BF: Ken Foster and the Sula Foundation event
Source: Best Friends
“I really wanted to do something, but I was reluctant to start a rescue,” noted Foster. So he formed The Sula Foundation, named in honor of the dog who led the way to his new passion. His concern was that a new pit bull rescue could become overwhelmed quickly and believed his resources could be better utilized through vaccination clinics, free spay/neuter surgeries, and public education. “We focus on the pit bull issue and how we can help pit bulls in our community,” commented Foster.
“No matter what their real practical knowledge of pet ownership is, everyone seems to understand the idea of vaccines,” commented Foster. “So we’re doing these free or low-cost shots and then giving them all kinds of other information about why you shouldn’t tether your dog in the yard.” Former veterinarian for Best Friends Animal Society, Dr. Richard Allen, DVM and his assistant recently volunteered at their first clinic on March 1 in the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans. All canine participants were also offered free spay/neuter surgeries to help control the number of pit bulls being bred, often ending up homeless.
He hopes to soon work with local organizations such as the Louisiana SPCA and Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). Foster stated, “All these groups have pit bulls that are very slow to be adopted because the story always is people come in, see the dog, love the dog, ask what kind of dog it is and then they are just not interested any more.” Once The Sula Foundation is more firmly established, he hopes to begin a pit bull fostering program with local shelters. A home environment and individualized training will not only make the pits more adoptable, but will also open up space at the shelter for another dog.
The New Orleans Zephyrs are hosting "Bark in the Park" on Sunday, April 27th. Fifty percent of the ticket price will go the Louisiana SPCA and Ken Foster along with 8 pit bulls will throw out the first pitch.
