The Champions – an Exclusive Screening hosted by LARPBO
by LARPBO (Mar 22 2016)
We are very excited to announce that LARPBO is hosting a screening of “The Champions” – a documentary film about the pit bulls rescued from NFL star quarterback Michael Vick’s notorious dog fighting ring.
Thursday, May 5, 7:30PM
(LARPBO Founder Troy Smith will speak briefly at 7:15PM)
Laemmle’s Royal Theatre
11523 Santa Monica Blvd, W. Los Angeles, CA 90025
Reserve your ticket here today before we sell out! Also, please share this event with all your friends and family.
Visit the documentary page for a synopsis and a trailer.
A review from Jody Mumcian (Mar 01 2016):
Tonight I had the privilege, and I do mean privilege, of attending a screening at the Pacific Design Center of the documentary movie “The Champions“, the story of the pit bulls rescued from Michael Vick’s chamber of horrors fighting ring. This was hosted by Best Friends Animal Society, one of the rescues that took in many of these dogs, showed them love and kindness for the first time in their lives, and eventually found homes for most of them. This is a beautiful, inspiring,… emotional film that focuses mainly on the wonderful dogs, the prejudices that they have faced, and their resilience in the face of the abuses that they endured. I highly recommend that you see the movie if you ever have the opportunity.
What this movie means to me
From Sammi Maon (Apr 06 2016):
I recently took part in a long-drawn discussion with neighbors about pit bulls. Many held the image of pit bulls as being inherently vicious and cannot be trusted. Some even said pit bull owners are delusional. Their “facts” come strictly from media hype. The discussion continued for about two weeks. It was very emotionally draining. Every time I needed to boost my spirits, I went back to The Champions trailer to remind myself why I continue to be the voice for our dogs.
As a pit bull advocate, we need not only to STOP telling people “It’s how they are raised,” but to see for ourselves that this statement is so untrue. When we see — or experience — for ourselves and feel the hope that there are dogs from horrendous situations who’ve learned to become part of a loving family member, it inspires us further and bolsters our fight for these dogs. It especially ignites my passion to help homeless dogs — shelter, rescue, stray — find homes.
From Ingrid Cantu (Apr 06 2016):
After my first dog (Pittie) many people around me looked at me and expressed to me that they thought I was insane to take on such a “dangerous dog,” and then adopting my second pit-mix some people’s mentalities changed. Why? Because it was my goal to let my dogs win the hearts of those around me and to remove the stigma of pit bulls by their warm, devoted, and cuddling personas.
This movie is more than a documentary, it’s an emotional journey that pulls at your heart strings knowing the amount of courage and strength of not only the dogs to survive, but of all the wonderful people who believed they deserved a second chance. This is the world I want to support!
From Deborah Curry (Apr 09 2016):
I usually can’t handle watching anything showing pit bulls hurt or homeless or abused. More often than not, I will turn away or change the channel or do whatever I have to do to make sure the images don’t get stuck in my mind.
Regardless of how horrible I know things are for pit bulls, I can’t stick my head in the ground and hide from the truth anymore. Ignorance and fear is what created the hate and the canine genocide that is taking place against these dogs. They need our understanding and help.
By providing responsible and loving dog ownership, my Petey Pig Ears has become an advocate for other pit bulls. He is a shining example of what these loving and beautiful dogs are really made of. Pit bulls are powerful in the ability they possess to enlighten, educate and show the world why they are so deserving of our love, care and protection. It is up to us as dog owners, to share positive stories and be involved in creating positive experiences with these dogs so that may be shared with others.
Meet LARPBO Dogs & Peeps
These stories illustrates LARPBO’s part in keeping dogs home and out of shelters AND guiding owners to help dogs reach their potential. Please help us continue making a difference in the community. Click here to donate to our Shelter Intervention & Prevention Program so that we can continue our mission.
- Bodhi: Better than a Doodle!
- Cali: It’s All About Cali!
- Cathy & Isaac: A Note to LARPBO
- Dexter: There’s No Stopping Dexter
- Frannie: How Did this Happen?
- Grace: An Addict, a Pit Bull and Grace
- Hope: Where there is Hope
- Houston: From a Dog No One Wanted to Therapy Dog
- Jane, Moses & Andie: A Human-K9 Pack
- JJ: Capturing the Heart of a First Time Pit Bull Owner
- Lacy: What’s in a Name
- Lisa: LARPBO and My Journey
- Lynwood: The Chick Magnet
- Miles Woo: So You Think My Dog is Good?
- Ollie: LARPBO Dog Becomes Therapy Dog
- Rusty: Discarded “trash” to therapy dog
- Samson: Samson is Family
- Tito: LARPBO Speak!
- Wesley: Following Wesley