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Read the press release here.

Meet 3 Homeless Pit Bulls You Can Adopt in Wicker Park Saturday

By Alisa Hauser | April 1, 2015 8:34am | Updated on April 1, 2015 8:35am

WICKER PARK — If you see pit bulls parading around the streets on Saturday in Wicker Park, do not be alarmed: it's just the kickoff to “PAWS Chicago's Adopt-A-Bull.” Just follow the tails into Double Door to give one of the lovable dogs a home.

Danielle Colby, co-star of The History Channel’s “American Pickers,” and Pets Are Worth Saving  (PAWS) Chicago are hosting an adoption event to raise awareness of bully breed dogs — canines which they say have an unfair reputation of being dangerously aggressive.

Colby with her PAWS Chicago rescue dog, Vida, adopted in April 2013 (Courtesy of PAWS Chicago)

Sometimes called "pit bulls," the bully breeds — which include bull terriers and boxers — are the most likely to be euthanized because they are associated with gangs and dog fighting, according to a news release issued by organizers.

The free event starts at 11:30 a.m. with a 30-minute parade on and around Damen Avenue that will end at Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave.

From noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, between 12 to 15 dogs, accompanied by volunteers from PAWS Chicago and Chicago Animal Care & Control, Chicago’s municipal shelter, will be available to meet with folks inside the music club.

Here's a sneak peek on 3 of the adoptees:

Titan, pit bull terrier mix, 2 years old; learn more about him.

 

Indigo, bulldog mix, 2 months old; learn more about him.

 

Snavely, American Staffordshire/shepherd mix, 9 months old; learn more about him.

Colby, who adopted her dog, Vida Boheme, from PAWS Chicago in April 2013, will discuss the misconceptions surrounding bully breeds.

According to PAWS Chicago, the term “pit bull” is not an actual breed but rather a label applied to many breeds and mixes with similar characteristics including American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bull Terrier and American Bulldog.

Joining Colby will be Paula Fasseas, founder of PAWS Chicago, who will talk about the group's efforts to save the lives of bully breeds. Other speakers include an animal placement coordinator from Chicago Animal Care and Control and a dog trainer.

Admission is free and there will be complimentary food and drinks. 
Dog adoption fees for Chicago Animal Care and Control begin at $60 while fees start at $200 at PAWS; you must be age 21 or over and meet other qualifications, according to PAWS' website.

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