Frankie, Washington, DC

Hi! I’m Frankie and I’m a lover, not a fighter!

In April 2008, County authorities confiscated 47 Pit Bulls from their abusive owner in Cantonment, FL, after a series of drug raids. I was one of them.

The Escambia Animal Shelter took us in as we were — we had been neglected, some severely, and many had suffered years of abuse. We all lived on 2-foot-long chains, and were severely underweight. More than a few of us had to be put to sleep because their conditions were so severe. Only 22 of us survived. I was still very young, about 6 months old, and had escaped much of the abuse and neglect the others suffered.

One woman heard of the story and took food to the shelter, but turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to the whole story as she knew that our county would never adopt them out — they usually put down all pit bulls because of “liability issues.”

Several days later, there was an article in the paper stating that for the first time ever, the county was actually putting pit bulls up for adoption through a rescue group, the Junior Humane Society (JHS) of Pensacola, FL. JHS named me Brad Pit. 🙂 They had photos and quite a long laundry list of requirements for potential adopters.

The woman submitted all her paperwork and passed with flying colors! Her vet of 12 years was the vet that has been working to make these poor babies healthy again, so that really helped because the vet’s office loves her. They should, considering all the money she’s given to them over the years. 🙂 So that’s how I get to go to my forever home with my mommy!!

My mommy knew she would have another long road of training ahead of her again, but she was ready for it. My mom renamed me Frankie to honor Frankie Van Horn, the director of JHS.

First, I needed to put on some weight. And I had a lot to learn — my mommy says I didn’t even know what a treat or a toy was! But I was eager and willing. We soon began obedience classes, and like Abbey (another Pit Bull my mommy had rescued 2 years earlier), I earned my Canine Good Citizenship, just one year after I was confiscated!

I, aka Brad Pit, have left behind my tortured and unhappy early puppyhood. I’ve come along way since I was rescued. Two and a half years later, I continue to thrive.

Here is a list of my accomplishments:

Graduated beginning and advanced obedience classes at Best Paw Forward in 2008 and 2009 (I was often the demonstration dog in classes)
Earned my AKC Canine Good Citizenship award in April 2009
I’m registered with AKC in its Canine Partners Program so I could compete in their competitions. We’re so thankful for the program because it allows pet parents to enter mixed breeds like me 🙂
Earned my first AKC title in June 2010, my rally novice title. My best friend Kane (a fellow student at Best Paw Forward) and I were the first two pit bulls to compete in an AKC competition in our area!
Earned my therapy dog license through the Delta Society in August 2010. I’m registered as “Frankly Frankie RN” (rally novice). My mommy is very proud of this one!!

My mommy says I’m a star! And as if that wasn’t enough, we have also just finished our beginner course in agility. My mommy said I’m doing really well.

Oh, and my favorite thing is the tunnel!! I run through them so fast, my mommy can’t get to the other end before I come barreling out. 🙂

Love,
Frankie

Parent: Teresa

Photo credit: Dirty Paw Photography, Jeanne Taylor Photography

Editor’s Note:
On February 9th, 2017, Frankie left our world unexpectedly. He stopped eating that week, and X-rays showed a possible mass in his intestinal area. The exploratory surgery resulted in the discovery of an aggressive colonic lymphoma which unfortunately had already spread throughout his little body. It was deemed best not revive him, so his devastated parents let him go peacefully.

Frankie is a lover, a comedian, a therapy dog and a perfect dog ambassador. He is truly missed. ♥