Pits for Patriots....

...a charity organization that I volunteered for yesterday, is so wonderful.  From their website:   Founded in May of 2011, Pits for Patriots trains qualified, rescued pit bulls from various Chicago area dog rescues and shelters to work as service, therapy, skilled companion and companion dogs for United States military veterans and first responders (i.e. police, fire, and emergency medical service personnel).  

The people that run the organization are totally dedicated to the dogs and to the people that they serve, and it was such an inspiring afternoon being around folks who have a deep appreciation for this widely misunderstood and abused breed of dogs and their passion to help as many as possible and place them with the right people.  They had two dogs with them yesterday at various times -- they were very careful with the dogs to not let them get overheated and made sure their needs were met.  I got to pet Buford, a lovely, sweet boy who has had five surgeries in the last two years to correct hip and knee injuries, and Sheena, a rambunctious and darling girl who retrieved key rings and a driver's license that one of the folks in the organization dropped as an example of a couple of things she is learning to do.  To raise funds for the organization, we sold some things to passersby out at Firehouse Subs in Stone Park where they were gracious enough to let us set up a tent in the parking lot, and I learned a lot about pit bulls and the people who love them.  A wonderful day.  If you want more information or to volunteer or donate or ask questions, here's their website:  http://www.pitsforpatriots.org/