Project Pretty Pittie Returning to Rockford in October

If there are two things I will never get tired of talking about, it’s rescue dogs and the incredible people who give them a second chance.

As someone who has adopted two dogs from Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in Rockford, I know firsthand just how much joy a rescue pup can bring into your life, but... I'm not here to talk you into adopting a pet today.

I'm here to tell you that the cutest runway show with a purpose is returning to Rockford in October, and you won't want to miss it!

Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary's 'Project Pretty Pittie' Event

It's no secret that pit bulls get a bad rap, and these lovable dogs often sit at animal shelters for months, even years, just waiting for someone to adopt them. It absolutely breaks my heart.

Most people don't understand how truly awesome pit bulls can be, and that is exactly what Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary's Project Pretty Pittie event on Friday, October 9 at Union Event Center, in Rockford is trying to change.

Project Pretty Pittie is way more than just an educational event. It is also a fundraiser that features the cutest runway show the Stateline area will ever see!

I have never owned a pit bull before, but I know many people who do, and these dogs are goofy, affectionate, loyal and ridiculously happy to be around their humans. Doesn't that sound like your kind of pup?

Tickets to Project Pretty Pittie are $25 for general admission or $45 for VIP and all proceeds benefit Noah's Ark's Pitbull Spay/Neuter Program, which offers FREE spay/neuter for pit bulls in Winnebago County. Tickets are available now through Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary's website.

Pit Bull Alumni Needed

One last thing... Do you currently have a pit bull you adopted from Noah's Ark in Rockford? It is officially their time to shine!

The moral of the story is this: If you're a dog person, a rescue advocate, a pit bull fan, or just someone who enjoys watching dogs be adorable for a good cause, Project Pretty Pittie is one event you won't want to miss.

Come for the runway. Stay for the puppy kisses. And don't be surprised if you leave wanting to bring one of those adorable faces home with you.

Check out these 50 fascinating facts about dogs:

Gallery Credit: Linda Lombardi

LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs

To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet's phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

Even with all of these resources, however, the best cure for food poisoning is preventing it in the first place. To give you an idea of what human foods can be dangerous, Stacker has put together a slideshow of 30 common foods to avoid. Take a look to see if there are any that surprise you.

Gallery Credit: Rachel Cavanaugh