Pitties and Kitties is a new foster-based rescue group located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri that focuses on…you guessed it, pit bulls and cats!
Started just five months ago in March 2016, their mission statement is as follows: Pitties and Kitties is a 501(c)3 non-profit rescue dedicated to changing the lives of both pit bull type dogs and feral/stray cats in our community. We aim to alter the misconceptions of the pit bull breed and provide dogs in need a second chance by working with local rescues and pulling from high kill shelters. In addition, we will provide TNR assistance to feral cats and rescue those in need, placing them into our adoption program.
Rachel Pace is the founder of Pitties and Kitties and also plays the role of president, foster, admin and social media. So far, the new rescue has adopted out over 40 cats and dogs!
A Conversation with Rachel
What inspired you to rescue both pit bulls and cats?
Pitties are the most misunderstood breed of dog and I want to change that. And the cat population is very high and the need is great. We want to raise and bring awareness to the amazing pit bull breed and help/TNR cats in need. I just knew that I could do more and there can never be enough rescues.
What region/area do you cover?
While we are more community geared within the Kansas City area, we also do transport in and out of the state for animals facing euthanasia.
Being so new, what do you find most challenging in running your rescue?
Getting the word out to adopt more animals through the rescue. Raising funds and supplies are mostly out-of-pocket.
Do you partner with any other rescues?
Yes, we partner with Kitty City Kansas Rescue and Stray Angels.
Is there anything else we should know about the rescue?
We take in animals no matter what the health issue. We believe that they all deserve love and a happy ending.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I started doing pit bull rescue on my own almost ten years ago. It turned into a passion, followed by the strong need to help the growing number of stray and feral cats. I have six rescued pit bulls and six rescued cats.
Thank you to Rachel Pace for sharing Pitties and Kitties with us and for being brave enough to follow her heart and start a rescue. You can follow them on Facebook. And if you’d like to donate to the group, you can also do so via Facebook.
Do you know anyone with a pitty and a kitty?
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I don’t think I could love their name more! Even though I don’t consider myself a dog person, I love pit bulls (and Staffordshire terriers and English bull terriers!) and their bad rap makes me crazy. Sadly, they are banned here.
Yes, they have such a cute name! That’s really too bad that pitties are banned in your area. Groups like this are trying to change the misconceptions on pitties just for that reason!
Oh, I love this! And what a darling name. I never thought to much about the stigma associated with pitties until watching Pit Bulls and Parolees. They are such beautiful, loving dogs and it makes me sick how they are treated. Four paws up for Pitties and Kitties!
They have a dog that’s in a the Missouri Puppies for Parole program! (hopefully this link works)
https://www.facebook.com/pittiesandkittieskc/photos/a.1526812684289265.1073741828.1526065957697271/1567251686912031/?type=3&theater
Rachel is the best! We adopted Jax from her and I was lucky enough to help transport six kittens who were going to be put to sleep. Please share her story as there are so many pets who need our help and love. Rescue your new fur-ever friend today!!!
That’s wonderful that you were able to help with transporting those kittens!
Missouri is a tough state for pitties since breed specific legislation is allowed. They are banned or restricted in many jurisdictions. Add to that the misconceptions and owners who have them as status symbols instead of pets, and the outlook is unfortunate. I like the unique pairing of kitties and pitties … the symbolism is beautiful. Thank you to Rachel for creating this organization and helping so many!
That’s right, this obviously touches close to home for you – thank you for your insight on this!
Nice to see a place like this, Pit Bulls get such a bad rap.My step daughter is a manager at one of our local shelters here, and sadly, it is FULL of Pit Bulls, more of them than any other dog.
It’s very sad when one breed is filling the shelters more than others. Here in California there are a lot of chihuahuas. And of course pit bulls too.
Fascinating name. It just makes you take a peek. I have very little to do with dogs and have found pit bulls at blame for several brutal attacks in our town. This does make one stand back and wonder about the safety of having pit bulls. However when I was working in the halfway house for male parolees, I met the kindest most loveable pit bull of one of the guys. The parolee adored his dog and the feeling was mutual. This dog was also playful and lovable to others…he didn’t bite me. My attitude changed forever after seeing this dog for several visits. I realize it’s how the dog is treated that is the determining factor. Doesn’t that make sense? If we were treated with distain and generally looked down upon, would we maybe not snap.
Jean
You nailed it! It’s how the dog is treated that determines his behavior. And unfortunately, many people don’t realize that. Until like you, they come across a pit bull in person that helps them change their mind. Thank you for sharing!
YAY!!! Love this….
Pawsum posty. We luv pitties and of course we luv all kitties. Great job. Fanks fur sharin’.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
Oh, that is most wonderful. Bravo to them!!!!!
I agree with the others: That name is fantastic! And I hope this group really takes off. These are two deeply misunderstood populations of companion animals, and they need all the help they can get!
Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie
Kudos to Rachel for helping the pitties and kitties. Our ex-neighbor had a rescue pittie who was the sweetest dog. He used to let their young daughter do anything to him without going for her. I’d never do that.
MOL! You are one fierce kitty, CK. Thank you for sharing about your ex-neighbor’s dog. Hopefully getting the word out will help get rid of the breed’s misconceptions.
What a wonderful rescue!!! Never would have put the two together – cats and pit bulls. Amazing!!
It’s great when you can combine your love for two things into one!
We adopted our pitty, Kai, from Rachel! She is amazing to work with and made sure that not only was Kai a good fit for us, but that we were a good fit for her too!
Rachel is one awesome rescuer! Thank you for sharing your experience.
What a pawsome rescue! We agree that pitbulls are very misunderstood.
This is a great rescue, I am glad they help kitties and pitties too as most are very nice dogs.
What a lovely combination of rescues – pits and kits……..love this story and hope that it’s a huge success with a lot of support……….love all the photos too and we wish the very best to little Izzy – she is gorgeous!
Hugs, Sammy
Pitties and Kitties! What a wonderful name, and a beautiful mission! We’ve known and loved lots of pibbles and cats in our many years of rescue work, and many have been great pals. :)
What a great idea – Kitties and Pitties! Thanks for sharing about this rescue!
OMG, that final picture is precious. I love their mission – and the idea of pairing one of the most misunderstood breeds of dogs with feral cats who are also so misunderstood. Love and will definitely share!
Oops I thought my post went through yesterday, but here goes… In Montreal the pit bull bred was recently outlawed unfortunately, after a spate of attacks on humans. Other cities now want to follow suit. The sad thing is that since the ban, people’s pet pit bulls have been the target of some cruel attacks 😿
Whether you like pitbulls or not, there is no denying that there is a flurry of the cutest most adorable pittty and kitty interactions on YouTube! 👍
That first picture is absolutely PRECIOUS, for sure.
Purrs,
Seville