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Who We Are
Don't Bully My Breed is a 501c3 non-profit advocacy organization that is dedicated to the welfare of bully breeds and other companion animals. Here are just some of the things we do…
Assist the public with spay/neuter
Fight against breed-specific legislation
Help other rescue organizations and/or individuals by courtesy posting their dogs on our site
Screen applications for other organizations
Educate the public about responsible bully breed ownership
Combat dog fighting
Promote a positive image and understanding of all bully breeds
Come visit us on Facebook!
Meet the Founder:
Saving Animals Saved My Life
Interview with a Pit Bull Rescuer
Don't Bully My Breed in the news:
Click here to read article on the South Holland dog fighting bust in the Chicago Tribune (August 2007)
Rescued Dogs Need a Home for the Holidays
Click here to read their follow-up article in the Chicago Tribune (Sept 2009)
http://www.thetruthaboutpitbulls.org/CityTalk/City-talk.php
http://www.consciouschoice.com/2000/cc1303/totherescue1303.html
http://network.bestfriends.org/groups/visitors/14185/news.aspx
Mention in BARK Magazine
The Truth About Pit Bulls video (made by a DBMB supporter)
Why do Pit Bulls get such a bad rap?
 
To download the podcast, right-click "Listen" and select "Save As" from the menu.
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I truly would be honored to give a
recommendation for Catherine Hedges! It is
because
of
her I have a dog, an extensive knowledge of pit
bulls
and a desire to help other dogs in need.
I first meet Catherine almost four years ago
when
my
boyfriend and I were applying to adopt our first
dog.
My first time meeting her was in our adoption interview. We were applying for a feisty five year
old girl that was very dog aggressive. That
Saturday
afternoon we received an education on pit bulls,
responsible dog handling, dog aggression, BSL,
positive training methods, proper toys, collars
and
leashes, dog nutrition...
During the process we were not sold a dog, we were
being measured up to see if we were good enough
for
Lily! The way it should be, I believe.
We had been to a few different shelters over the
past year. When we walked into FFF it was totally
different than all the other shelters. There were
smiling volunteers, large CLEAN (as in spotless)
kennels, and the dogs were happy and healthy.
Each
had note board on their kennel with health notes,
and
then notes like "loves the tennis balls", "scratch
my
butt" "fluffy blankets (the dogs got blankets
every
night, there was a washer and dryer in the
basement
where they were washed during the day but one
older
dog in particular loved her fluffy blankets all
day
too)". There was huge a board that listed each
dogs
name and what times they when out for a walk that
day-
it was mandatory each dog was walked a minimum of
three times a day. It was that day that I decided
I
would return to FFF as a volunteer. At that time
I
worked a job I truly hated 9-5, M-F. I
volunteered
walking dogs at FFF on Friday nights. I loved it
there, it was the only thing that could get my
mind
off work and get me relaxed for the weekend. It
was
my Disneyland- my happiest place on earth. There
was
an ongoing joke in our house along the lines of if
Lily had it better here in her new home, or back
at
the shelter.
Since the closing of FFF, a rescue was started by
Linda Schifferdecker (who was also a volunteer
from
FFF). I now volunteer with them and do many of
the
pit bull adoptions. Through out the years
Catherine
has been an inspiration to me and a mentor. Her
devotion to animals is contagious. While in her
care, no dog could be treated better. And then she sees
to
it that the absolute best homes are found. And
then
she checks up on those homes. And again later
checks
back in.
I would be more than happy to answer any
questions
you may have, just shoot me an email.
Oh and the 37 dogs that were mentioned from the
fighting ring- Catherine requested that two of
them
go
to the rescue group I volunteer with. I
personally
did the adoption for one of the dogs. His name is
now
Phoenix, he lives a few block down the street from
me
and I see him often. A wonderful dog who now has
a
wonderful, devoted owner.
Alicia
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Today I'm the proud mother of a 70 pound rescue pit bull, a rescue cat and a former orphan born 2 months premature in an impoverished village in Central America. Seven years ago I was interested in AKC papers and pretty much shopping. I had just moved to Chicago and lost my pedigreed dog to cancer. I thought I'd volunteer for a few months walking shelter dogs before adopting my next purebred. I arrived at the shelter and was honestly kind of nervous to see Pit Bulls. After my orientation, I met Catherine. A young bully got so excited as Catherine approached that his tail struck the side of his kennel and started bleeding. That didn't stop Catherine from hugging him and not giving the blood splattering all over herself a second thought. I was struck my the kindness this beautiful young woman was showing to these poor animals. Over the following months, I came by the shelter a couple times a week to walk the current residents. It was always exciting to see who had found a home in the last few days. There was never a shortage of incoming rescues, with Catherine endlessly on the phone trying to find homes. Catherine has a passion to her work that I had never seen before.
Soon, I began to see past the tattered and abused bodies of these animals. If you look into the eyes of one of these dogs, you see their kindness of their spirit. You see their amazing ability to forgive the horrible things that people have done to them. Eventually I saw what I know Catherine sees, that a life is a life. This belief has changed my life. Soon, Catherine found the perfect pit bull for me. As I walked Bonnie around our home in Lincoln Park, I saw for the first time what prejudice is like. "What's wrong with you having a dog like that?" "You're bringing down the property values with that dog." The remarks were offensive at first, but then I started to understand that these people couldn't see what I saw. They honestly don't get just how special she is.
A couple years down the road, my husband and I were faced with infertility. We started down the path of "treatments". One day, I was out walking Bonnie and it all suddenly hit me. In my own way, I was back to the same narrow minded views that I had before Bonnie. Why was I seeking medical help to get pregnant when there are orphanages full of children who need homes? A life is a life. My own DNA is not better then that of an orphan just like a purebred is not better then a rescue bully. This started my journey to my son. The journey ended in a town in Central American with an extreme poverty and illiteracy rate. Last Monday, my son's pre-school teacher told me he's one of the few students who is learning to read letters. I started crying out of the pride I feel for him.
I can't thank Catherine enough for the lasting impression she's had on my life.
Ginette & Family
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I have known & worked with Catherine for 4+ years now doing rescue. Catherine is extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, dedicated, and trustworthy. She has a deep and heartfelt love for all animals, and a special affinity for and camaraderie with the bully breeds. I trust her implicitly, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her as a receiving rescue, foster home, trainer, It's my honor and pleasure to give Catherine my highest recommendation.--
Sheri L
Michigan-Transport Coordinator
CUR #572/Co-Director www.cur-central.net
Positively Pitbulls~ www.thetruthaboutpitbulls.com
Nose2Tail Network http://nose2tailnetwork.blogspot.com/
Transport Coordinator for:
Green Mtn. Pug Rescue www.greenmtnpugrescue.com
Libby's Haven for Senior Canines www.lhsk9.org
Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue www.midwestbtrescue.org
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I am writing on behalf of Catherine Hedges. Catherine is one of the most compassionate, dedicated and reputable rescuers I have ever had the pleasure to work with. There are not enough words I can say about this woman and the work she does for animals. She is fantastic and cares more about animals then herself.
Best,
Rendy Schwartz
Owner, Anything is PAWsible Dog Training
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I am writing as a reference for Catherine Hedges in IL. I have worked
with her jointly on many projects over the years, including volunteer
duties in New Orleans shortly after Hurricane Katrina. I have found
her to be a reliable and committed rescuer who will do her best by
any animal she takes into her care, and to this day I continue to
learn from her knowledge and expertise in the areas of animal
sheltering, animal health and successful placement practices.
Sincerely,
Melissa Z
Mid America Bully Breed Rescue
mabbr.org
Spay Neuter Kansas City
snkc.net
Kansas City Dog Advocates
www.kcdogadvocates.com
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My name is Linda and I am writing to you regarding Catherine Hedges. I met Catherine approximately 10 years
ago when I adopted my first cat, Princess from her.
Princess was my first pet and I had so many questions.
Despite the fact that Catherine had a very full schedule,
she always took the time to answer my questions and help in
any way she could. A few months later, I needed to give
Princess some medication, which was much more difficult than
I realized. Catherine actually came over to my home to help
me and show me how to handle her!
Princess was approximately 10 years old at the time, and would have been put to sleep since there was no room in the
shelters. However,
Catherine kept Princess in her own home until there was a
place for her in the shelter. Catherine kept Princess for
over a year and saved her life.
Years later, I found a colony of feral cats in an alley. I
called everywhere asking for help. None of the Chicago
shelters would help. They were all full and could not take
the kittens and the adult cats were too wild to adopt.
Catherine was the only person that helped me. She helped in
so many ways, I won't bore you with the details, she
also got me in touch with a place in Indiana that helped.
Approximately 3 years ago, Princess passed away and I
contacted Catherine to thank her for all of her help with
the "love of my life", Princess. I really wanted to do something for Catherine because she gives up so much
for the animals. I knew that Princess would not have been
alive if it weren't for Catherine. I told Catherine that
I wanted to do something for her to give back to her for all
the sacrifices she makes in her own life to help the
animals. I told Catherine I had access to a place in Hawaii and I wanted to pay for her to go to Hawaii and relax and
enjoy herself. Can you imagine that she turned this down
and said that if I wanted to do something, she had a foster
cat that needed eye surgery that I could make a donation
toward the surgery! This is a perfect example of how
Catherine is...she puts the animals first in her life and
any money she has always goes to helping an animal. I have
never met anyone who devotes her life to animals like
Catherine.
Sincerely,
Linda B
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Laurie Adams
Director, Casa Del Toro
Bully Breed Education & RescueIndianapolis, Indiana 46225
To Whom It May Concern:
I am extremely pleased to have been given this opportunity to share my perspective on the amazing job done by Catherine Hedges . As an Animal Rescue & Education professional myself,as well as an Animal Control Officer, who has served many years as Director of Casa Del Toro Bully Breed Education & Rescue. I recognize excellence and professionalism when I see it. I know first hand Catherine’s knowledge & expertise for animal welfare, specifically when dealing with ALL aspects of the American Pit Bull Terrier, coupled with her commitment to going “above and beyond” in her work, makes her an excellent candidate for any agency looking to release dogs into her Care & Custody.
I met Catherine several years ago through the large network of Animal Rescue & Education. Catherine’s compassion & extensive knowledge of the American Pit Bull Terrier is boundless and genuine. The dedication she brings to finding placement(s) which save them from euthanasia is not only both touching and inspiring – it produces solid results. Because of her tireless efforts get “her” dogs to safety, after they have been Temp Tested by her or evaluated by her, it is difficult to tell her “I don’t have room” when she comes across a case that is close to my area in Indiana due to the fact I know if she has dealt with the animal herself, I can be guaranteed that dog is a solid animal. Catherine understand the extreme importance of the quaility of the dogs that are put into placements giving much attention to the detail of their training and evaluations stages.
I know I speak for rescues other than mine when I tell you that she is a very positive representation of what American Pit Bull Terrier Rescues should a ll Strive to be.
During the period with which I’ve known Catherine , I have known her to regularly “work the network” with a single-minded determination to get solid deserving dogs into rescue by providing solid temperament dogs and matching them up with appropriate adopters, arming them with a buffet of educational information. One meets a big cross section of animal advocates & educators, in rescue; wonderful, loving people who give of their hearts and their time, people who keep working through the pain of any that can’t be saved . . . because they must go on if they are to go on trying to save the next one. Many of the finest individuals I’ve met over the past year have been animal lovers who are employed by shelters or who run private rescue can state unequivocally, however, that Catherine is one of those most committed & knowledgeable Rescue workers for the American Pit Bull Terriers that I have ever known.
It’s common for rescue workers to burn out and become detached at having to deal with the astronomical numbers of these dogs needing placement – some “shut down” because they can’t bear the pain of facing the endless parade of doomed and frightened animals; one more day, one more needle, one more innocent victim of humanity at its worst. Catherine, on the other hand, has never taken the “easy way out” and allowed herself to shut down and turn off her emotions. She takes her responsibility as the custodian of the animals in her care very seriously, focusing on meeting their needs and going above and beyond what most rescues would provide for the dogs.
And for those poor animals who don’t get out, those for whom she doesn’t somehow find or make a miracle, there is Catherine’s caring touch, right up through those final hours. She cares for them while they are there as if they were her own, offering soft words and gentle hands and a treat or a toy to comfort. Always giving of herself through the tears and doing whatever she can to make their last days as easy for them as she can. She has the ability to make the tough decisions when needed.
I recognize that there are other questions you may have on or about Catherine that are not directly related to the animals themselves -- and Catherine’s personal resume will have to speak to those. I can, however, tell you that Catherine’s reputation is excellent among rescues due to the fact that she is honest, diligent, honors her commitments and will ALWAYS go the extra mile to get the job done, and get it done right. Leadership by example is the most effective form of leadership, and I am confident you could place your dogs with no better role model.
Please let me know if I can offer further comment on this exemplary rescuer and truly amazing human being. I am proud to know her.
Laurie Adams
www.casadeltoro.org
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I have known Catherine for seven years. I volunteered at Furry Friends Foundation for several years and have adopted two very happy pit bulls from Catherine. Though unfortunately Catherine had to leave Furry Friends due to her health (which is now better), she has continued to do pit bull rescue and advocacy full-time on her own and through her extensive professional network. She is an excellent person to place rescues with if you want to know that they will end up in a wonderful, very well-screened, FOREVER home.
Kristina F
Indianapolis, IN
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I have worked with Catherine Hedges for many years and fully support her compassion and efforts to care for pitbulls and all animals in need. Catherine repeatedly puts her concern for animals' needs before her own, and has rescued and placed hundreds of dogs and cats into loving, forever homes. She is highly experienced in the special needs of pitbulls, and has years of experience handling, housing, and training them. I would trust Catherine with the care of my own personal dogs, and that is the highest recommendation I can give anyone.
Kay Sievers
PresidentAnimal Rights Mobilization
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My name is Kathryn
I have been involved in rescue since 2000, primarily in NJ and not breed specific. I am a member of the prestigious CUR, station master # 636I have worked with RAG of AZ for the last 2 years. (6/06 - 3/08)I have also worked with St. Bernard rescue I run 2 of largest senior and special needs group on the internet.I am currently a rep for DDB (dogs deserve better) just to name a few things. I am writing about Catherine Hedges who is well respected in the rescue community and has a stellar resume. She is the founder of Furry Friends, a nonprofit, no-kill shelter .She has worked extensively with pits. if you google her name will find many newspaper articles on her and the Best Friends (Kanab, Utah) write up
http://network.bestfriends.org/visitors/news/22959.html
Here are two more
http://www.consciouschoice.com/2000/cc1303/totherescue1303.html
http://www.thetruthaboutpitbulls.org/CityTalk/City-talk.php
Catherine spent nearly a decade in pit bull rescue before stepping aside for health reasons. She has been busy lately, though, in an effort to find homes for the dogs that were seized in that big July raid in South Holland.
I am sure Catherine can provide you with reference upon reference
Kathryn K
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My name is Jeff Armstrong and I am the founder of PAIDO ( Parents Against
Irresponsible Dog Owners ). I founded this group several years ago, after my son Ryan was attacked and
almost killed by a dog.I didn't mention the breed, but back on Feb 26,2001 I wanted every large
tough breed of dog banned. Especially the Rott's
The reason for this brief letter ( I will try ) is to tell you my experience with Catherine Hedges, for the seven years that we have known each other.
I met Catherine through a contact at the ASPCA ( Ledy VanKavage ). After my son Ryan was attacked and almost killed in 2001.
As I was working on legislation to get a law passed that would stop/curb vicious dog attacks.
Well Catherine being the expert on Bully breeds as they are called by some. Knew every thing about these breeds. And at that time helped me
understand why all dogs can be vicious and attack, not just the breeds we all hear on the news.
With several years of more research I was successful in my quest. The Ryan Armstrong Law in Illinois as its known has a clause that prevents Breed
Banning in Illinois. And Catherine was a part of all of that, with her expertise and advice she
gave me.
This is one woman who if there was only room one more on the couch it wouldn't be me or you, it would be that dog or cat or Gerbil.
How Catherine stays so focused on all of what she does preventing, these dogs she rescues from being destroyed and life itself is beyond most.
But she does it day & night and stays strong, even when she almost lost herlife in a horrible car accident on the way back from rescuing some dogs
after Katrina hit.Most people would say "This isn't worth it anymore...I'm done
I have since retired, unlike Catherine as the time I had to spend was interfering with my family life.
I tried to juggle both, its not easy.
What ever endeavors, that you are working with Catherine, rest assured you are in the best hands possible when it comes to any dogs/animals especially
the bully breeds.
Jeff Armstrong
The Ryan Armstrong Law In Illinois
P>A>I>D>O
Parents Against Irresponsible Dog Owners TM/Founder
http://www.geminiz.com/ArmstrongAct/Index.htm
Consultant for the ACF (American Canine Foundation)
http://americancaninefoudationlaw.com/index.html
Ad Hoc Group Member /Dog-Related Public Safety /Chicago Task Force
The Chicago Task Force on Companion Animals and Public Safety
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I am writing on behalf of Catherine Hedges. I am a relief veterinarian in the Chicago area. I have known Catherine for at least 7 years now. I worked with her when she was at Furry Friends Foundation and have worked with her regularly since then. Not only does Catherine work tirelessly to rescue pit bulls (and any other animal she may encounter), she will find a way to provide any necessary medical care for the animals that she saves.
I, too, was involved in the rescue of the 37 pit bulls in the largest pit bull bust in the state of Illinois. Catherine more than rose to the occasion when many others failed to come through with help for her. I helped spay, neuter, microchip, and vaccinate many of these dogs at Catherine's request. Catherine is very concerned and responsible about the reputation of pit bulls. She would never adopt a dog to an improper owner. Catherine is a very conscientious experienced, and ethical rescuer. She will always do what is best for any dog in her care!
Sincerely,
Melanie L, DVM
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I was a volunteer with Furry Friends Foundation in Chicago for four years and worked very closely with Catherine Hedges. She is extremely intelligent, highly knowledgable about bully breeds and all animals in general, and very compassionate. I would trust her completely with any animal. She is extremely cautious about who she places animals with and has a thorough interview process. The end result is that she makes amazing matches for animals, especially harder to place ones. Her life is truly devoted to rescue and all animals in her care receive the best treatment....lovingly and medically.
I am currently an adoption counselor at Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge in NJ. I wouldn't hesitate to send an animal to Catherine.
Sincerely,
Diane
Adoption Counselor
Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge
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I cannot give a higher recommendation than the one I would give Catherine Hedges as a rescuer. She is an intelligent, ethical, caring, and responsible rescuer and one who specializes in the bully breeds.
I am a rescuer [my 501c3 rescue is Starfish Animal Rescue, tax id #20-8663331] and shelter scout here in Los Angeles. I am well known in the rescue community as someone who is very careful about who I give animals to....and I have almost never sent an animal out of state. Catherine is one notable exception.
My first experience with Catherine was several years ago with "Bernie", a redlisted black Staffie in the high-kill South Los Angeles Shelter, with cut ears and scars all over his body. Through networking, I received responses from throughout the nation. Yet despite that, I was unable to get him rescued locally. To make a rather long story short, I chose to work with Catherine. Her planning, dedication, and follow-through were amazing, She is one of the very best and I would unequivocally recommend her. I would trust her with my own personal dogs and there is no higher trust than that.
Sincerely,
Chela
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Regarding pit bull adoption, Catherine is very knowledgable
and experienced with the breed and they could not be in better hands.
Although there are 200 miles between us, the shelter here in Iowa was and is
very confident and comfortable releasing dogs to Catherine, knowing that they
could not be in more competent, capable and loving hands.
Sincerely,
Carla
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I wanted to contact you to provide a personal reference for Catherine Hedges. I've known Catherine for several years. There is no rescuer who I would consider to be of higher caliber than Catherine. Any animal in her care receives the utmost care and could not be in more capable hands.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Mott President
Mid-America Bully Breed Rescue
www.mabbr.org
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I am writing on behalf of Catherine Hedges. I have worked with Catherine on several rescue cases and in every instance, without exception, she has been willing to move mountains to get thing done. She has assisted me with a few tough placements and been able to do what I could not. She has come up with trainers, transport, foster homes, top notch placement or medical care seemingly with divine intervention. I am truly amazed by her list of resources and her level of commitment.
If you have any reservations about placing with her, don't. She is impeccable. She doesn't give up and has perfectionist standards. I have yet to meet any rescue person that equals her dedication.
I am short on time or I could go on and on. Feel free to contact me for any additional information personally.
Tricia O
Rocky Road Rescue LLC
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I thought it was definitely necessary to express my gratitude about the assistance and perseverance of Catherine Hedges of Don’t Bully my Breed with the Elgin Pit Bull ban issue.
I remember when I first heard of this happening, I was in a tail spin, I did not know how to begin the fight and could not wrap my head around what was going to happen. Someone suggested that I contact Catherine. I thought to myself “O.k. but they will probably be too busy, etc.” she responded within an hour of me contacting her, showered me with so much information, taught me how to fight, and has been an invaluable ally ever since. Without her help, I do not know how far I could have gotten. She has helped me get the ammunition I needed to know how to fight the fight. She even tried to contact Elgin City Council, much to no avail, but she never gave up and when I started to panic, I would get the “face slap” to bring me to reality to continue. She made sure I never gave up. She was there the whole time.
Catherine, you are a gift to the animals, especially the mis-understood bully breed.
Thank God for you and all you do.
With much admiration and respect,
Lila Lahalih |
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