The Bullmina Foundation

The first Bullmina book, published 2004.

Welcome to Bullmina's Website

2012: We are PROUD to announce that the long-awaited sequel, Bullmina the Courageous Bulldog to the Rescue, is finally available to order. As you can see, Leslie Hoops-Wallace did a fabulous job illustrating the cover. We have included two wonderful, real-life rescue stories, and an informative interview with animal rights advocate, Jennifer Thomas, at the end of the book. I have stock on hand, and if you want a personally-autographed book, please e-mail me at either litaee@pacbell.net or litaengland@bullmina.com. We accept personal checks or PayPal. (Incidentally, I check the pacbell address more frequently!) Once again, warmest thanks to all our readers and fans! Please check out the other pages to get updates on what the Bullmina Foundation is doing (for book signings and guest appearances!), read about Bulldog health issues, and look at pictures of some very special rescue dogs. Sadly, we lost our beloved Tiffy to a rare form of cancer two days before Thanksgiving in 2009. She went very quickly. We miss her terribly and wish she were here to see the new book. But her spirit will live on, and every dog that is helped by the Bullmina Foundation can thank her for her inspiration. Please click on the Book Launch Party page to see photos from December 11th's wonderful launch party.

If you're a fan of e-books, be sure to check out "Book Ordering Info" for versions in e-book format (Nook, Kindle, Ipad, etc.).

Our special girl.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from the Bullmina Foundation!

We sold over $1,000 of books at the Book Launch Party on Dec. 11, 2010. We were able to give half of the proceeds to NorCal Bulldog Rescue and the other half to the Alameda County Library Foundation. It will be a "merrier" Christmas for abandoned Bulldogs, and we also hope that more libraries can stay open during these difficult economic times.

Lita Eitner-England's first novel, Bullmina the Courageous Bulldog, takes place in England during the 1830s, just before bull baiting and dog fighting were outlawed by Parliament. Written for older grade school, as well as adults who love Bulldogs, this heart-warming novel is about a beautiful red brindle Bulldog named Bullmina. She and her brothers were born on the Duke of Chathamworthshire's estate. She is adored by Duke Anthony Charleston Waverly III and the Duchess, Lady Evelyn, but unfortunately the Duke loses his beloved Bulldog to his rival, Fortie Billingsley, after a long night of gambling. While she fights for survival, Bullmina's life is enriched by memorable characters: Andrew Cameron, a dog trainer who saves her from a death sentence, Lisette St. Germaine, the daughter of a French baker, who rescues Bullmina from the back alleys of London, and Trevor Sheffield, who sacrifices his own career to save the feisty Bulldog.

Nominated for the 2004 ASPCA Henry Bergh Children's Book Award for Young Adult Fiction, ALLBOOKS REVIEWS Nancy Morris writes, "Bullmina the Courageous Bulldog is a very well written novel for the young reader that maintains a sense of maturity and responsibility often missing from books meant for this age group. The characters are vivid and authentic, right down to the feisty Bullmina, for whom the reader will greatly empathize. As an added plus, the book gives the reader both a history lesson as well as a lesson in ethics. There is a chapter on what to consider when buying your own dog, how to care for it when you do, and lovely illustrations by Leslie Hoops-Wallace. Bullmina is certain to capture their hearts."

Published in 2004, Bullmina the Courageous Bulldog, chronicles a shameful time in Britain's history when dogs and bulls were used as entertainment in every town, village and shire. There are compelling passages that depict the horror of the dogfight pits and the miserable, filthy conditions of kennels owned by greedy, heartless breeders who exploited these dogs for their own profit. We think we've come far in the 21st Century, but with the recent Michael Vick (Atlanta Falcons quarterback) scandal, we really haven't. It's tragic that dog fighting still exists in many parts of the world, including this country. On a happier note, many of the "Vick Pit Bulls" have found new foster homes, thanks to the dedicated efforts of rescue organizations around the country. My thanks to BADRAP, Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls, for taking in several of these dogs. For more information about these dogs, visit badrap.org.

Sharing the joys of writing with Cesar Chavez Middle School Children, Union City, California.

I will try to keep you updated on Visiting Author news and scholarships. I recently visited Cabrillo Elementary School in Pacifica, California, McKinley Junior High School in Redwood City, California, and both Cesar Chavez Middle School and Searles Elementary School in Union City, California. Each school media center received two autographed copies of the book. I really enjoy visiting the kids and answering their questions. I hope a few of them will go on to write their own books one day.

Along with donating books to local libraries, the Bullmina Foundation has started a small scholarship fund. As book sales continue, we hope to send even bigger checks to such worthwhile organizations such as the American Indian College Fund to help Native American students attend tribal colleges on their reservations. If you're in Northern California and would like a visit to your school, please e-mail me at either litaee@pacbell.net or litaengland@bullmina.com.

The Bullmina Foundation supports dog rescue organizations and promotes children's literacy.