Tim Racer gives treats to two of his dogs: Honky Tonk, left, and Sally, the pit bull that changed the lives of Racer and his wife, Donna Reynolds. A carving of Sally sits nearby. Racer and Reynolds run a pit bull rescue and awareness organization called BAD RAP and are trying to find homes for the dogs. (Robert Durell / Los Angeles Times)
Tim Racer and Donna Reynolds settle in with Sally, left, and Honky Tonk at their home in Oakland. They are helping to rehabilitate the battle-scarred pit bulls that once belonged to former football star Michael Vick. (Robert Durell / Los Angeles Times)
Donna Reynolds comforts a pit bull in its cage at an Oakland animal shelter. (Robert Durell / Los Angeles Times)
Tim Racer, a dog rescuer, sculptor and carousel carver, works on one his projects. (Robert Durell / Los Angeles Times)
A pit bull and a Chihuahua mix wait for adoption at the Alameda County Animal Shelter in Oakland. (Robert Durell / Los Angeles Times)
The license plate on Racer and Reynolds’ car names their pit bull rescue and awareness organization. (Robert Durell / Los Angeles Times)
