Working Dreams Shattered

We received devastating news about Kali a couple weeks ago that change the plans for our girl. Kal was having follow up xrays a couple weeks ago and we got horrible news.

Kal is a structural disaster. She has luxating patellas in both knees and has hip dysplasia in one hip. Because of her hip, she is already losing muscle mass and is requiring surgical correction.

Needless to say, Kal's working career has been ended before it really started. Due to her health issues she is not going to be able to compete in anything high impact, weight pull and agility are definitely out. We are looking into doing more obedience type competitions and will still give Dock Dogs a try but everything else is out to preserve her joints.

Game men always said, they never needed to health test their stock because as long as it could walk in and out of the ring it was healthy. Well, I think Kal proves that yet again, they are full of shit.

Has it really been a year ?!?!

Just last week we celebrated our 1 year anniversary of the impoundment of the MO500. Many emotions have been felt this week and all of them are as raw as they were 365 days ago. Many tears have been shed, many smiles have been cracked and in the end a great collaboration of the rescue world has been celebrated.
We took time to mourn those that are not with us, and look to the future of those that are living the life of luxury. Many have gone on to new families, new lives, but many are still waiting for that special family to come along.

These dogs have taught us so much about every aspect of life that we owe them as much as they owe us. Kal teaches me something new every day, usually having to deal with being patient as she is one wild child. More importantly they taught us how to trust again, how to love and that mankind can try their damnedest to break a spirit but the heart of the Pit Bull usually prevails.

HSMO hosted a reunion this past weekend celebrating the lives of the MO500. Below is a picture of Kal, tackling one of her rescuers to shower her with kisses. Kal thanks the people of HSMO for their hard work and for allowing her the opportunity to become the dog she is today.

Tribute to MO500 at OneTrueMedia.com

Here is the montage put together to honor Kal and the other 499 dogs of the MO500. Please enjoy and take a minute to think of those who no longer are suffering.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Been Awhile......

So it has been awhile since we have posted on the Kal blog because we have been in constant motion around here. Since spring is upon us, Broken Hearts Mended Souls has been out in full force at area pet expos, events and fairs. We have been educating the public on the breed and the importance of spay and neuter. Kal has been a great part of this but has not quite made ambassadog status. We are definitely getting there but she is WAY too excited to meet anyone and everyone that we are still working on manners. What else would you expect from a 11month old pup ? So to tide everyone over, Kal thought it was important for everyone to see how she has grown into a 'big girl' now. She is starting to fill out and has become the gorgeous dog she has been meant to be. More to come abut her activities and just wait until we can get some weight pull pictures up! Yes, my 37lbs little monster is starting to suit up!

Someone Got a Care Package !

So the other day a big box arrived to the Erickson household with precious cargo for the bully babies here. ANTLERS ! The kids' grandpa rounded up as many antlers that he could find on his property that the deer had shed this season.

These guys are in heaven ! So am I since we got a couple hundred dollars of free antlers just because their grandpa is awesome and wants to make sure the kids are taken care of.

Kal is the most interested in the new toys but even Bug wants in on the action.

Antlers are a FABULOUS chew toy for your heavy chewers. You usually can not find racks these size at the stores but you can always find sections of 6-8 inches at your local specialty pet store.

First Day on the Dock

Kal's first Dock Dogs event was Feb 11th at the St Louis Boat Show at the Edwards Jones Dome. It is a huge event, with people everywhere inside the dome that can be very loud.

Kal walked into the dome like she owned the place. Every trip onto the dock her confidence grew, but we did not get an official jump. Indoor events are very hard even for the most veteren jumper. Clear, cold water, bad accustics and just a stressful environment.

We spent the time on the dock building Kali's confidence and drive. Kal was MUCH more interested in the people and the goings on, not her wooba.

We are looking forward to many events to come. We are not giving up on this drivey girl yet, she will learn to love it !

Mardi Gras !

Members of Broken Hearts participated in the Barkus Parade kicking off Mardi Gras here in St Louis. There were thousands of people and thousands of dogs.

Kali and Bean were our breed ambassadors for the day and they did us proud. Both decked out in appropriate attire and doing well presenting the breed in a favorable light.

Kali had an even more important role showing the crowd where a bust dog can come from, and what they can become. She was a perfect little lady, minding her own business and showering those with kisses that would stop to get them. She followed Bean's cues and knew with her best friend and momma by her side, there was nothing to fear.

Lots of breed information was handed out, to the crowd, lots of people impressed with our kids' get up and how well behaved they were. Not bad for some throw away Pit Bulls !

We had to deal with some irresponsible dog ownership but the day was all about education, education to become a better owner and advocate.

Despite the chaos our kids did exceptionally well.

Kal did become tired towards the end and became the cuddly pup she is known to be. Carrying her for just under 10 blocks made me realize our baby is growing up fast !