CLEVELAND — Photographers from the east coast, west coast and shores of Lake Erie are joining forces for a national campaign near-and-dear to their hearts. It’s called the Hope Campaign – an effort by the non–profit organization Stand Up For Pits.
The mission is to save the underdogs, those often passed over in shelters because of the way they look. The organization is called Stand Up For Pits. Founder Rebecca Corry started it after adopting a dog named “Angel”.
Before Todd and Sally, there was Angel – a dog who changed everything for Rebecca Corry. “Sally and Todd are alive today because Angel lived – essentially, which is true for all the dogs that my organization helps and saves,” Corry said when we spoke to her via Zoom recently.
Angel was a stray in Los Angeles when picked up by animal control. She was malnourished, in poor health and with wounds all over her body. In her young life, she was a dog who clearly had endured the worst of humankind.
But beneath the scars and visible bones, shelter workers revealed a sweet, gentle soul – deserving of so much more. They became the dog’s “angels” – saving her from euthanasia and finding a foster-based rescue to take her in. That temporary home helped Angel heal and kept her safe – until Corry found her.
Angel’s happy ending only fueled Corry, an actress, writer and stand-up comedian, to help other dogs facing the same plight.
“I started becoming really educated about Pit Bull type dogs and all of the unfortunate and horrible things they have to endure every single day,” Corry said.
So, she started Stand Up For Pits, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to saving lives and ending the abuse and discrimination of Pit Bull “type” dogs.
“Pit Bull is a term used to describe a type of dog based solely on its appearance, which makes all of the discrimination and all of the myths and all of the, you know, how they're wrongly vilified so crazy because they're just dogs,” Corry said.
SUFP carries out its mission through live events, funds, education and advocacy. It supports Pit Bull “type” dog rescues through funds and publicity. It’s a cause that brought Corry and renowned Cleveland pet photographer Greg Murray together, who is himself a vocal advocate.
“They’re inherently good dogs. You know, dangerous is not the way a dog looks,” Murray said when we visited him in his studio during a session with one of Cleveland’s Hope Campaign dogs. Murray is joining a photographer in Seattle and one in New York City in the effort. Each will photograph a group of Pit Bull type dogs from shelters, some of whom have stayed far too long. Murray photographed “Chester” from Euclid Pet Pals recently. Believed to be about five years old, the dog has been in the shelter for 540 days. According to Euclid Pet Pals, “Chester does well with other dogs in small doses, but so much was taken from him that he needs to be the only pet in the home. He is obsessed with treats and going on walks. Chester would do well with an experienced dog owner, a home without very young children and a fenced-in yard.”
It's hoped that by sharing Murray’s photos and social media posts, Chester’s profile can reach more potential adopters. The Stand Up for Pits foundation is also offering a $1,000.00 Angel Grant for a foster home based reputable 501c3 rescue who can save Chester.
We visited Murray on another day when he photographed Chessie, a pretty brindle believed to be about 3 years old and 35 pounds. She’s a lovely hostess, politely greeting everyone and the studio, and checking in often. Deep conversation comes in the form of belly rubs and butt scratches. She can turn into Velcro, leaning into you for a snuggle or snooze. She resides at City Dogs, but recently got perfect marks during an overnight stay at one volunteer’s house. Our Ready Pet GO! crew lingered for quite a while at Murray’s studio (Sorry Greg!). We couldn’t tear ourselves from this gal, who we declared the “sweetest sweet potato” around. Whoever adopts this gal is going to be very lucky.
The goal is to use the power and reach of each photographer’s lens to get these dogs out of shelters and into their forever homes or a foster-based rescue.
“I’m confident with this hope campaign, we can help Chessie find a home or go to a foster rescue very quickly,” Murray said.
Angel was spoiled, coddled and loved until she passed away in 2016. She remains the face and inspiration for Stand Up For Pits to this day. Corry pushes on, with rescues Todd and Sally by her side, in her mission to protect all the angels still out there.
“We have and we will continue to keep doing so for as long as it takes,” Corry said.
How can you help?
Adopt!!
Could you be a good fit for Chessie or Chester or any of the dogs featured locally as part of the Stand Up For Pits Hope Campaign? (More dogs coming soon!)
Learn more about Chester - at Euclid Pet Pals HERE.
Make Chessie your bestie! She's at the Cleveland Kennel (City Dogs) HERE.
Spread the word!!
Share social media posts to help get these dogs attention. Look for posts labeled "Hope Campaign."
- Facebook: StandUpForPitsFoundation
- Instagram: StandUpForPitsFoundation
- Facebook: greg.murray
- Instagram: thegregmurray