Pole Dancing for Pit Bulls

In July of 2014, our rescue story began. On a whim, I decided to travel to Villalobos Rescue Center in New Orleans, Louisiana in order to participate in "Bully Boot Camp:" a week-long volunteer program. Villalobos is a pit bull rescue center dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and adopting out the breed that has grown so close to our hearts. During this week long program, I walked and bathed dogs, cleaned kennels, did dog laundry, and helped with various projects throughout the warehouse. During my first day, an employee said to me, "You will fall in love with a dog here. It will happen, and then you will leave, and it will suck." I didn't really believe her when she said that as there was so many dogs at the rescue; how could I pick just one? I met Mittens about 15 minutes later. I was standing outside the door of the rescue, waiting for the first walks of the day to start. Suddenly, a pocket size tri-color pit bull with mangled ears (well, what was left of them), a way-too-big-for-his-body head, little white paws, and the biggest smile came trotting out. I grew up with rottweilers, and this dog looked like a mini version, so perhaps that's why I was so drawn to him. "That dog has socks, I need him," is the first thing I remember saying about him. I found out his name was Mittens; apparently I wasn’t the only one in love with those little white paws. I went up to him when he was done with his walk and was instantly greeted with slobbery kisses. Mittens was happy, loving, and grateful to be outside for his walk. Upon a closer inspection of his "ears" I noticed what looked like fishing line stuck in them, stitches from what I imagine was a pretty awful attempt at cropping his ears. Those stitches are still embedded in there today. This little dog had clearly been through a lot, but despite his past, was so incredibly resilient and happy. That was the first lesson he taught me. From that first day, I had a connection with Mittens that was undeniable. For the rest of the week, I requested to walk him every single day, four times a day. I found out about his past, and couldn't believe that he had once lived on a heavy chain in a backyard in the Louisiana heat. That was his life, all day every day, not to mention the same people who chained him up decided to hack his ears off. I was grateful to Villalobos for taking him out of that situation. When it was time for me to leave VRC, I was devastated to leave him behind. I already had two dogs at home and at the time, I simply couldn't adopt him. I left hoping that he would one day find the perfect home, because he truly deserved it. Weeks passed and I still found myself thinking about Mittens. I wondered how he was doing, if he had gotten adopted, if he felt safe, if he was still happy. He had taken such a hold on me and I just couldn't forget about him, his slightly over-zealous way of showing affection, or his little white feet. A few months later, I found myself in a serious whirlwind of a relationship that led into plans of moving in together. This is only relevant now as it's the only reason I was finally able to apply to adopt Mittens, as I was going to have a new dog-free apartment. So In November of 2014, I finally put in his adoption application, anxiously awaiting a reply. About a week later, I received some pretty tough news: Mittens had a bad case of heart worm and would not be available for adoption for at least four months. Could I have picked another dog and gotten him much sooner? Absolutely, but those dogs weren't Mittens. So, another waiting game began. I'm not very patient. I missed Mittens every day and the concept of me adopting him was so incredibly overwhelming that I just had to see him again. I also just simply missed the rescue, the friends I made there, and all the dogs I got to help when I was there. Because of all this, I called up my boss and told him I needed another week off: I was flying back to New Orleans for my second round of Bully Boot Camp. I arrived there at the end of December of 2014, and I couldn't wait to see Mittens again. An employee there, Matt, had become a friend of mine at that point and helped me spend as much time with Mittens during that week as possible. He would get him from his kennel so I could walk him, bathe him, or just sit with him. Every spare moment I had, I was bothering Matt to get Mittens for me and he always did. I'm still so grateful to Matt for that. As I'm sure you can imagine, leaving that week was substantially harder than the first time. I cried…a lot. Matt brought Mittens out so I could spend a few last minutes with him before I left for the airport. I hugged him and promised him the next time I would see him would be in New York. I promised I'd keep him safe. The weeks crept by. Thankfully, I had a few friends down at the rescue who sent me pictures and updates all the time. To Sydney and Toney: thank you. It seemed like years, but when February finally came, I couldn't wait for an update. I emailed VRC, and soon after, received a phone call about Mittens. Out of all the people who applied to adopt him, I was the lucky one. I was the one that would get to continue the process, and I was ecstatic. I was told to standby while they continued the process on their end. Well, during that period of waiting, that whirlwind of a relationship I previously mentioned, along with the promise of an apartment where we could live, all came to a shattering, devastating halt. I suppose details aren't necessary, but I was hurt in a way that still haunts me to this day. One of the first things I was concerned about was Mittens: what was I going to do? Where would we live? Thankfully, I have an incredible family that stepped up to help. I moved in with my sister and got ready to welcome Mittens there, instead. A few days later, amidst what was still a pretty bad heart break, Valentine's Day arrived. Ouch. However, that turned out to be one of the best days of my life thus far. That afternoon, I received a phone call from VRC. Not only was I approved to adopt Mittens, but I was chosen to be filmed for Pit Bulls and Parolees, a show on Animal Planet that focused on Villalobos. The production company was going to fly me down to New Orleans again, set me up in a hotel, and film my adoption process with Mittens. A few weeks after that, Mittens would be driven to Long Island where the filming would continue, showing Mittens finally coming home. I was so overwhelmed, grateful, excited…I still struggle to find the right words to describe that feeling. Mittens was finally coming home. A few weeks later, I flew back to New Orleans for the third time. I was driven to the film site, and not-so-patiently waited to see my boy. He was finally brought out and hopped right into my lap, letting me, once again, hold him and be the crazy dog lady that I am. After filming, the owner of the rescue, Tia, allowed me to bring Mittens back to my hotel and have him spend the night (shout out to dog friendly hotels!!). I got to see Mittens experience a bed for the first time. He had a lot of firsts that night actually, which I figured out when he started barking at the mirror and staring at the TV. I eventually had to bring him back, fly back home, and wait for him to follow suit. A few weeks later, on April 6th, 2015, Mittens came home. A full nine months after I met him, Mittens was where he belonged. It was a roller coaster of an adventure, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Mittens has brought me through some of the toughest periods of my life, and has been my very best friend from the day he came home. He has taught me about love, loyalty and resilience. He has taught me that things gets better. He makes me smile every day, even on the days I don't want to. I am forever grateful for him and what he has done for me and I know it's cliché, but I'm certain he rescued me just as much as I rescued him. Today, Mittens is a spoiled brat, which is probably my fault, but whatever. After what he went through, he deserves it. I'm back living at home, as my parents senior dog, Nemo, passed, and their boxer Laila, grew to love Mittens. My parents and siblings all love Mittens, as does everyone he meets. He finally has the home he deserves, and I finally have my dog. Since my adventure with Villalobos started, I also started getting involved at New York Bully Crew. They're a rescue on the same mission as VRC, but much closer to home. My mom has gotten involved there too, and she's currently sewing dog blankets to donate there for the winter. I guess I know where I got the crazy dog lady thing from. While pit bulls are a huge part of my life, pole dance is pretty prominent too, which is why I'm telling my story. My sister and I started Twisted Polerina, our pole apparel company, a little over a year ago and haven't looked back. We've decided to tie together our love of pole and pit bulls in a brand new design, featuring the two of us and Mittens himself. This design will be featured on women's and men's apparel alike and all of the proceeds will be donated to the rescues we love the most: 50 % to Villalobos Rescue Center and 50 % to New York Bully Crew. Please consider purchasing a shirt and helping us support two deserving rescues. Every dollar we raise helps rescue dogs from neglectful and abusive situations, pay off ever-growing vet bills and medical treatment, supply food/toys/shelter, and get loving dogs into their forever homes. My life and Mittens life have changed to dramatically due to the actions of VRC. Without them, Mittens would've been turned over to the state, thrown into a shelter, and ultimately euthanized due to over-crowding. They saved his life, and mine a little bit, too. However, they wouldn't be able to do that ithout the generous donations of their supporters. Help us help them by purchasing one of our new Pit Bulls & Pole Dancers shirts, because what's better than dogs and poles? Xoxo, Kelly Twisted Polerina