Though the name might sound rather racy, Pinups For Pit Bulls is actually a very tasteful charity created to promote the welfare of Pit Bulls and other bully breeds.
Pinups For Pit Bulls was founded by burlesque artist Deirdre Franklin (aka "Little Darling"), who is joined by fellow artists and enthusiastic amateurs. The group raises money with a calendar featuring Pit Bulls and other bully-breeds, with ladies dressed and posed as classic pinup-girls of the thirties, forties and fifties. The goal is to show the breed as it was "back in the day" - the darling dog of America, worker, hero and companion.
Funds are used to support various Pit Bull rescue groups, bully-breed advocacy groups, to fight breed discrimination and in lobbying against anti-Pit Bull legislation, puppy mills and cruelty to Pits and other breeds. Education is a high priority - the Pinups firmly believe that through education, Pit Bulls will once more become the "nanny dog", friend and helper they really are meant to be.
If you would like to participate in next year's calendar, there are strict guidelines, but these support animal welfare and make the calendar PG-friendly - there are no restrictions on age, race, size or shape of the human.
Absolutely no references to "breeding, fighting, or 'tough guy' representation" and no choke or prong collars are allowed. The group is actively combating the image of the Pit Bull as a vicious and dangerous animal, and the photos reflect their philosophy. Submissions must include a $50 donation to the group - the calendar itself costs $20 plus shipping and handling.
The Pinups are working to expand their range of merchandise, which now includes shirts, hats, mugs, pins and cards. They also have their own Capital One charity credit card, and if you're approved, donations are made to the charity. Their on-line shop takes major credit cards and PayPal.
The group also attends Pit Bull awareness and adoption events, and holds benefit performances to raise funds for the cause and to educate the public. They are now nation-wide with coordinators on the east and west coasts, and in the midwest. Many of the ladies you see on the calendars volunteer as board members, and everything from Creative Director to Shipping and Merchandise manager. The canine models are either family pets or dogs in search of a forever home.
If you're looking to adopt a dog, the Pinups sponsor several, and have links to various Pit Bull rescue and advocacy organizations across the country - the Bully Finder. If you know of a Pit Bull who is looking for a home, the site also considers courtesy posts.
You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.