Change of Heart Pit Bull Rescue is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public, rescuing pit bulls, rehabilitating them as needed, and safely placing them in homes. As a volunteer-based organization, it relies on donations, foster homes, and adoption events to carry out its mission. The orientation document outlines the rescue's policies and procedures to ensure the safety of volunteers, dogs, and the public at all times. This includes rules for dog handling, home checks, screening potential adopters, and refusing adoptions if homes are not suitable. The ultimate goal is changing perceptions of pit bulls and finding them loving forever homes.

1. Change of Heart Pit Bull Rescue Online Orientation

2. What COHPBR is About…

3. Education In order to change the future for this misunderstood breed we must educate the public by developing programs, games, and contests that create a lasting interest in our message.

4. Responsible Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Placement Proper evaluation prior to rescuing a dog is a priority. We do not accept aggressive dogs. Volunteers assigned to evaluations/pulling rights are properly trained prior to the assignment. Rehabilitation is important for many dogs that come into our rescue. It is our responsibility to make sure the dog is healthy and of sound mind prior to adopting out to the public.

5. Actions Taking pride in the way we speak out about the breed, remembering to be respectful to others views, remaining professional in tough circumstances, and realizing that the actions we take on every task is alwaysunder a microscope.

6. Expertise Become knowledgeable on the breed history, ask questions, discuss, read, and learn about solutions for different issues. Become an expert! You will be asked questions at events. The public expects you to know the answer. You are a voice for the dogs. The more we know the more we can help change the future image of this current holocaust. We want to erase the current fears and the misconceptions people have about this breed! Let’s change some hearts!

7. Safety The most important factor in rescue is the safety of our volunteers, dogs and the public. Please keep this in mind during adoption events, expos, etc. There is NO room for error when it comes to safety!

8. COHPBR Safety Rules

9. Rules 1-5 Proper collars for events are martingales, prong collars, and fitted nylon collars for puppies and seniors only- unless otherwise noted. Collars must be properly fitted and in great condition. Leashes must be intact and every dog must have their own leash. No more than 2 dogs out at one time while at large events. Dogs attending large events must be dog friendly or very well mannered.

10. Rules 6-11 Only experienced volunteers will be permitted to remove dogs from crates at large events. Many other rescue groups have had “run-aways”. Be prepared for a dog to run into our booth. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Remember: Just because our dogs are well behaved does not mean others are. Do not attempt to introduce dogs at a hectic event. If there is ever a sign of aggression get a more experienced volunteer to help.

11. What is a 501c3 Non-Profit? We are an approved non-profit organization which means we operate solely on public donations. Without the help of the public and their support we would not be able to save lives, educate, and place these dogs.

12. Where do donations come from? Warehouses Companies (large and small) Public Fundraisers Online (ChipIn, PayPal, etc.) Advertisements

13. Importance of Advertising We must continuously advertise through various outlets! The internet is the easiest and fastest way to reach the most people. Social networking sites, such as Facebook, help us spread the word about our organization, fundraise, and promote events. Classified websites, think Craigslist, also get the word out to potential adopters and donors. As a volunteer, you should become a walking advertisement. Word-of-mouth advertising is still one of the most effective ways you can spread our mission and get others involved in our area. Without advertising, no one would know who we are. We would not have sufficient funding and it would be impossible to place our dogs.

14. What kind of donations do we need? Collars Leashes Metal bowls Kennels Crates Fencing materials for kennels Tags for identification Flea and tick meds (Advantage/Frontline - Costco sells a 3-pack of Advantage for 36.99) Beds Blankets Potty pads Toys Food Treats Funds for vet bills (People can donate directly to Dr. Butchko to help with vet care)

15. Our Foster Program We are dedicated to making sure the animals we choose to accept into our program are of healthy minds. We are focused on creating a better image for this misunderstood breed. As a foster all you would need to provide is a safe, loving, and responsible temporary home for the foster dog. COHPBR will provide all supplies necessary to care for the foster dog. COHPBR covers all medical expenses. As a foster we do ask that you be able to take the foster dog to any veterinarian appointments the foster dog may need. Fostering can be a very rewarding experience.

16. Importance of Appearance Pit Bull paparazzi is always out there! They are waiting for a reason to snicker. Don’t give them a reason to! Please remember we represent this breed and we have a small window of opportunity to change someone’s heart.

17. Participation at Events Booth space can be limited. The more volunteers we have, the better prepared we may be, as long as we are all working at specific task. Events need to be organized, fun, and professional. If we have 10 people and 10 dogs in a 12’x12’ booth there will not be very much room. If this is the case, we will assign shifts and specific assignments during larger events. Being prepared and organized before a large event is important.

18. Foster-to-Adopt Program This program is specifically for those who are unsure which dog they want to adopt. This is also something we prefer to do. It gives both the dog and adopter the opportunity to get used to one another before an adoption is finalized.

19. Importance of Home Checks Animal Abusers Dog fighters Hoarders Responsible person? Stability of home? Fence Busy street Balcony Heat location Hazards

20. Hazards Poisonous bushes Sharp objects (Example: at home tattoo set-ups) Air conditioner has no fencing Holes in fencing Aggressive dogs at the home

21. Get to Know Potential Adopters Why do they want to adopt a pit bull? Do they own there home? Do they have H.O.A.? Did they give the landlords contact information? Is their home set up realistically for the dog of interest? Energy level matched? Other dogs disposition? Kids behavior, if any? Ask questions! Talk about the dog and any issues that could arise. What will they do?

22. Specific Questions to Ask Potential Adopters Where will the dog be while you are at work? How long will the dog be alone? What will you do if the dog chews a hole in your couch or mattress? If the dog has a potty accident? Gets into poisonous cleaning supplies? Shows signs of dog aggression in public places? Landlord changes their mind about pet policy or pit bull policy? Separation anxiety?

23. It is OK to say, “NO!” It is o.k. to tell a potential adopter, “No!” Follow your heart. We want the absolute best for these dogs! Do not settle for less! It is exciting to get a potential adopter but sometimes people rush into adoption or a pet purchase and they do not have a stable plan in place for the animal’s future. Please keep in mind, this is why many dogs are in the shelters being put to sleep on a daily basis. Also, not every adopter is going to return the dog to us regardless of the application/contract out of embarrassment or whatever it may be. Our priority is the safety of our dogs. We will always say, “no,” more then we do say, “yes.” Strict, strict, strict!!!! We do not bend to make it work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!