do feature some of the pit bull related shows. Thank you for the information about Petsmart and we will be sure to check into that. They allow us to host adoption events that their locations so we have ever had any problems with them. Thank you for loving the breed and keep up the good work.
By: itsthepitsrescue on February 5, 2010
at 2:27 pm
I can also verify the information about Petsmart. They do not allow Pitbulls or Rotweiller breeds into their daycamp or their puppy hotels. We have both and were looking for a place for them to stay while we were out of town and Petsmarts said no. We are also trying to find information on Shorty so we can seek his help as it was suggested by a friend of ours. My daughter is a Type 1 diabetic and has a pitbull puppy she would like to train as her service dog.
Thanks for your input and lovin’ the pups!
By: Christina on October 10, 2010
at 6:24 pm
Christina-
Shorty’s email is info@shortysrescue.com. I’m sure you can google “service dog training” online and find out how/where to train her dog for that type of work. I believe they need to get a Canine Good Citizen certificate in order to be considered for that type of work.
As for boarding check your local veterinarian, they usually have boarding facilities attached to the pet hospitals. There are also independent boarding facilities which you can google as well as get a dog sitter to either take your dog to their house or have them stay at yours.
Thank you and good luck.
-Melina
By: itsthepitsrescue on October 13, 2010
at 2:35 pm
I think these guys are great people and are doing a wonderful thing for the dogs and their community. I enjoy watching the show and I support them 100%. It’s people like you guys that make this world a better place ~ thank you.
By: Sandy Diaz on February 9, 2010
at 10:57 am
Shorty I’m 11 years old and I love to watch your shows!What you said on the show really changed how I thought on breeding animals.Thank you and I hope to hear from you!
By: Genna Wilson on February 15, 2010
at 8:22 pm
Hi Shorty its me again I would like to say I love what your doing for those dogs and don’t ever quit your job!
By: Genna Wilson on February 16, 2010
at 10:32 am
Genna-
Sorry this blog is not run by Shorty’s Pit Bull Rescue. We are a San Diego Pit Bull rescue in San Diego CA called It’s The Pits. This blog is promote everything pit bull related including tv shows.
I found Shorty’s email for you: info@shortysrescue.com. It does say on the website “Please understand that we do review every email and voice message, but we can not respond to every call and email due to the huge response to Pit Boss on Animal Planet. We receive hundreds of phone calls and thousands of emails everyday. We do review every email and voice message.” Hope you get a hold of him!
Thank you for caring for the pitties!
By: itsthepitsrescue on February 16, 2010
at 11:00 am
hey my name is storm and i just want to say to all the litle people on the show that wat u guyz do is amazing the pitbull breed is so miss understud i have 2 pits myself and they are amazing so compatinate and loveing i dont see how any one could put the “lablee” bad dog breed on pits any ways please wright bac my personal email is stormsnowboarding12@hotmail.com p.s. i wish i was a little person little people freaking rule
By: wyomingstorm on February 20, 2010
at 6:21 pm
Storm-
Sorry this blog is not run by Shorty’s Pit Bull Rescue. We are a San Diego Pit Bull rescue in San Diego CA called It’s The Pits. This blog is promote everything pit bull related including tv shows.
I found Shorty’s email for you: info@shortysrescue.com. It does say on the website “Please understand that we do review every email and voice message, but we can not respond to every call and email due to the huge response to Pit Boss on Animal Planet. We receive hundreds of phone calls and thousands of emails everyday. We do review every email and voice message.” Hope you get a hold of him!
Thank you for caring for the pitties!
By: itsthepitsrescue on February 22, 2010
at 4:58 pm
I am a pitbull owner and afraid that the community i live in is going to ban the pitbull breed. Currently four cities around where i live have banned the breed all together. my question is how can we stop breed descrimination and save the pitbulls we love from being uthanized by the animal shelter.
By: tango on February 17, 2010
at 2:05 am
Tango- That is a very good and in depth question. There are several things you can do to raise awareness about the bully breed to try to avoid BSL.
You can arrange events with other pit bull owners to show the community what great dogs they really are.
You can write your Mayor and plead your case and invite other pit bull owners to do the same.
If the threat has been made you can hold a protest (silent/non-violent protests usually are best).
Get a local pit bull rescue to either go to schools or hold assemblies to teach your community about the breed.
Start getting signatures to show the communities support and turn it into your mayors office.
Hopefully that will get you started. If you need more ideas or help I would go to your local pit bull rescue and ask for their assistance and support.
As for saving the pit bulls from euthanization in shelters we need to spay and neuter our pets, spread awareness about the breed and be responsible pit bull owners. Volunteering at your local pit bull rescue will help you do all these things and help spread the word to your community. There is such an overpopulation of pit bulls because they are the most popular breed in the country and breeders as well as irresponsible owners don’t understand that they are just adding to the amount of pits in the shelters that are bound to be euthanized. Be a responsible owner and train and exercise your pit to make them a positive member of society.
By: itsthepitsrescue on February 17, 2010
at 11:35 am
Today my mother and i sent emails to our local mayor and other politicians. We asked them not to ban pitbulls but to make stricter laws for breeders. My thought is: make breeders have a license to breed any type of dog, have breeders renue their license yearly, and charge people with fines that are breeding without a license. If we could make it harder for people massively breeding dogs than we could possibly stop puppy mills and the over population of dogs. Banning a breed of dog is not going to solve anyones problems. We need to stop the source and the source is bad breeders and bad pet owners.
Thank you so much for answering my question and i hope with hard work we can help save the pit bulls.
By: tango on February 17, 2010
at 11:55 pm
Great job Tango!
By: itsthepitsrescue on February 18, 2010
at 6:21 pm
i watych your show all the time i have a pit to named lohla i love pits i what to help pits
By: byron robbins on February 23, 2010
at 9:52 am
Sorry this blog is not run by Shorty’s Pit Bull Rescue. We are a San Diego Pit Bull rescue in San Diego CA called It’s The Pits. This blog is promote everything pit bull related including tv shows. I found Shorty’s email for you: info@shortysrescue.com.
If you want to help pit bulls you can volunteer at your local shelter or rescue as well as network to help homeless pets find homes. Educating your community and being a responsible pit bull owner is the best testament to the breed anyone can make. Training your pit bull and taking them out and showing them off is a great way to change peoples’ minds! Thanks for loving the pitties!!!!
By: itsthepitsrescue on February 23, 2010
at 11:09 am
Ok well I have been watching your show all day & this is the first time ive ever seen it & I LOVE IT! I am an animal lover & my step mom owns a petshop so i deal with alot of dogs & alot of pitbulls believe it or not but after watching your show I was so happy because all my life ive hated and tried to stop animal abuse & all but I hate how people make pits fight because that gives them a bad name & I cant stand it i love pit bulls & if i had enough money i would take them all in and care for them as mine but i wish people would just see that if you take care of them & love them like your supposed to then they wouldnt be so agressive! Im very happy to see thats what you do it makes me fill with joy inside and when i get old enough to have a job i am going to do something with saving animals! I want you to know that i thank you for everything you do because i cant do it for the world i only do it for my neighborhood and when i see abuse that i can stop but i thank you and cant tell you enough of how i thank you! so keep it up hope to hear a reply of how well everythings going so keep it up and once again THANK YOU!
~Cassidy
By: Cassidy on February 27, 2010
at 8:09 pm
Cassidy-
Sorry this blog is not run by Shorty’s Pit Bull Rescue. We are a San Diego Pit Bull rescue in San Diego CA called It’s The Pits. This blog is promote everything pit bull related including tv shows. I found Shorty’s email for you: info@shortysrescue.com.
Thank you for being so passionate about pitties… you’re getting an early start on awareness and education about the breed. Most rescues and shelters allow volunteers that are 18 and older… volunteers are always in need. There is no age limit on networking dogs to help them find homes. If you have a facebook it is a great tool to network needy dogs. You can also start pit bull/animal awareness clubs in schools, start fundraisers, and help educate your community. There is so much you can do to help pit bulls, check in with your local rescue to see if they need any help. Good luck, we are honored to have you on our side.
- Melina, Volunteer on behalf of It’s The Pits
By: itsthepitsrescue on February 27, 2010
at 8:28 pm
Hello again,
I have one more question. My pit bull is 8 months old and my daughter is 2. What would be the best way to introduce a new baby into my house hold? I am going to have my baby in 6 weeks and I would like to keep the balance in my house and try to keep my two year old and dog from getting jealous.
By: tango on March 3, 2010
at 12:17 am
Tango-
It’s all about positive reinforcement. When the new baby comes and your daughter and dog are around give them a lot of praise, attention and treats… they will start associating positive things with the new baby being around. I am not a trainer but that is the best advice I can give. Google can also be your best friend for dog training tips.
By: itsthepitsrescue on March 3, 2010
at 11:33 am
I am buying a new home and am having problems finding an insurance company that will allow me to have a pit bull. Do you know of any companys in the state of Mississippi.
By: tango on March 3, 2010
at 5:48 pm
We actually have an insurance company we highly recommend and work with. I do not know if they do out of state insurance as well. Here is the information:
Homeowners & Renter’s Insurance
Dori Einhorn with Einhorn Insurance will be happy to help pit bull owners get homeowners or renters insurance. You will not be discriminated against just because one of your kids is a pit bull (provided you don’t have a “documented” history of biting). Contact Dori by phone at 858.336.4644, by email at dori@einhorninsurance.com or visit her website at http://www.Einhorninsurance.com
This information can also be found on the home page of our website. Hope they can help you!
By: itsthepitsrescue on March 3, 2010
at 5:53 pm
I have now had my baby. My pitbull is doing great with the new addition and he sleeps besides her crib. he is a great protector of both my two year old and one month old. I couldnt be any happier.
By: Tango on May 18, 2010
at 10:00 pm
Great to hear! Thanks for the update!
By: itsthepitsrescue on May 19, 2010
at 6:11 pm
i have a pit bull/german shepherd she need a home and i have had her for a week and she is a afraid of big dogs and she a very very strong dog and she alway jumps up on people and she need to not do that if she want to find a great home for her and i wish i could keep her but i can not i already have 4 dogs and i need to find her a great home she is a loveing sweet dog do you have any advice for finding this dog a great home she and the dog name is elly
By: katie b on July 20, 2010
at 2:07 pm
Katie-
That’s a tough situation. I’m sorry. Many people use craigslist to rehome their pets. The rescue is overflowing right now so we are unable to take in anymore dogs. Good luck to you.
- Melina
By: itsthepitsrescue on July 23, 2010
at 10:56 am
well thank you anyway
By: katie b on July 26, 2010
at 12:02 pm
Shorty, I wnt to thank you for that you are doing for the Pitbull population. I rescued a Pitbull when I lived in Texas. (from a dog fighting ring) I was very upset when my boyfried, at the time brought home this dog. Because I had just obtained a very little kitten. To my surprise this kitten of mine nursed this dog back to health. Razor (the Pittbull) Was in such pain never snapped at the kitten. Poor Razor was so torn up from fighting the name I gave him was perfect. I ended up giving him away to a good friend. He has 3 children. And the last that I heard Razor was doig GREAT I now live in Washington State and am going to visit my Mom in Long Beach in Oct. and would very much love to visit you all as well. I’d rather give my donation to you in person. Could this be possible? I’ll await your responce. Thank You so very much for your efforts of rescuing these very misunderstood dogs.
By: Beverly on July 21, 2010
at 5:18 pm
Beverly-
Sorry this blog is not run by Shorty’s Pit Bull Rescue. We are a San Diego Pit Bull rescue in San Diego CA called It’s The Pits. This blog is promote everything pit bull related including tv shows. I found Shorty’s email for you: info@shortysrescue.com. Good luck and thank you for supporting the pitties!
- Melina
By: itsthepitsrescue on July 23, 2010
at 10:20 am
well thank you any any ways i hope you guys find homes for your dogs you rescuse
By: katie b on July 26, 2010
at 12:03 pm
Hello My is Joanna and I have a 17 month old pit bull he a really good dog i take him every where i go just one problem when people come over i cant get him to shut up do u know of anything i can do to get him to stop barking. He is a well train dog other wise. I can take him to town and he don’t bark at people but when people come in to a house he in he starts to bark. Some has to do with is grandpa was rescued from fighting ring but he don’t bark like that in town. we take him to the flea mark to parks things like that so if u have any idle i would love to hear them and thank u
By: Joanna on August 2, 2010
at 12:09 pm
Joanna-
Here are a couple tips I picked up from Victoria Stilwell of It’s Me Or The Dog:
1. Introduce the visitor and dog on neutral ground- outside of the dogs territory. Perhaps take a walk with the visitor so the dog can get accustomed to the visitors presence and help him to realize the visitor is not a threat.
2. Treats and toys can be your best friend. Have the visitor give your dog treats- have the visitor throw the treats on the ground and tell them not make eye contact that way they look submissive. You can also have the visitor play ball with the dog so the dog gets comfortable with the visitor and bond over a fun game, this also works wonders with pets who are scared/shy of visitors.
3. Kongs can be very useful to distract the dog from the visitors presence. Frozen peanut butter is almost irresistible to dogs but you can also use other treats in kongs that make the dog work for the treat. This is time consuming, distracting and mentally tiring for your dog. They will also start associating visitors with treats and therefor no longer be threatened or territorial.
I think these 3 tips should give you a good head start to make your dog happy and calm when visitors come over.
Good luck.
~Melina
By: itsthepitsrescue on September 14, 2010
at 11:44 am
Bad news for pit bulls in mississippi. Most of the cities here are banning pit bulls. Also some of the other areas are making strict laws for people that own pit bulls. The law requires the owner to have a ten foot tall fence with a cover on top and cement bottom, the owner must purchase an insurance policy with no less then 100,000 dollars worth of coverage on the dog, and the dog must be registered every year. Here is the biggest problem with the law; there are no insurance providers in mississippi that will cover pets. The only one i have found is state farm,but they dont have a policy that covers 100,000 dollars on an animal. This is just rediculous, because resposnible pet owners that would do anything for there pit are not able to meet these requirements. We can not fallow these strict laws if we do not have any one to purchase insurance from. What can people here do.
By: tango on August 5, 2010
at 5:24 am
first off what dog will jump ten feet, especially with a cover on top. Your state needs to realize that there is no bad dog; There are just mistreated dogs. The whole thing is B.S. if you ask me.
By: Aaron Archibee on August 10, 2010
at 3:05 am
I just caught this show for the first time tonight. I took my pit bull to frisbee competition last week and had two or three groups ask me if i had seen the show. After I saw it I have to say “thank you very much for showing what a great breed these dogs are.” I adopted Diogi (D.O.G.) three years ago from a shelter when he was a puppy. He is by far the best dog i have ever had and honestly my best friend. He is the sweetest dog you will ever meet. Everyone is always nervous when i tell them that he is a pit but he is the most loving dog that i have ever seen (he goes up and gives my 3 month old nephew kisses.) i have been trying to change the views of the pitbull breed to anyone that we come in contact with… most people just want to take dio home. If i had one message, “no dog is created mean, if you show them love then they will be your greatest companion.” I have beenaround several other pit bull rescues (many abused) and they are extremely loyal and very loving. In all, Thank you Shorty and your crew.
By: Aaron Archibee on August 10, 2010
at 3:01 am
Thank you Aaron. This blog is not run by Shorty or his rescue organization but I’m happy you enjoy the show and are working to help change the communities mind about the breed. Each positive experience someone has with a pit bull resonates with them and helps change the horrific stereotypes our 4-legged fur kids have. Keep up the good work.
~Melina
By: itsthepitsrescue on August 11, 2010
at 6:49 pm
I know that pit bulls aren’t dangerous but my friend has a different opinion.She thinks that when pit bulls are born that they are automaticly violent.I try to tell her but she doesn’t believe me. I don’t know where she hears that stuff from.
By: chyanne on October 10, 2010
at 1:20 pm
She hears it from the misinformed and prejudice media. She also hears it from “my aunts, cousins, brothers, son.” I will only stand for a negative opinion if someone has directly come across and had a bad experience with an aggressive pit bull because I know I cannot change their mind. I will still try to convince them that the dog in question did not have proper ownership or socialization but I do not try to press my opinion on people that have had a negative experience first hand. The only thing you can do is show her otherwise. Sometimes words don’t work. Bring her to the nearest dog shelter, show her the overwhelming majority of pit bulls, introduce her to some and educate her that 1 out of 600 get out of a shelter alive. Most likely any pit that kisses her had or rubs themselves against the bars for more attention will be euthanized within the week. Expose her to socialized pit bulls with responsible owners, she will be a fan in no time.
By: itsthepitsrescue on October 13, 2010
at 2:22 pm
She has never had any experience with the pit bull.I would take her to a shelter but the shelter that is in are town doesn’t have many dogs in it. I only seen i pit bull there it was really sweet but i dont no wat happend to it. My guss is it was put down. I did saved a dog from the shelter but shes a husky and really sweet.
By: chyanne on October 13, 2010
at 8:42 pm
Also inform her that in an undercover investigation a dog fighter admitted they would be LUCKY to get 1 aggressive pit bull out of a litter. These are people that breed the most aggressive dogs to try to get champion fighting dogs and they admit it is difficult to find one “cut out for the ring.”
Keep up the good work Chyanne. If we can change the opinion of one narrow minded person, they may speak out in support of the pit bull breed and change another persons mind. One by one we CAN save them all.
By: itsthepitsrescue on October 13, 2010
at 2:26 pm
When i’m older I wan’t to start a no kill shelter for the pit bull because it’s the most understood breed of dog. It’s going to be a long time befour i can though.
By: chyanne on October 18, 2010
at 9:43 am
I’ve seen everyone of the show pit boss and I can’t wait to see the new one
By: chyanne on October 18, 2010
at 1:00 pm
i love pit i have 3 blue pits of my own
By: Karina deluna on January 7, 2011
at 9:57 am
Thank you for loving the breed Karina!
By: itsthepitsrescue on January 7, 2011
at 12:58 pm
please please inlove pitbulls i will love to help u please
By: charles dupree on March 12, 2011
at 2:42 pm
Thank you for wanting to help. This blog is run by a San Diego based pit bull rescue called It’s The Pits. If you want to help Shorty in Los Angeles CA his email is PitBoss@shortysrescue.com.
Thank you for loving the bully breeds.
By: itsthepitsrescue on March 25, 2011
at 3:46 pm
i wish there was more people out there like u i think your crew is the best i never miss a show and i wish i could meet all of you. i would like to make donations if u could email me back to let me know what i could do to help i have had pitbulls in the past and there the most beutifull animal in the world i cant understand how people can make them fight i would love to put them in a ring to watch them slowly beat the shit out of eachother for yours ever sheryl xx
By: sheryl on May 4, 2011
at 10:03 pm
Sheryl-
Sorry this blog is not run by Shorty’s Pit Bull Rescue. We are a San Diego Pit Bull rescue in San Diego CA called It’s The Pits. This blog is promote everything pit bull related including tv shows.
I found Shorty’s email for you: info@shortysrescue.com.
If you would like to donate to It’s The Pits you can visit itsthepits.org. We would greatly appreciate any help you have to offer.
By: itsthepitsrescue on May 6, 2011
at 4:15 pm