Our Story My pitties have always given me inspiration to make beach life better for people and dogs. Retiring in 2022 after a 35-year career as a firefighter now allows me to focus my efforts on welding, sewing and fabricating cool stuff that makes beach, dog and van life easier. And like everything else, it revolves around my rescue pit bull babies, Annabella and Rudy.Meet the Dogs
-
Annabella
Annabella, 11, is a blue Staffordshire Terrier—a pocket pit—and a perfect example of what makes these dogs such wonderful members of a family. Lazy, hopelessly spoiled and incredibly affectionate, Bella’s just happy to be along for whatever adventures ensue. At a young age, Bella blew out one back knee, then the other, then favoring those, blew out both elbows. Surgeries to reconstruct both knees and both elbows were only moderately successful, and her mobility is limited. With a little creativity and effort, this hasn’t stopped her from going everywhere with us.
-
Rudy
Rudy, 7, is 75% pitbull and 25% lab. While his sister Bella can’t move around well, Rudy can’t stop moving. Handsome, loyal, appreciative, and affectionate, Rudy is up for anything as long as it includes running around, meeting other dogs, chasing or digging stuff, and ignoring anyone that’s not me. Rudy’s my copilot.
Bella and Rudy are my Partners in Grime. We go everywhere and do everything together. Traveling the coast of California in search of good waves and dog friendly spots, these two wait on the beach while we surf, greeting each person coming out of the water in hopes it’s papa.
Bella’s lack of mobility can be challenging. Having to lift her in and out of the van, bed and couch, carrying her up stairs, up and over anything that takes four good legs, and carting her around in her chariot instead of just getting to go for a walk takes some effort, and she’s worth it. And that’s how Smiling Pitbull Industries was born. We figured if we can create things that make beach and van life easier for us, we can make it better for anyone.
