This whole journey started with one dog, one little Pit Bull girl named Bella.
She and her mom Tina “fly a sign” near Debi’s house and she would pass them every day on my way to work. One day she decided to stop and talk to them, and see if they needed food or water. Through them she heard about Buddy. Bella and Buddy would sometimes hang out together when Buddy’s mom Erica was running errands.
When Debi first met Buddy he had four working legs. He was so handsome and sweet. Then she didn’t see him for awhile and asked Tina what happened to him. She told Debi he had been hit by a motorcycle and was hurt badly. Debi asked where Buddy and Erica were and she said they were often in front of the old Target. Debi looked for several days on her way to work but never spotted them. Then on a day she was running about 10 minutes late for work, she saw them. Buddy was standing with his mom and his right front leg was hanging down, paw dragging. Not sure what possessed her, and knowing she would be late for work, Debi pulled into the parking lot and walked over to them. She introduced herself and sat down to talk to them. Buddy came right over, sat in her lap and put his head on her shoulder. It was almost like he was asking if she could help. Debi stayed for almost half an hour, and when she got up to leave she told Erica that she didn’t know how, but she was going to try to help.
Debi fretted about it for two days and finally late at night she got online and picked a random chip-in site, put his picture up and wrote his story down. She threw it up on facebook asking people to help give this precious dog back his life. The next morning there was over $500 donated!
Those of you who have followed Buddy’s story know the long road we all traveled, and all the ups and downs along the way. Bottom line is, together we raised over $7000. Through the generosity of what is now lovingly known as “Buddy Nation”, we paid all his back vet bills, got another vet consultation about his leg, paid for the amputation surgery, 3 days in ICU at VMSG, and three weeks of recovery in a motel room. Absolutely amazing! When it was time for Buddy and Erica to go back to life on the streets, his amazing angels stepped up again, donating tent, sleeping bags, camping supplies…the list goes on and on.
That path Debi took with Buddy kept on going, and we met little Chico. We got him his shots and worming, new harness and leash, food and a bunch of other little things along the way.
And then….the puppies and Wilbur. Oh Wilbur! Debi loved that dog! Buddy Nation paid for Wilbur’s neuter and the re-do when he ripped it open, got the puppies their shots and worming, and the rescue Debi volunteers with got them into a wonderful foster home where they got fat and healthy, and then found them their loving forever homes.
Then Debi met Capone, the handsome goofball who flies a sign with his mom and dad on the corner by Winco, dressed in hat and sunglasses with a rose in his collar. Buddy Nation helped spring him from the Camarillo Shelter in less than 24 hours when he ended up there through no fault of his own, and also paid for his shots and license.
And then there was Deuce. A young boy, not even a year old. He was given to a homeless couple by another homeless man because his other dog didn’t get along with him. Deuce needed everything. He had fleas, he had worms, he needed shots and a wellness exam. We gave them food and water and a leash and collar. The poor dog was on a chain.
And so, this site we started is formed to help us to help all these dogs and their families. A continuing effort created in Buddy’s honor, to care for the homeless Pit Bulls of Ventura and their families. When we see the need, we would like to fill it, and we can only do that with your help. Things like bicycles, bike trailers, sleeping bags, tents, leashes, collars, and clothing can be donated. Together we will continue to make a difference.
These animals are where they are, with the people they are with, and that’s their world. And they adore their people. Undying, unconditional love, that only dogs can give, and believe me, their people love them equally. Their dogs are their world. They just don’t have the resources to care for them properly. This is where Buddy Nation is going to make a difference.
In closing, we ask you to share this new path in the journey, and we ask you to please share with your dog loving friends. The more people who know, the more we can help.
Thank you for caring, thank you for sharing the journey with us.
Debi Reeves, Founder, Buddy Nation
Cappi Patterson, President, Buddy Nation
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone upon the waters to create many ripples”
Buddy Nation 