For Pits' Sake, Inc. has recruited the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) to help teach children that dog fighters are losers and that it is not a sign of strength to torture animals. Together, our goal is to raise awareness about the cruel and illegal activity of dog fighting.

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For Pits' Sake has been a leader in the community for both human and animal rescue efforts, safety programs for children, and humane education. The For Pits' Sake "pit bulls" - Cheyenne, Dakota & Tahoe are true ambassadors for the American Pit Bull Terrier breed demonstrating that this breed of dog is capable of being important members of the community.

As world famous search and rescue dogs, they responded to over 200 search missions including high profile cases such as the search for Laci Peterson and the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. That "never quit" attitude that this breed of dog possesses was extremely valuable when searching hour after hour in miserable places to return missing loved ones to their families.

Cheyenne, Dakota & Tahoe are also trained therapy dogs that bring joy and smiles to special needs children.

Because of the success Kris Crawford, the founder of For Pits' Sake, Inc., has had with her "pit bulls", they've received numerous awards including the American Red Cross Real Heroes award, the United Animal Nations Animals Choice award, the NSAL Hero Award, a Certificate of Appreciation from the FBI and a letter from the Governor of CA stating that they "demonstrate the true strength of California and represent the best of the Golden State".

The For Pits' Sake "pit bulls" now spend their time teaching safety programs at schools and to children's groups, working with physically and mentally challenged children and also battered and abused children. Cheyenne, Dakota and Tahoe, with their gentle demeanor and loving spirit, serve as role models to these children showing them that it is possible to overcome overwhelming obstacles to succeed. And with hearts as strong as their muscular bodies, when Cheyenne, Dakota and Tahoe set out to do something, whether that be searching to find a missing Alzheimer's patient or providing comfort and a smile to a sick or disabled child...they do it with everything they've got!

www.ForPitsSake.org

The American Kickboxing Academy ( AKA) is owned by Javier Mendez. With more than 25 years of experience in various martial arts, Javier Mendez is a former two-time world champion kickboxer that has become one of the premier trainers throughout the fight world. From fighting contender in the 1980s to champion in the 90s, to being a present-day fight promoter and owner of one of the most successful fighting gyms in the United States, Mendez is one of the most influential and respected figures in the fighting sports.

AKA is one of the first true mixed martial arts gyms in the United States, attracting MMA fighters from across the US and around the world that travel or relocate to receive the world-class instruction offered at AKA. Currently, the gym provides instruction in kickboxing and Muay Thai, submission fighting, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, boxing, and wrestling, and offers an original children's Mixed Martial Arts program.

Today, the number of championship fighters that Mendez has trained continues to grow. The list of kickboxers that have fought their way to titles under his guidance spans two decades, including such state and national champions as Gary Owens, Danny Kelly, Travis Johnson and Derek Yuen, as well as former world champions Jerome Turcan and Jean-Claude Leuyer. A short list of MMA fighters that Mendez has trained is a who's-who of the sport, Cung Le, Jon Fitch, Mike Swick, Josh Koscheck, BJ Penn, Sean Sherk, Josh Thomson and "Crazy" Bob Cook (head MMA trainer at AKA).

www.AKAkickbox.com