Resilient Rico

From: Phoenix Pack

September 12, 2009, changed Rico's life. While running with weights on, Rico overheated and collapsed on the shore. Beach-goers heard Rico's owner scream at him to keep working. They witnessed the owner draw a knife and cut Rico's tongue from his mouth, afterward throwing it into the ocean.

Even Chance, a San Diego-based rescue and advocacy group

for the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), offered Rico a spot in

their training-focused foster program after learning of him in

July, 2010.

After months of physical improvement and progress in

obedience with English words, Rico will soon encounter a roadblock. His uniquely qualified foster family will move away

from San Diego in December.

Sadly, due to Rico's specific needs, finding the right type of foster home is tricky. A typical need for terrier-type dogs is creative mental stimulation. Rico has a higher than average need for mental exercise and a greater need for ball-chasing space. These qualities make a typical urban or suburban home sub-ideal for Rico.

This is where we come in. Phoenix Pack has offered to house Rico if we can build him a cottage. Can you help us? Here is a list of materials we need. If you can, or know of someone who can, donate any of these materials, please email or call us.

agility field & equpment

six foot chain link fencing and posts

home-improvement store gift cards - for those who don't know what to get us

UPDATE:

We are so excited to see Rico's Cottage, built for Rico and a friend, finished. Rico is a social dog and we decided to build it double wide for a female victim of dog fighting as well. We were as energy effiencent and earth friendly as our budget allowed. We put in solar tubes for natural lighting, organic felt roofing paper, and insulation to keep the pups comfortable.

Special thanks to Nick with Teson Properties. Please support Nick and give him a call for all your home improvement needs. 636.578.9500