....Lisa Bates!

How long have you been with APB?
We recieved our first foster dog, Petey, about 2-1/2 months ago

Why did you sign up to work with the group?
I am always trying to do my part to make the world a better place. I was volunteering for a place called Horses Haven in Howell, but when gas prices when through the roof I had to find something closer to home. I came across APB on Petfinder when I was looking for my second dog, although I adopted her from Charlevoix County Humane Society (Sorry APB-I fell in love with her!)

What kind of things do you do with APB?
We have 2 fosters, Petey and Lola, and we have done 1 transport for a boxer puppy. When we dropped off the puppy, we gave a guy who's work truck was broke down a ride back to Lansing. Not sure if that counts, since he wasn't covered with fur..LOL

What's your favorite kind of dog, and would it be your favorite kind of dog to foster?
I am partial to bully breeds. I still have my first dog, an 11 yr old American Staffordshire Terrier/Rottweiler mix. My dad gave him to me when he was 3 months old. I think bully breeds need all the help they can get, because they get such a bad rap. They have even less of a chance, just because of their breed and the prejudice that goes with them.

What's your most memorable foster/volunteer experience?
I haven't been volunteering for too long, so I don't have many experiences yet. When I agreed to foster Petey, I had no idea what to expect. Tom Olson brought him over (Tom is Petey's absolute favorite person on earth!) and it just happened that I had to pick Kevin up from work. So I was a little rushed, settling Petey in the back seat and he looked right in my eyes and kissed me. Just once, but it was like he was saying "Hey, I know  I'm here because of you and you're the reason I'm not in that cold lonely place anymore, and I want to say thanks." I told him he was welcome. I'll never forget the way he looked at me.

If you should share one doggie lesson with folks, what would it be?
If it has teeth, it can bite. 5lbs, 15 pounds, or 150 lbs. Breed discrimination is ignorance and prejudice. Bully breeds make terrific family pets when given the chance and their love and loyalty for their people know no boundaries. It is these traits that have made them desirable by the wrong kind of people. Stupid, ignorant owners should be banned, not the dogs who are victims of heartless human beings and their actions. Owning a pet in America is right, but it needs to be an irrevocable privilege.

Anything else you'd like to share with us?
Even if you've only  made a difference in one life, human or animal, it's still one life that wouldn't be the same if it weren't for you.