Sun. November 18, 2018
Photographer Mike Ruiz's 2019 calendar, "Bullies and Biceps," is a mix of muscles and mega-cute pit bull puppies.
The 14-month calendar features some of the biggest male fitness models working today, including Bryan Richards, Michael Dean, Nick Topel and cover-model Casey Christopher. Collectively, they have hundreds of thousands of followers on social media, and each is passionate about animal rescue.
The pit bulls in the calendar were chosen at random and represent only a fraction of those in need. "This is a very sad time to be in rescue," Carla Mohan of the New York Bully Crew said in a statement. "People are giving up their dogs without remorse. Pit bull type dogs are especially vulnerable because most rescues shy away from saving them due to lack of experience, knowledge and the negative media coverage the beautiful creatures have received."
Founded by Craig Fields in 2010, New York Bully Crew specializes in the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of pit bull dogs. They partner with city shelters around the country to help local animals and have also begun outreach in Puerto Rico, Honduras, Peru, and South Korea.
"Pit bulls are the most loyal and loving dogs," Mohan said. "They are soulful creatures that can be the silliest best friend ever. I have had many different breeds of dogs in my life, but none compare to pit bulls."
For Ruiz, the calendar is a very personal project: it is a tribute to his late dog, Oliver, who passed away from lymphoma the week after he was photographed – by Ruiz – for the calendar cover.
"My love for Oliver prompted me to help as much as I possibly could," Ruiz said. "I put my heart and soul into (the calendar). I know too much about the plight of discarded, neglected and abused animals to stand by and do nothing.
"The calendar is dedicated to my boy, Oliver. This (project) means everything to me."
Thus, every dollar made from the sale of the "Bullies and Biceps" 2019 calendar will go to the New York Bully Crew for various services, benefitting the health and welfare of the dogs. "The calendar makes the perfect holiday gift and also brings awareness to these special animals," Ruiz said. "Every pit bull deserves a forever home."
All dogs featured in the calendar were rescued by New York Bully Crew.
The models all donated their time, some even flying themselves to New York from overseas and all over the U.S., just to be a part of this project.
"My favorite bittersweet story from the shoot will always be that it was the last time I photographed Oliver, who appears on the cover," Ruiz said. "Everyone who ever met him, including everyone on the shoot, fell head over heels in love with him.
"Pitbulls and all bully breeds are the most prevalent dogs dumped in shelters all over the country. It's truly heartbreaking that this gentle, loyal, loving breed is vilified, over bred and abused. Our collective goal in the pitbull rescue world is to shatter the misconceptions about bully breeds. We hope to change as many hearts and minds as possible."
Ruiz is a celebrity photographer whose clients include Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and others. In addition to his work in Hollywood, Ruiz is known for shooting top male fitness models. "I admire men who have sculpted their bodies into works of art," he said. "It takes incredible skill and knowledge to form human tissue to near perfection. Photographing their work is quite gratifying to me."
Mike Ruiz's 2019 calendar, "Bullies and Biceps" is available for only $24.99 at www.nybullycrew.org.
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