This is Delilah.
She is a Pit Bull.
She has no ears.
They were cut off because she was a
Bait Dog
For Dog Fights.
But now,
She lives in New Jersey with
Tommy Gehringer.
14-year-old creator of PitBull Skate Lab.
Gehringer explained that he has always had a passion for helping animals. Combine that with his love of skateboarding and you have PitBull Skate Lab.
“PitBull Skate Lab is a non-profit skateboarding company that was created for one reason… to help spread the awareness of pit bull abuse and abandonment,” Gehringer said.
He believes that Pit Bulls are the most stereotyped and misunderstood breed of dog. He says that just because they are the most common breed used for fighting, does not mean they are more vicious than any other breed of dog.
He describes the anger he’s felt when walking his dog and another owner turns to walk their dog away from his. That is why awareness of Pit Bulls, as much as contribution to abused Pit Bulls, is his main goal with PitBull Skate Lab.
How PitBull Skate Lab works
Step 1: Visit the PitBull Skate Lab website
Step 2: Choose between
- 8 skateboard decks, including one that says “F**k Vick” and “Blame the deed, not the breed.” Each deck is $44.99.
- or a longboard for $64.99
- or 4 types of grip tape, including psychedelic tie-dye, for $19.99 for 9×33 inches.
Step 3: 100% of PitBull Skate Lab’s proceeds is given to Pit Bull rescue organizations
- This is possible through BoardPusher.com
What is BoardPushers?
BoardPushers is a Colorado company that creates decks and grip tape for organizations such as PitBull Skate Lab. These organizations design the products, but the customers are still essentially buying from BoardPushers, with some of the proceeds going to the organization they bought through.
For example, PitBull Skate Lab:
Gehringer has designed the decks and grip tape, but does not buy them until you place an order. In this way, he does not have to front any money and can give 100% of the proceeds (after BoardPushers has taken out its cut) to Pit Bull rescue organizations.
The Future for PitBull Skate Lab
Gehringer is currently promoting his organization through local skate parks and word-of-mouth. He hopes to raise over $1,000 for a Pit Bull rescue organization.
He is considering creating PitBull Skate Lab T-shirts as well. If he was to create T-shirts, then he would need to use 5% of is proceeds to order them, rather than giving that straight to Pit Bull rescue organizations. Although, T-shirts may in the long run generate more donations because T-shirts are more likely to sell.
You can also find PitBull Skate Lab on Facebook.
*In my initial interview with Gehringer, I failed to ask exactly how much money is leftover after BoardPushers takes out its cut and exactly which Pit Bull rescue organization he gives his profits too. I have emailed him back and will have that information up soon.
Chase Adrenaline 
I think this article is eye opening and such a genuine effort in raising awareness about pit bulls. Tommy Gehringer’s organization and the way he has brought it into his hobby, skateboarding, is unique and beneficial for the organization. With t-shirts and skateboard deck purchases donating all proceeds the organization will be greatly benefited.
As of late, I’ve had a strong compassion for dogs. The first article about a bait dog named Delilah who has been the pet of Tommy Gehringer touched me in more ways than one. To benefit Delilah’s story, her rescue was turned into an entrepreneurial effort. Combining two passions was very smart for Tommy; knowing that Pit Bulls are often assumed to be threatening and non-friendly, he turned Delilah’s judgment into something beneficial. By giving all of the Skate Lab proceeds to Pit Bull organizations, Tommy truly makes a statement. How many times do we notice 10%, maybe 20% of proceeds being given to charity? Tommy gives all of his efforts back to his cause, monetarily and mentally. In the future, I believe Tommy will be able to reach his $1,000 goal, especially with the publicity of this blog. I also have friends that purchase parts for skate boarding, and I know how expensive that can be. Although a small 5% will have to go towards t-shirt making, the article boasts that t-shirts are more likely to sell than parts, so the money will undoubtedly be earned. I hope to learn more about what Tommy has in store for his Pit Bull Skate Lab, because Tommy and Delilah deserve to raise awareness and money towards a wonderful cause- combining justice with a hobby of Tommy’s has proven successful thus far for someone as young as 14 years old.
As of late, I’ve had a strong compassion for dogs. The first article about a bait dog named Delilah who has been the pet of Tommy Gehringer touched me in more ways than one. To benefit Delilah’s story, her rescue was turned into an entrepreneurial effort. Combining two passions was very smart for Tommy; knowing that Pit Bulls are often assumed to be threatening and non-friendly, he turned Delilah’s judgment into something beneficial. By giving all of the Skate Lab proceeds to Pit Bull organizations, Tommy truly makes a statement. How many times do we notice 10%, maybe 20% of proceeds being given to charity? Tommy gives all of his efforts back to his cause, monetarily and mentally. In the future, I believe Tommy will be able to reach his $1,000 goal, especially with the publicity of this blog. I also have friends that purchase parts for skate boarding, and I know how expensive that can be. Although a small 5% will have to go towards t-shirt making, the article boasts that t-shirts are more likely to sell than parts, so the money will undoubtedly be earned. I hope to learn more about what Tommy has in store for his Pit Bull Skate Lab, because Tommy and Delilah deserve to raise awareness and money towards a wonderful cause- combining justice with a hobby of Tommy’s has proven successful thus far for someone as young as 14 years old.
Delilah is gorgeous:) I’ve had people, with my first dog Casey, that once they saw him would actually go across the street to avoid us. You know what? That was their loss. I wish you the best on your business venture:)
This blog entry really speaks to me because I can relate 100%. I myself rescued a pitbull three years ago and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have lot’s of friends and family who come over and are instantly afraid of my pitbull because of the horrible stereotype they have been given. Tommy Gehringer is not only physically saving Pitbulls but is raising the awareness that like the skateboards say, “Blame the deed, not the breed.” It really touches me to know that their is someone else out their at such a young age making such a difference to such a great cause.
I definitely relate to this blog because my family has owned pit bulls for years, even when i was a lot younger, and they have been the best companions to us. People seemed surprised that my parents trust the pitbulls around kids. It’s unfortunate that receive such a bad reputation from the people that fight them because they are just like any other dog looking for a home and people to be loyal to. Now shelters and rescues are filled with pitbulls because these sweet animals are not given a chance. I think this is a great cause. Not only is it raising money and awareness for the breed, but it will get more of these great dogs adopted. I like the T-shirt idea because pitbull owners and lovers would be interested in them. It’s just one more way to spread awareness for the breed. Pitbulls
It really seems like this issue is picking up steam. I have seen a lot of online material lately backing up pit bulls as a friendly house pet. I agree that they are and that they have been given a bad rep. I had a pit bull once and it was the most cuddly and loving dog. Dumb as a box of rocks too but adorable. I love the F*ck Vick Board Idea. Its a good fit for the rebellious nature of a skateboard. I think this idea has the potential to catch on and Gehringer could easily surpass his $1,000 goal.