VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
ON RYAN KOSLOF
by John Tribley | johntribley@hellobully.com
Animal advocacy and rescue is difficult, demanding,
and often emotional work. Volunteers can easily find
themselves giving up their free time to educate and work
with a public that is both apathetic and condescending.
In no line of work is this more true than in Pit Bull
advocacy. The negative stereotypes surrounding Pit
Bulls not only causes harm to the dogs themselves, but
also make finding volunteers difficult. The strength of
Hello Bully and our ability to help the dogs which we
love and who need us so desperately depends wholly on
the commitment, determination, and devotion of our
volunteers.
Despite – or possibly because of – the challenges and
attitudes facing our chosen breed, we find that the
volunteers who do come forward are often of a higher
caliber than even we can hope for. These individuals
display an altruistic level of love and concern, giving
them the strength and courage to stand up for the rights
and well being of not only their own dog, but for all the
dogs who suffer due to ignorance, fear, and neglect.
Over the past few months, Ryan Koslof has come
forward and proven himself to be a volunteer of this
caliber. In recognition and gratitude for his service and
commitment, we felt we should allow him to share his
story with all the others who love these dogs as much
as he does. Ryan was more than happy to take part in an
interview.
ON RYAN KOSLOF
by John Tribley | johntribley@hellobully.com
Animal advocacy and rescue is difficult, demanding,
and often emotional work. Volunteers can easily find
themselves giving up their free time to educate and work
with a public that is both apathetic and condescending.
In no line of work is this more true than in Pit Bull
advocacy. The negative stereotypes surrounding Pit
Bulls not only causes harm to the dogs themselves, but
also make finding volunteers difficult. The strength of
Hello Bully and our ability to help the dogs which we
love and who need us so desperately depends wholly on
the commitment, determination, and devotion of our
volunteers.
Despite – or possibly because of – the challenges and
attitudes facing our chosen breed, we find that the
volunteers who do come forward are often of a higher
caliber than even we can hope for. These individuals
display an altruistic level of love and concern, giving
them the strength and courage to stand up for the rights
and well being of not only their own dog, but for all the
dogs who suffer due to ignorance, fear, and neglect.
Over the past few months, Ryan Koslof has come
forward and proven himself to be a volunteer of this
caliber. In recognition and gratitude for his service and
commitment, we felt we should allow him to share his
story with all the others who love these dogs as much
as he does. Ryan was more than happy to take part in an
interview.
PHOTO BY RACHEL TRIBLEY | CROWFOOTPHOTO.COM
Ryan and Kolby share an outdoor break during
our transport trip from St. Louis to Pittsburgh.
Ryan and Kolby share an outdoor break during
our transport trip from St. Louis to Pittsburgh.
When did you first become involved with Hello Bully?
I first became a volunteer in September 2009, after I attended the Vick protest.
How did you hear about the organization?
I had heard of Hello Bully in 2007, when they came to do a Pit Bull 101 class at the Bethel Park library. My roomate
and I had just gotten our Pit Bull Brew the Christmas before that and that’s when I first learned about the breed, and I
was interested in learning more.
What drew you to want to help Pit Bulls specifically?
After realizing how much these dogs are basically "picked on" I wanted to be able to educate people about what the
truth is and how awesome these dogs are. I know what it feels like to be judged based off of what you look like,
which made me able to identify with Brew on that level.
Was there a specific incident that brought their problems to light for you?
I had problems finding a decent place to rent because of Brews breed, and also since he was my first Pit Bull ever, I
had no idea what I could do, or what I should avoid with him. We used to visit a dog park near our house, which we
no longer do, because I realized that no matter what happened Brew and I were instantly labeled as the "bad guys" as
soon as we walked through the gate.
Is there a certain dog that made you want to do more?
Definitely Brew. He’s more than a best friend; I'm going to be a Pit Bull owner for life because of him.
I understand you had the chance to travel to Missouri and help with the dogs from the July fight raid. Can
you describe what that was like?
When Daisy first asked me if I'd be interested in going on the trip I said yes. Then I watched a video online about the
dogs being confiscated, and I saw how sad looking they were, and I changed my "yes" to an "I have to" in my mind.
When we got to the facility, I was shocked and overwhelmed with how many dogs were there. You can imagine what
it sounds like - 500 dogs in one facility. That’s something I'll never forget. The HSMO people are awesome. While we
were there we fed dogs, cleaned their cages, washed and stuffed Kongs, and gave the dogs as much attention as
possible. I want to do everything I can for these dogs. The Missouri trip was a truly awakening experience for me as
to who I am and who I want to be.
Did seeing that situation change your perspectives at all?
It was definitely life changing. The trip helped me decide that I want to help Pit Bulls for the rest of my life. As far as
how, I'm still figuring that out. I think one of the things that stuck out the most to me was that no matter how the
dogs I had the opportunity to work with acted towards each other, they were all loving and friendly with me, despite
what they had done to them by humans.
What are your hopes for the future of Hello Bully?
I hope for a facility, lots of volunteers, lots of saved dogs, and a world with a lot more educated people.
What would you say to those who think badly of Pit Bulls, and/or to those who may want to work with them?
To those who think badly, I'd say it would be better for them to become educated on the breed, rather than buy into
what the media portray Pit Bulls as. To those who want to work with them, all I'd really have to say to them would be
to definitely pursue that. They're so misunderstood; they need all the help we can give them.
Ryan’s story illustrates many common themes that those of us who work in advocacy come to realize. So often, it
seems that the unconditional love of just one dog is what leads us to move beyond our normal boundaries and inspires
us to reach out to help others. And whether we display our affection for our dogs by spoiling them, or getting tattoos
of their likenesses - as many of us including Ryan have done – it is not until we are faced with a situation such as
Ryan’s journey to Missouri that we realize the magnitude of the task before us. Many potential volunteers are
frightened off by numerous obstacles facing Pit Bulls today, but not Ryan. And as long as there are advocates like him
in the world, those dogs who suffer so much can count on having at least one voice on their side.
I first became a volunteer in September 2009, after I attended the Vick protest.
How did you hear about the organization?
I had heard of Hello Bully in 2007, when they came to do a Pit Bull 101 class at the Bethel Park library. My roomate
and I had just gotten our Pit Bull Brew the Christmas before that and that’s when I first learned about the breed, and I
was interested in learning more.
What drew you to want to help Pit Bulls specifically?
After realizing how much these dogs are basically "picked on" I wanted to be able to educate people about what the
truth is and how awesome these dogs are. I know what it feels like to be judged based off of what you look like,
which made me able to identify with Brew on that level.
Was there a specific incident that brought their problems to light for you?
I had problems finding a decent place to rent because of Brews breed, and also since he was my first Pit Bull ever, I
had no idea what I could do, or what I should avoid with him. We used to visit a dog park near our house, which we
no longer do, because I realized that no matter what happened Brew and I were instantly labeled as the "bad guys" as
soon as we walked through the gate.
Is there a certain dog that made you want to do more?
Definitely Brew. He’s more than a best friend; I'm going to be a Pit Bull owner for life because of him.
I understand you had the chance to travel to Missouri and help with the dogs from the July fight raid. Can
you describe what that was like?
When Daisy first asked me if I'd be interested in going on the trip I said yes. Then I watched a video online about the
dogs being confiscated, and I saw how sad looking they were, and I changed my "yes" to an "I have to" in my mind.
When we got to the facility, I was shocked and overwhelmed with how many dogs were there. You can imagine what
it sounds like - 500 dogs in one facility. That’s something I'll never forget. The HSMO people are awesome. While we
were there we fed dogs, cleaned their cages, washed and stuffed Kongs, and gave the dogs as much attention as
possible. I want to do everything I can for these dogs. The Missouri trip was a truly awakening experience for me as
to who I am and who I want to be.
Did seeing that situation change your perspectives at all?
It was definitely life changing. The trip helped me decide that I want to help Pit Bulls for the rest of my life. As far as
how, I'm still figuring that out. I think one of the things that stuck out the most to me was that no matter how the
dogs I had the opportunity to work with acted towards each other, they were all loving and friendly with me, despite
what they had done to them by humans.
What are your hopes for the future of Hello Bully?
I hope for a facility, lots of volunteers, lots of saved dogs, and a world with a lot more educated people.
What would you say to those who think badly of Pit Bulls, and/or to those who may want to work with them?
To those who think badly, I'd say it would be better for them to become educated on the breed, rather than buy into
what the media portray Pit Bulls as. To those who want to work with them, all I'd really have to say to them would be
to definitely pursue that. They're so misunderstood; they need all the help we can give them.
Ryan’s story illustrates many common themes that those of us who work in advocacy come to realize. So often, it
seems that the unconditional love of just one dog is what leads us to move beyond our normal boundaries and inspires
us to reach out to help others. And whether we display our affection for our dogs by spoiling them, or getting tattoos
of their likenesses - as many of us including Ryan have done – it is not until we are faced with a situation such as
Ryan’s journey to Missouri that we realize the magnitude of the task before us. Many potential volunteers are
frightened off by numerous obstacles facing Pit Bulls today, but not Ryan. And as long as there are advocates like him
in the world, those dogs who suffer so much can count on having at least one voice on their side.
