MR: I’m not sure how prevalent Lymphoma is in Pit Bull type dogs but that’s what took Oliver. Since there is no government agency like the FDA for animals, the guidelines are sketchy to say the least and if one doesn’t do extensive research, there are so many food and toy products that are carcinogenic for dogs. For that reason, cancer is very common in dogs. LM: What are some of your most beautiful memories about your special boy? MR: Every minute I spent with him. When we were in the same room, he was always by my side and that’s what I will always remember and never recover from the loss of his presence. LM: We would love to showcase some wonderful photos of you and Oliver. I know we had run some beautiful ones a few years ago but I’d love to see what else you might want to share of the two of you. I’d love to run 4 or 5 pages of your gorgeous images with him as a “Tribute.” We totally loved and love Oliver. We feel that your photo of Oliver in his leather cap is the embodiment of our spirit at Lick Magazine and like you.. we also advocate and love the original and true legacy of Pit Bulls. Since Oliver passed away a few years ago you found and rescued your new Pit Bull Princess “Julia.” Mike Ruiz, "Prince" & “Julia,” his princess: LM: Tell us about Julia.. When, where and how did you come to find this beautiful little girl?
MR: When Oliver passed, I didn’t think I could emotionally handle another baby to care for, at least not right away. I was wrong. The deafening silence in my house was heartbreaking and I knew that there were so many kids in need out there so I casually started looking on Petfinder just as an exploratory exercise. In no time, I came across Julia’s page and I had that same gut feeling. I immediately scheduled a meet and greet with her amazing Foster mom, Marilyn Forsyth. LM: What’s her story? In the original photo you sent she looked so stoic but tragic .. nothing but bones and obviously another victim of the planets most dangerous animal.. “man.” Were you looking to rescue a special animal in need! MR: No one knows what she really went through because she was found tied to a pole in Philly, skin and bones with half of her hair missing. She was brought to Philly ACCT where they weren’t sure if she would make it. Thanks to the advocacy of a few volunteers, Julia was kept from being euthanized. She was then rescued by an amazing rescue called TINY MIRACLES and subsequently fostered by the Forsyth family who literally brought her back from the brink of death. They had her for almost a year and turned down many applications because they knew she had to be with the right people in order for her to thrive. I am so grateful to them for accepting our application because Julia is the love of my life. LM: We’re you looking to rescue another Pit Bull because of your amazingly beautiful experience with Oliver? MR: A hugely disproportionate amount of Pit Bull type dogs fill shelters. They are, by far , the most discarded type of dog in this country. That is why I focus on helping Pit Bull type dogs. Oliver taught me a lot about his type and it’s devastating to me that they are so misunderstood. LM: Tell us about your first days with Julia and about her transformation from your first meeting to being the healthy happy dog she is no doubt today. MR: The first few days were tense and uncertain. She had been through so much and understandably had some trust issues. She would cower in the furthest corner of my basement. That was a sharp contrast from Oliver who was so gregarious the second I brought him home. I wasn’t sure if Julia would be happy with us until someone educated me on the 2 week lock-down which is a crucial period for all dogs to decompress from being thrust into a new and scary situation. Basically, people are supposed to limit the exposure to stimuli like loud places, other dogs, new people etc until they feel comfortable. The recommended time period is 2 weeks but it could take longer depending on the dogs history. Julia came around in no time and now she is the sweetest, most loving little girl you could ever imagine. Mike Ruiz - The Calendar!! LM: Mike tell us a little bit about your latest hunky beef cake calendar for the new year.. on behalf of Pit Bull advocacy that
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