Dogs Now Available for Adoption

Ready to Apply for a BAD RAP Dog?
Click here to learn about our Adoption Policy

Pitbull BooYah!
Guess Who Went Home?

Dutch,
Uba,
and Hector!

Go see what all the excitement is about!

pit bull puppy

Coming Soon: Joker!

The Critter King sure knows how to make pretty bulldogs. We nearly fell over when Joker danced into our line of vision. What a lovely creature. He's as smitten with people as we are with him. A smallish male about 43lbs. He doesn't seem to know how to walk - instead, he glides, hops, bounces and shimmies. Be still my beating heart. Joker's not quite ready for prime time, but we'll consider applications in preparation for matchmaking. Neutered, micro-chipped and up to date on vaccinations. Like all our dogs, Joker will come with a lifetime of free training.

Joker's Youtube Video

For info contact Tim for: Joker!

pit bull puppy

Coming Soon: Kenzie!

Kenzie is an impish yearling fairly new to our program. She's a teenie-weenie at about 33lbs. Spirited, curious, optimistic, and a world class paw-thrower. She's just starting her ambassador training and is learning about the joys of being a spoiled foster dog in between lessons. See Joker's video above for a peek into Kenzie's style. Spayed, micro-chipped and all the good stuff.

Photo One
Photo Two

For info contact Donna for: Kenzie!

pit bull puppy

Available: Otter!

This little smarty pants just bounced into our program after a quick dash through Marin Humane Society. She's got everything we love in a pit bull and then some. Animal friendly, happy and spirited. Otter is an adolescent and is eating up her obedience lessons.

For info contact Donna for: Otter!

pit bull puppy

Available: Grace!

This little 40lb weasle is part flirt, part spark-plug and part marshmallow. She's big on giving hugs...Her foster mom sez: "She will press her chest into your chest and twist her neck around yours and somtimes she will nibble your ears...best ever!" But she's no push over -- because she's uber-smart, sassy and excitable, we'd like to see her in a home that knows how to be a fair boss to a pushy little princess. She is people focused and toy & treat motivated, which has helped her come along nicely in her ambassador manners. Plays well with her select dogs. Probably no cats for this one. She crates well, travels well and loves having a steady supply of chew toys. See her Movie & Slideshow

For info contact Donna for: Grace!

staffy bull

ADOPTION PENDING!: Tyson!

Larger Photo This little rug rat is an alien baby from another planet who decided he wanted to enjoy living with the human race for a good dog's life. We believe he's impersonating a funny looking staffy bull: He's teeny tiny (36 lbs) with a funny little body that seems to small for his usually large head. Definitely a character! Tyson is an older guy at - we're guessing - around 8 years old, but he has the energy of a fresh-out-of-the-box energizer bunny. Seriously - this busy dog can go and go and go and go. He'll need a home that can handle his love of movement and fun. Tyson is intelligent and sweetly responsive to training. He's comfortable with crates and tie-downs. He's uber dog friendly and has been a big help with indoctrinating new foster dogs to the joy of playtime. Probably not good with cats, unless your cat is bad-ass and you're good at rules.

For info contact Donna for: Tyson!

pit bull puppy

ADOPTED!: Dutch

Dutch has the honor of being our very first Vick dog adoption. And the couple who asked to keep him surprised all of us!

pit bull puppy

Available: Ted!

From Ted's foster mom: Ted doesn't know he's big and depth-perception-challenged. A real bull in a china shop - If furniture could move, it would jump out of his way. Loves going out on jogs or just walks. Not high energy, but definitely needs regular exercise. Once he's stretched his legs, he can chill with the best of them. Crashes out at night around 8 o'clock and just loves his crate. He's a smarty-pants and loves when he knows what it is that you want him to do. Would do well with a bitchy female, but tends to overwhelm the more submissive players. Has a zest for life, an affinity for ropes and branches, and wouldn't turn down an opportunity to lounge around in the sun (with sunscreen, of course!). Needs someone who is, or is willing to learn to be, a good boss. Yes on kids. Not cat tested, but our guess is he's not the best pick for a cat home. See his Movie & Slideshow

For info contact Donna for: Ted!

ADOPTION PENDING: Stella Polari!

WHA! Who is this? It's a cartoon character masquerading as a dog!

Stella is a recent transplant from the Michigan Humane Society. She was pregnant and in poor health when she landed in Oakland, so has been recuperating in her foster home while getting ready to graduate to available status. She's a funny girl; sorta shy at times and definitely kooky. Obsessed with people too. We love her stout little body and her warm, hopeful personality.

While she gets ready for adoption, follow the blog to some more photos of Stella, including a few video clips:
New Arrival: First Hugs
Stella Spazz Fun
First Greets
Zoomies!

For info contact Linda: Stella!

ADOPTION PENDING: Sweetie!

Introducing Sweet Pea! Yes, an adoption for this brindle gem is already pending. Never have I hand-picked a dog for a potential home, but this potential home was different. They fell hard for another BAD RAP dog, but the match up wasn't quite perfect. This home stayed patient for months, so I kept my eye open for a perfect match. I think we found one in Sweet Pea. She is easy going, cat friendly, dog social, therapy dog in the making. She came out of a Northern California shelter where a local Pit bull advocate sponsored her heartworm treatment. Paws and fingers crossed for another happy ending in the making.

For info contact Linda: Sweetie!

VIP Pit Bulls - Now Accepting Applications!

The long-awaited Available status of his celebrated group of VIP pit bulls is finally here. Eight dogs: Six males and two females. All of them wonderful and ready to change the world one mind at a time. We're so excited! VIP Link.

Check out our News Page
and BLOG SPOT.
Newsflash: Happy Vick Dogs
Are All Over the Media!

ADOPTION PENDING!: Harvey!

Harvey's had some bad luck. His hopeful family can't commit, so the handsome guy is back on the auction block. Poor guy. It's not his fault that he's searching yet again for that 15 year permanent family plan. Despite the disapointment, he's still an optimistic people pleaser who prefers to be at your side. He'd like an active home that appreciates his youthful spirit. He's quite lovely with other dogs but can plays like a teenager, so bring on the wrestling buddlies. He's beautifully trained and was just about to start CGC Prep classes when the bad news broke. This guy is all about Goofy and making you laugh. (I mean, just look at him) He's crate trained for his down time and has the right structure and stamina to be your reliable jogging buddy. (Is he your 2008 Pit Bull Fitness Program pup?)

For info contact Linda: Harvey!

ADOPTION PENDING - Hey, Peter Mon!

Oh Peter! Since our sweet boy has been waiting for a home, he's become such a sensitive dude. Don't tell his homies, but he's changed his ways and has decided that he likes 'his' cats and he's become a world class HAM in Pit Ed Classes. Of course we can thank his devoted foster parents for bringing out the best in him. Photos: Foster Fun! They've been having a blast with Peter in their pack, but it's time for this Island Boy to plant his flag on home turf. Our sweet simple friend is a social butterful and despite his bouncy enthusiasm, he's beautifully trained. He's dog social and loves to romp with well-socialized dogs. He has a big round head that makes him look like something out of the Muppet Show. We believe that he's half pit bull and half American Bulldog. He's about 60 lbs with gorgeous red brindle markings. He's affectionate, beautifully uncomplicated, and eternally HAPPY.

Please contact us for an application: Peter!

ADOPTION PENDING: Miss Josie Kat

We took this Pit Mix girl right in when we learned that her former owner had been unkind to. We could start a new religion based on her attitude: Despite the betrayal of having been treated poorly, she truly believes that all people are good-hearted and worthy. She's a cute little wiggle butt with a squeeezy, stubby body, wagging tail, smiling eyes, and she's perfectly comfortable in new situations. Definitely an optimist, Josie is worldly-wise, very well socialized, relaxed around dogs and eager to impress any and all human admirers. Spayed and microchipped, and happy to actively engage with her handler during obedience lessons. We have a hunch that she's going to be able to live with a cat. Please come on down to Pit Bull Hall to meet this girl...She would love it.
Josie: Movie Clip.

For more info contact Donna: Josie Kat

ADOPTION PENDING! - Texas Cadillac

Well, Darn ... Texas hopeful home was not quite right for our girl, so she's back on the market. What a beautiful creature. Texas is a young pearl with soft warm eyes, a gorgeous brindle coat and ears that are made to impress. About eleven months old, and getting prettier by the day. We're quite taken by her demure, feminine nature and her love of a good snuggle. She's been lots of fun in play sessions with other dogs. A good beginner's dog.

More Photos of Texas
Texas: Movie Clip.

Contact Donna about: Texas

ADOPTION PENDING: Deja Blu

This regal face belongs to the soft hearted Deja Blu. She's between 1-2 years old with a slight build and feminine features. We don't quite understand it, but she has the softest coat we've ever snuggled on a pit bull. It's truly mink-worthy. It didn't come from a life of luxury; Deja suffered a chemical burn on her back in a former life. She's happy to leave those days behind her and focus on better days. She's a gentle girl who falls into her obedience lessons like a pro. She's a big flirt pole fan and she enjoys playing with other well matched dogs. Just a nice little girl here. Now living at Pit Bull Hall.

MOVIE of Deja

For info contact Donna for: Deja Blu!

ADOPTION PENDING - BooBoo Divine!

BooBoo Divine earned her first name the hard way....Background Story. She earned her second name by - well - by being the perfect dog. BooBoo is just a pup at about 12 months old. She's nicely connected, gentle, responsive, and all those things that seem unbelievable coming from a dog whose ears have been chopped off with scissors. Very dog friendly too. Her training is coming along nicely.

For info contact Tim for: BooBoo Divine!

ADOPTION PENDING - Elvez

Young Elvez (above) is finally settled in at Pit Bull Hall. He's a cool guy who appreciates gentle strokes behind the ears and a kind word. He's silly and happy. We notice that he can be a bit of a worry wart too, so have been working on building his confidence though the magic of obedience lessons, leadership and a good dose of friendship. Mr. Smarty is fast learner and is now ready for adoption. Photo Credit Sarah Chinn

ELVEZ MOVIE

Contact Donna about: Elvez

ADOPTED! - Bug!

This pit mix youngster (above) is the most well mannered gentleman dog in our program right now. Very connnected, personable and eager to please. Good dog manners and beautifully gentle with small kids, cats and small dogs. This boy's a prize. He's about 11 months old, so is just developing his gorgeous adult muscles. Micro-chipped, neutered, all shots. Photo Credit: Maria Graizer

More photos from Maria of Bug Here
Bug Video Clip

Bug's rep is Donna: Bug!

Did You Know? For our $150 adoption fee, your BAD RAP dog comes with a lifetime of free training classes including Canine Good Citizen CGC coaching. While they wait for new homes, all our dogs get basic obedience lessons including leash work. They're socialized with all kinds of people and other dogs, and most already have a small group of playmates that they can stay connected with post-adoption. All are speutered, vetted, microchipped, crate-trained and either partially or completely housetrained. Ready Made Ambassadogs at Your Service!

Many Angels: BAD RAP couldn't help these special dogs without the ongoing support of the community of dog lovers in the bay area (and beyond!). This includes the foster homes and volunteers who offer so much of themselves, the shelter staff and rescue groups who call out special adoption candidates, the finders who bring sweet creatures to safety and the many people who send us the lifeblood of donations. A big Thank You to all the angels who care so much.

Please help us do this work.
Tax Deductable Donations via The Magic of PayPal:

EIN Number ~ 94-3397172

Donation Questions? Contact Susi ~ Many Thanks ~

What's Killing the Pit Bulls?

Important: Read about the epidemic that's hurting our breed. LINK

To See Our Dogs:

Some of our dogs can be seen at the Oakland EBPCA and the rest can be seen in Berkeley on Saturdays during our Pit Ed Class. We can also arrange meet-n-greets elsewhere during the week. Please write to the BR Contact person listed with the dog(s) you're interested in to arrange a meeting. We ask that interested parties fill out an application before meeting the dogs. Filling out an app does not obligate you in any way, but it helps us know that you're a serious, qualified shopper.Thank You!

The 'Fred Fund' & BullyHaven:
A Special Way to Help Homeless Seniors:

CONGRATS! Susi Ming for earning Wells Fargo's Outstanding Community Support Award for your volunteer work with BAD RAP.

Meet the Busy Angel Behind BullyHaven

Our Founder, Fred!

Its a rare thing to see senior pit bulls in our pounds. Because this breed usually shows up as tiny litter rejects, young adult strays or untrained teenagers surrendered by under-prepared owners, so many never make it to old age. In fact, its probably safe to say that because of the huge problem of overbreeding and irresponsible homes, the majority of pit bulls now born in our urban areas don't survive to see their second birthday. So when this 16 year old gentleman of a pit bull landed in a local shelter, we did a double take! We thought Fred deserved better after so many faithful years of service on this planet.

Big hearted BAD RAP Reps Susi and Chaz immediately jumped in to whisk this pooch away and into their 'BullyHaven' home for some special TLC and a dignified retirement. From this compassionate act, we were inspired to create the "Fred Fund": a way to help us help future deserving senior pit bulls find a quiet place to settle in and receive gentle care until its time to say leave this world - in the arms of adoring caretakers. If you'd like to contribute towards the 'Fred Fund', we'll earmark your donation for med care needs to allow other rescued retirees some creature comforts while they're still able to enjoy life.
If you can offer a senior pit bull (dogs from 6 years old on up) a place to retire in your home, please let us know. As you can see from Fred's newfound happy face, you'll be doing one lucky dog the favor of a lifetime! Thank you for your kindness.
For more info, contact Suz about: BullyHaven

The Fred Fund received a generous donation from Catherine Godlewski, which will allow for the rescue of a senior pit bull in 2007. Thank you!

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