What is a "rescue"?
In general terms, a rescue is a privately (sometimes even singly) run organization dedicated to helping abused, neglected and homeless dogs. These are not government-run animal control or shelter facilities, but rather more of a grass-roots effort. Rescues may or may not have sheltering facilities. Many of them work strictly via fostering homes. There are all-breed rescues as well as breed-specific rescues.
Are there Pit Bull rescues?
Yes, there are numerous people across the US and Canada doing Pit Bull specific rescue. There is a great need for this sort of thing. Pit Bulls are one of the most abused dogs on the planet. Unfortunately they often appeal to the wrong element or the casual, uninformed owner. Because of this there are many abused and owner-surrendered dogs that wind up in the caring hands of rescue. Rescues are overflowing with dogs, and there can never be enough people involved in helping.
How can I find a Pit Bull rescue in my area?
The internet is a good place to start your search. There are also some rescues featured on this site. If you cannot find a rescue in your area, it is quite possible another Pit Bull rescue will be able to direct you to a dog in your area that needs a home--perhaps one that is being fostered, or one in your local animal shelter. There is no shortage of homeless Pit Bulls.
Why should I get a dog from a rescue?
Rescues are working night and day trying to help abused and adondoned Pit Bulls find homes, but there are too many. Their kennels and foster familes are full, and every day they receive calls concerning more dogs that need help. For every dog that is adopted from rescue, another dog is able to be brought in and cared for. Why not help save two lives? Rescues usually have a number of dogs available for adoption in different sizes, shapes, colors, sexes, and ages, so there is sure to be one that suits your tastes and needs.
What about the local shelter?
There are Pit Bulls lining the isles of just about every shelter across the US. Sadly, most of these dogs will end up dead. The few lucky ones get adopted out or pulled by caring rescue groups who then evaluate the dogs' temperaments, train them, and place them in loving homes. Because most shelters do not take the time to stringently evaluate temperament, potential adopters should look to adopt a Pit Bull from a reputable rescue instead. And remember, the dog you adopt from a rescue leaves a space that can be filled by another needy dog. If you do decide to adopt a Pit Bull from a shelter, talk to the people involved in handling the dogs, ask questions. Do they thoroughly screen the dogs coming through? Do they seem knowledgeable about the Pit Bull breed? Although not always common, some shelters have managed to set up marvelous dog evaluation/adoption processes, serving both the animals involved and the adopting public very well.