Good News and Some Bad News

Hmmm.....which do you want first?

Most people want the good news first, so here goes. Several months ago now, Mom stuck a big sign on me and presented me to Dad. Here's what I looked like:

"Momma's Pregnant!"

There was lots of shocked and smiling faces, so I guess that was good news. I'm not really sure what the sign and the funny faces meant, but Mom tells me that things are fine and not to worry.

The bad news is that I'm going to have to take some time off from visiting my pals at the shelter for kids. :( I'm not too excited about this, but Mom says it has to be done for now. I hope we can visit again really soon!

I also promise there are some great pictures I want to share of my sister and I; I just don't have them right now, but I will try and get them to you soon!

Until next time!

~Mikko~

Its Been Awhile

The Mom here.

I have been very busy and distracted lately, so Mikko has not had a chance to write anything lately.
:( We hope to be writing soon because we have lots of good things to share and some wonderful pictures too!

Stay tuned...

Late Foster Friday: Happy Birthday Mikko!

Luke here!

Just wanted to say Happy belated Birthday to my foster brother Mikko! He is getting to be an old man; he is 3 years old. He had a great day relaxing and hanging out with Mom and got to have some yummy birthday cake. Like his tie?

I had a great time at the pit bull awareness day last Saturday. I got to meet all types of new people and dogs. Mom gave me lots of treats because I was being so good. I even got to help a new puppy to the rescue get used to walking around on a leash; he became my walking buddy there. It was fun to be useful! :) I wish I had some pictures to show you. :( I'll see if Mom can ask someone for some pics. Later buddies!

A Pit Bull Changed My Life

The Mom here.

I just had someone recently ask me where and how do I get the ideas to do all the volunteering (I'll save that for another post later) I do. I could easily list off several names of people that have helped me get to where I am today, but the more I thought about it I realized that everything I do now is because of my dogs; who knows where I'd be today if it wasn't for rescuing a pit bull we named Emma.

I was heading down a long road of schooling towards a career as a psychologist, just got married 6 months prior, was a homeowner for about 1 month, and was thinking about getting a dog in about 6 months when I got word of a dog that needed a home. My brother had been taking care of this 5 month old puppy that his roommates had got from a humane society; the roommates decided they were not ready for a dog and wanted to return her. My brother loved the goofy girl that he'd been caring for and did not want to see her returned to the humane society, so he called me asking if I wanted a dog. We were not ready for a dog, but his story about her was tempting, so I asked what breed she was....a pit bull. I was just like many of you that believed the media about pit bulls; I was unsure if they could be trusted and be good dogs. I decided to give her a chance and go and meet her. She was not what I expected! I'm not sure what I expected; maybe a shy, fearful dog or a dog that would growl and bark at me. She was neither. As soon as I walked in the door she bounced off the sofa and tried to jump in my arms because she was so happy to see me. She was a goofy girl because she couldn't get her legs to work right on the hard wood floors and was slipping and sliding everywhere. I fell in love with her immediately and took her home. It didn't take us long to see that she was an awesome dog; she didn't bark at anyone and loved everyone she met. Our minds were changed forever about pit bulls.

From there on out we became huge pit bull advocates; fostering pit bulls and getting our beloved Mikko. My career path has changed over the years after falling in love with pit bulls. I thought I wanted to have a career working with animals and therefore got off my path to be a psychologist and went towards vet tech or vet. It quickly turned into loving how to train dogs and I started working and training with a dog training facility. My final stop on my career path is social work. I came to this stop from my therapy dog work with Mikko and the shelter/residential kids we visit.

It's weird for me to think back at how different I was just 5 years ago and how it was changed by a pit bull. I wish everyone would take the chance I took to get to know a pit bull because they just might change your life. :)

Pit Bull Awareness Day

Happy Pit Bull Awareness Day! :)

Luke will be back on Friday to chat about how he spent the day and Mikko's birthday is on Friday too!

Rocky Start But Great Ending

Hi guys, Mikko here.

I finally got to go visit the kids again; I haven't been in like a month and a half or something like that! Needless to say, I was a little naughty because I forgot how things go there. I had to wait for my other pals to get there and in the meantime I was too intrusive with several people and had one kid stare me down, which I'm not too fond of. I could see and feel Mom start to get worried about how I was acting so I tried to tone it down a bit and relax. Luckily my pals showed up and I forgot all about being naughty and was focused on saying hi to my four legged pal.

We talked about dog safety this time with the kids. They learned how to approach a dog and their owner and how to react to a stray dog running loose. I had lots of fun snuggling with the kids! I even laid my big head right in one of the girl's lap and she just oo'ed and ahh'ed over me. I love it! I was a big hit with the kids as usual; they seem to love my big goofiness. See Mom, I can still be a hit even when I stress you out! My four legged pal was a hit with his awesome trick; he does the bang trick!

Mom and the teacher lady was talking about me afterwards saying that you can easily read from my facial expressions what I thinking....I think this sounds creepy, but Mom wants to see if she can get this caught on camera sometime to show you guys. We'll see if I'll allow that....until next time!

We're Back and Foster Friday: Update!

Mikko here.
I was totally bummed that my visit to the children's home got cancelled; but not to worry I'll be there visiting this coming Monday and will have lots to share about it later. :) Now I'll let Luke fill you in on what he's been up to.

Hi friends! Luke here.

I had such a good time at the Renaissance festival! I got to meet all types of people and made several dog pals, I even got to meet a large animal that my foster mom calls a horse. Wow, those things are huge! My foster mom was so proud of me, she says I did a really awesome job walking beside her with all the commotion going on. Here are some pics of my experience.



I love riding next to my buddy Baron!



Enjoying some attention

My other dog pal Molly

I was so tired afterwards!

Be Back Soon!

The Mom here.

We will be back shortly! We have been taking a break because we have all been sick. :( But no worries, lots to talk about when we are back. You will be updated with how the Renaissance fair went with Luke and Mikko has another visit with some kids next week!

See you soon! :)

Foster Friday

Foster Mom here!

I'm writing the post for Luke today because he is getting as much rest as he can get for his big day at the Renaissance Festival tomorrow. If anyone wants to come meet this handsome guy then come on out to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and we will be at the Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue booth from 9am till noon and then walking around for the rest of the day after that.

I also wanted to mention that one of my favorite blogs that I follow is trying to raise money to help save a gorgeous elderbull named Lady Zabora. Read more about it here. Donate to a great cause! :)

Foster Friday

Luke here!

I've been working so hard on foster Mom's training, learning the basics of being a great dog, that I needed a play break. I found the best toy ever! I don't know what it is, but it's red and very fun to chase! Foster Mom couldn't get a video of it, so pictures will have to do.

Have a great weekend and remember to take a little time to have some doggie fun! :)

Foster Friday

15 Funny Survey Questions Answered By Luke

Have you ever smelled a banana?
Yes! I like the smell of them, but I wasn't too sure on the texture when I ate a piece of one.

Eaten strawberries from your toes? No, can't say I have...

Poked someone in the ear? No, but I have licked plenty of people in the ear! Hehe!

Licked someones foot? Yes! I think human feet have the best sweet taste!

Put money in your bra? Huh? What's a bra?

If your a guy, have you ever worn a bra for fun? Ohhhh, Foster Mom says those are the things I like to drag out of the closet and chew on.

Eaten a fur ball? Yes! Well I am a dog and I do lick myself, so it's bound to happen.

Licked a swing set? Well sure! I have to taste everything!

Sniffed a cat? Yes! And played tag with one too! Cats are fun!

Barked at someone? Yes! Only because I'm asked to or if I get scared.

Pretended to be a manikin at the mall? Not at the mall, but I do like to freeze and then pounce on my foster siblings to get them to play with me.

Drawn a silly picture? Sort of! I like to draw funny pictures when I pee...

Sung in a public bathroom?Yes! But my version comes out in barks.

Been out with your pants on backwards?Pants are for sissy dogs! I like to go in the nude!

Worn underwear on your head?Another thing Foster Mom says that I find in the closet and play with. It may end up on my head one of these days...

My Existence Was Doomed

I'm feeling much better, so I decided I want to share how I met my Mom and Dad.

Mom said that I was not meant to be. She said that my dog mom came into the pound very pregnant with my siblings and I. The pound decided that instead of having a bunch of puppies around that they were going to abort us and fix my dog mom. I'm not really sure what all that means, but all I remember is being born in the dark and my dog mom taking good care of my siblings and I. Mom says God had a plan for my siblings and I because my dog mom gave birth to us the night before we were to be aborted.

After we were born, they drove a few of us to a different facility because the one we were born at was really full. I ended up being kept in a really small metal square box with my brother. I'm not sure how long I was there, but one evening I saw my Mom and Dad to be. My brother was making all types of noises to try and get their attention so I just sat there and looked as handsome as I could. They picked up and held my brother first; he was squirming all around and still kept making noises. Then it was my turn to be held; I just laid back and relaxed because I knew I was supposed to be theirs. All of a sudden they put me back and took one more look at us and left! I thought, oh no, where are they going! Not too much longer, they came back. I noticed my soon to be Mom had a few tears in her eyes and she came right for me, telling me that I was going home with them. She even kissed my dirty, smelly puppy head! I was going home.

Mom held me the entire car ride, talking with Dad about what to call me. They kept talking about something called hockey and names related to the Wild. They finally kept calling me Mikko, after a hockey player I guess, and that is how I got my name. We stopped at a really bright and cold place where they tried to get me walk around, but I was not having it! I got lots of treats and new toys here, so I like that place now! Mom says its called a pet store. Awesome! A store for dogs! After that, Mom said we were going home. At home I had many firsts there: a bowl of food, had to potty outside in the freezing cold, got to snuggle with my Mom and Dad, and got comfy in my kennel. It was a long and tiring day, but so fun getting to know my parents. Here is a picture of me that first night. Mom says sorry its so dark and blurry.

Foster Friday

Sorry this is so late but Mom had to take me to the doctor today because my ear was all swollen and hurt really bad. Mom says I'm on meds now, so hopefully that will help. I'll let Luke take over so I can go rest and get better. ~Mikko~

Hi guys! Luke here. I just wanted to show you real quick how clever I am. Foster mom decided that I needed a blanket over my kennel to keep me extra quiet when they sleep; not sure why because I'm super quiet and sleep through the night. Here is what I mean.

Gets kinda boring in the dark when I'm not tired, so here is what I figured out how to do.

Can you see what I did?!?! I figured out how to pull the blanket inside my kennel so that I can see out and have more to lay on! Aren't I clever!? Hehe!

Until next time!

I LOVE KIDS!

My visit to the shelter/home for kids went so well! We talked about how to keep dogs and kids safe from all types of harm; great topic! I made a new human friend! He came right to me as soon as he saw me and just fell in love with my handsomeness. ;) I laid by my new buddy the whole time we were there and even gave him a big kiss right on the lips and he didn't even care! I hope I made his day just as special as he made mine. Enjoy my pictures!


Not a big fan of baths...

My doggie gal pal "M" and I

Therapy work is tough! Time for a snooze.

Silent Saturday

Foster Friday

Just wanted to let you know that I'll be visiting the home/shelter for kids again on Monday and will report back Tuesday! ~Mikko~

As promised here is Luke's adventure at his first parade!

Hey guys! I had so much fun at the parade! We walked a long ways but it was fun to meet all types of people. I was so busy waiting to meet the next person that I totally ignored all the candy on the ground! My foster mom appreciated that, but I feel like I missed out! After the parade we hung out at the booth for the Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue, the rescue that is fostering me. I thought I should hang out front and center at the booth so that I could get all the attention. Would you like to see how clever I am next time?

*Pictures taken by AJ from MN Pit Bull Rescue

Foster Friday

My foster brother Luke is making his big debut today and every Friday from now on! I hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy! ~Mikko~

Hi! My name is Luke and you guessed it....I'm a  9 month old Pit Bull looking for my forever home! Don't worry, I'm enjoying having a foster brother and sister. I LOVE playing with them, chasing them around the yard is my favorite! I'm so fast! My foster Mom says that I'm going to be an awesome sporty guy for things like agility, fly ball, frisbee, or just a running partner! Anyone looking for a dog that will do that? Go check me out! http://www.mnpitbull.com/

I have been able to do several fun things already...like be in a parade! Would you like to hear and see pictures about that next time?

Wordless Wednesday



Tiny me...well tiny at 11 weeks and 20 lbs!



Confidence With Children

After all my frustration lately I gained some confidence when I got to go and hang out with some pretty cool kids today at a home/shelter for children. I had a blast! I even gained a new girlfriend! I wish I would have got Mom to take a picture of the two of us, but I was so busy sniffing....I mean flirting, that I forgot. Maybe next time?

I had different responses from the kids. Some were afraid of me (which I can understand because I'm a pretty big guy) and some were not. I did get most of the kids to at least pet me by the end of our time there though. I knew just what to do! I laid down on the floor and just crawled my way towards them and then flipped on my back so they could pet my belly....I'm a genius! ;)

My girlfriend's dad tried to read some from my favorite book ( The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick's Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption ) but I couldn't sit still because I was so busy trying to get petted that he just gave up eventually.

I even got to show off for the kids by doing my tricks! They loved that I knew how to speak and asked me several times to speak, which I was very happy to do for them. Some of the kids even helped me with my tricks, that was fun!

This has been the best/funnest visit so far! I don't know why Mom was so worried, but I showed her! :-p

Frustration

My Mom is upset and that does not make me happy! She said it has to do with me and looking the way I do. I don't understand....what did I do?!?! I did NOTHING to deserve being told I can't go somewhere because of the way I look or because of the way I used to act as a barely trained puppy. My Mom and I have worked really hard to get where I am today and this is how I get treated....unbelievable!

DON'T BULLY ME....OR MY MOM!!!!!!!!

Mom says that people are just trying to discourage us from doing something really cool with our lives and that is all we need to remember. We are doing this to show the world that pitties like me are good and loving. We will accomplish something great, even if we aren't sure what that is yet.....just wait and see! :)