Meet Animal Planet’s Shorty Rossi as he advocates for pit bulls on Cedar Springs

by Rebecca Poling of DFW Animal Rescue

Your dog is welcome, too!

Stephanie Diani/Animal Planet

Shorty Rossi

DALLAS — Shorty Rossi, star of the Animal Planet reality TV series Pit Boss, will visit Dallas November 4 as part of the ROCK-A-BULLY 2 fundraiser at Sue Ellen’s. The one-day event, which will also include vendors, live bands, beautiful Pinups for Pitbulls, prizes, and even a kiss-a-bull kissing booth, is being held from 1-7 p.m.

“I’m so excited to be putting together our second Rock A Bully event to raise funds for three local rescue groups who welcome the Pit Bull type breeds with open arms,” explained event organizer Mia Bissette. “But we also want to educate people about how misunderstood and mistreated this breed is. We want to get across the importance of adoption instead of breeding – and of course, remind everyone about the importance of spaying and neutering!”

Bissette said that Rossi, whose hit TV show Pit Boss airs Saturday nights on Animal Planet, will be at the event with his own pit bull, Hercules. In addition to meeting his many fans, Rossi will talk about Breed Specific Legislation, which makes it a crime to own a pit bull within designated city limits.

“Shorty is such a tremendous advocate for the pitties. He’s been on the road constantly in this last year fighting BSL and the undeserved reputation that these dogs have,” Bissette said. “Having Shorty back for a second time makes this event very special. His presence helps us to educate more people about the plight facing these very innocent dogs.”

Last year benefitted two rescue groups, and this year, a third group has proudly been added. The three benefitting rescue groups, Dog Star Pit Bull Rescue, Animal Rescue of Texas, and DFW Rescue Me will have pit bulls available for adoption at the event. Other attractions include:

• A raffle, with great prizes that include premium Dallas Cowboys football tickets
• Great bands providing entertainment all day
• Pet CPR and First Aid demos by Beth Bowers
• Pet Communicator Kathi Kibbel
• Pinups For Pitbulls beauties
• The Kiss-a-Bull kissing booth, and much, much more!

Five bands, including Barefoot Hippies, KickBack, Bandmates, Mojo Dolls, and The Catdaddies will provide live music for the event while dog-themed vendors will sell goods for pups and the people who love them. Sue Ellen’s is providing an awesome venue, and well-behaved, spayed and neutered dogs (on leashes, please) are encouraged to attend with their human. Suggested $10 donation at the door.

Many rescued pit bulls will be on-site at Rock A Bully for adoption.

“Basically, this is going to be a way for people to have a lot of fun, learn more about pit bulls, and raise money to help them have the lives they deserve,” Bissette said. “We’re so excited to have Shorty Rossi coming; he has a lot of fans across the country, and I know a lot of people will be happy to come out and meet their pit bull hero!”

Sue Ellen’s is at 3014 Throckmorton St. in Dallas. For more information about the event, go to the Facebook event page or contact Bissette at miab13@mac.com.