ALL THAT WE CAN, WE WILL
A Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Non Profit Animal Rescue Organization
Divide, Colorado
A Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Non Profit Animal Rescue Organization
Divide, Colorado
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Copyright © 2008-2010
Mariah's Promise
All Rights Reserved
Website developed and maintained by
Laird Web Service
Mariah's Promise
All Rights Reserved
Website developed and maintained by
Laird Web Service
Use GoodSearch for your internet searching, and you are automatically raising money for Mariah's Promise.
(Click Below)
(Click Below)
A Message to the Media
Presentation by Bless the Bullies
Presentation by Bless the Bullies
Click the banner below to learn more about BSL
)
Click Article to Read
Ozzie Gets the Last Word
Click image for larger size
Click image for larger size
Twas the night before Christmas and the shelter is dark,
The whole place is silent, not even a bark.
The dogs are all locked in their pens for the night,
The staff has gone home and turned out the light.
As I lay my head on the cold concrete floor,
I fondly recall the home I had before.
The family I loved who loved me right back,
We'd share everything from a secret to snack.
Things couldn't be better at this time last year,
But that has all changed and now I am here.
I won't see the tree, the lights or the snow,
I'm scared and alone, my spirits are low.
The others like me weren't put up for adoption,
A new family and home, for us aren't an option.
We've been locked up in cells as if we're all crooks,
We don't deserve homes because of our looks.
Not Diesel, or Bingo or the young one named Percy,
Deserve to be loved nor shown any mercy.
While families celebrate holiday cheer,
I know in my heart that my end is near.
The vet will arrive, the lights will go on,
By the time you awake, we all will be gone.
A stranger will come and take me away,
I'll never awake to see another day.
As I close my eyes I'll shed you a tear,
The fond memories I'll always keep near.
The only thing I've ever asked of Santa Claus,
Is to stop all these unfair, ridiculous laws.
You said without me, your life was not full,
So why does it matter that I'm a "pitbull"?.
In my dream Santa shouts when he's finished his deed,
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL REGARDLESS OF BREED!
~Author Unknown~
The whole place is silent, not even a bark.
The dogs are all locked in their pens for the night,
The staff has gone home and turned out the light.
As I lay my head on the cold concrete floor,
I fondly recall the home I had before.
The family I loved who loved me right back,
We'd share everything from a secret to snack.
Things couldn't be better at this time last year,
But that has all changed and now I am here.
I won't see the tree, the lights or the snow,
I'm scared and alone, my spirits are low.
The others like me weren't put up for adoption,
A new family and home, for us aren't an option.
We've been locked up in cells as if we're all crooks,
We don't deserve homes because of our looks.
Not Diesel, or Bingo or the young one named Percy,
Deserve to be loved nor shown any mercy.
While families celebrate holiday cheer,
I know in my heart that my end is near.
The vet will arrive, the lights will go on,
By the time you awake, we all will be gone.
A stranger will come and take me away,
I'll never awake to see another day.
As I close my eyes I'll shed you a tear,
The fond memories I'll always keep near.
The only thing I've ever asked of Santa Claus,
Is to stop all these unfair, ridiculous laws.
You said without me, your life was not full,
So why does it matter that I'm a "pitbull"?.
In my dream Santa shouts when he's finished his deed,
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL REGARDLESS OF BREED!
~Author Unknown~
It's the Pits
BY AMY HAIMERL
www.westword.com
May 9 is D-day for me and my dog Madeline, whom I rescued from the streets on New Year's Day 2004. For the last year, we've lived in peace -- which means not having to look over our shoulders every time a Denver Animal Control officer drives by. But that changes on Monday morning, when the city begins enforcing its sixteen-year-old pit-bull ban ("Breed Between the Lines" June 10, 2004). I don't know that Madeline is a pit bull. I call her my little street urchin because there's really no way to know her genetic makeup. According to my vet, she's a boxer, probably mixed with American bulldog and maybe some bird dog -- she does a full-on point. Some people think she resembles a pit bull, but while she has a square-ish head, she's too tall and lanky to be pure pit. She does, however, have the purebred's personality, as defined by the United Kennel Club: "The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children. The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers."
Madeline's temperament won't matter to the city's Division of Animal Control, though. All that matters is the city ordinance that bans "American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of the above breeds."
~Read the entire article~
BY AMY HAIMERL
www.westword.com
May 9 is D-day for me and my dog Madeline, whom I rescued from the streets on New Year's Day 2004. For the last year, we've lived in peace -- which means not having to look over our shoulders every time a Denver Animal Control officer drives by. But that changes on Monday morning, when the city begins enforcing its sixteen-year-old pit-bull ban ("Breed Between the Lines" June 10, 2004). I don't know that Madeline is a pit bull. I call her my little street urchin because there's really no way to know her genetic makeup. According to my vet, she's a boxer, probably mixed with American bulldog and maybe some bird dog -- she does a full-on point. Some people think she resembles a pit bull, but while she has a square-ish head, she's too tall and lanky to be pure pit. She does, however, have the purebred's personality, as defined by the United Kennel Club: "The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children. The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers."
Madeline's temperament won't matter to the city's Division of Animal Control, though. All that matters is the city ordinance that bans "American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of the above breeds."
~Read the entire article~
The Forrest and Kane Story
By: Chef David
November 2008
Until now, the story of Forrest and Kane has been told in verse thru emails and phone conversations.
Unless you were there... I guess some of the mystique is lost in translation. Being in the infant stages of anti BSL and the world of bully's... this was a life altering experience for me.
It is my hopes to convey this experience the best way I know how... video.
For you veterans, many of the images will be all to familiar and "home".
Returning to Southern California... I knew the experience had to be shared with others, and with no further ado, I present to you:
Run Forrest Run... The Long Road From Exile.
By: Chef David
November 2008
Until now, the story of Forrest and Kane has been told in verse thru emails and phone conversations.
Unless you were there... I guess some of the mystique is lost in translation. Being in the infant stages of anti BSL and the world of bully's... this was a life altering experience for me.
It is my hopes to convey this experience the best way I know how... video.
For you veterans, many of the images will be all to familiar and "home".
Returning to Southern California... I knew the experience had to be shared with others, and with no further ado, I present to you:
Run Forrest Run... The Long Road From Exile.
Click for a larger image
To learn more about
Denver's Breed Ban, visit www.denverkillsdogs.com
Denver's Breed Ban, visit www.denverkillsdogs.com
Don't buy into the media hype ~
Dogs are only as good as their people!
Dogs are only as good as their people!
)
Click picture for larger image.
A Pit Bull's Christmas Poem
Since being rescued 20 months ago from the dogfighting ring financed by Michael Vick, all but a few of the abused pit bulls have been recovering in sanctuary, foster care and adoptive homes. Now even the most traumatized of them can have a happy new year.
The dog approaches the outstretched hand. Her name is Sweet Jasmine, and she is 35 pounds of twitchy curiosity with a coat the color of fried chicken, a pink nose and brown eyes. She had spent a full 20 seconds studying this five-fingered offering before advancing. Now, as she moves forward, her tail points straight down, her butt is hunched toward the ground, her head is bowed, her ears pinned back. She stands at maybe three quarters of her height.
She gets within a foot of the hand and stops. She licks her snout, a sign of nervousness, and looks up at the stranger, seeking assurance. She looks back to the hand, licks her snout again and begins to extend her neck. Her nose is six inches away from the hand, one inch, half an inch. She sniffs once.
The dog approaches the outstretched hand. Her name is Sweet Jasmine, and she is 35 pounds of twitchy curiosity with a coat the color of fried chicken, a pink nose and brown eyes. She had spent a full 20 seconds studying this five-fingered offering before advancing. Now, as she moves forward, her tail points straight down, her butt is hunched toward the ground, her head is bowed, her ears pinned back. She stands at maybe three quarters of her height.
She gets within a foot of the hand and stops. She licks her snout, a sign of nervousness, and looks up at the stranger, seeking assurance. She looks back to the hand, licks her snout again and begins to extend her neck. Her nose is six inches away from the hand, one inch, half an inch. She sniffs once.
What happened to Michael Vick's dogs ...
By Jim Gorant
Sports Illustrated Magazine
Posted: Tuesday December 23, 2008 8:20AM; Updated: Tuesday December 23, 2008 12:24PM
By Jim Gorant
Sports Illustrated Magazine
Posted: Tuesday December 23, 2008 8:20AM; Updated: Tuesday December 23, 2008 12:24PM
She sniffs again. At this point almost any other dog in the world would offer up a gentle lick, a sweet hello, an invitation to be scratched or petted. She's come so far. She's so close.
But Jasmine pulls away.
PETA wanted Jasmine dead. Not just Jasmine, and not just PETA. The Humane Society of the U.S., agreeing with PETA, took the position that Michael Vick's pit bulls, like all dogs saved from fight rings, were beyond rehabilitation and that trying to save them was a misappropriation of time and money. "The cruelty they've suffered is such that they can't lead what anyone who loves dogs would consider a normal life," says PETA spokesman Dan Shannon. "We feel it's better that they have their suffering ended once and for all." If you're a dog and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals suggests you be put down, you've got problems. Jasmine has problems.
~Read Full Story~
Pit bull policy assailed
Group launches Web site, buys billboards saying ‘Denver kills dogs’
Peter Marcus, DDN Staff Writer
Denver Daily News
www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=2844
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Group launches Web site, buys billboards saying ‘Denver kills dogs’
Peter Marcus, DDN Staff Writer
Denver Daily News
www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=2844
Thursday, December 25, 2008
MILITARY TO THE RESCUE —
Army Staff Sgt. Heidi J. Tufto had to have her pit bull, Lumpy, left, flown by military helicopter to Oregon after Lumpy was seized in Denver. Tufto’s other dog, Nigel, is to the right. Nigel is not a pit bull.
Army Staff Sgt. Heidi J. Tufto had to have her pit bull, Lumpy, left, flown by military helicopter to Oregon after Lumpy was seized in Denver. Tufto’s other dog, Nigel, is to the right. Nigel is not a pit bull.
Denver kills dogs.
That’s the message being spread by ROVERlution, a California-based group working to overturn breed-specific legislation in cities like Denver. The Mile High City in May 2005 placed a ban on pit bulls, which has resulted in a backlash from dog lovers across the globe and hundreds of dead dogs.
A new Web site, DenverKillsDogs.com, and companion billboards across the city aim at informing the public that Denver is currently killing family dogs, according to backers of the campaign. The Web site features an image of a fireplace with photos of pit bulls and their families plastered across the mantel.
“Denver wants family dogs executed or exiled,” states the Web site.
That’s the message being spread by ROVERlution, a California-based group working to overturn breed-specific legislation in cities like Denver. The Mile High City in May 2005 placed a ban on pit bulls, which has resulted in a backlash from dog lovers across the globe and hundreds of dead dogs.
A new Web site, DenverKillsDogs.com, and companion billboards across the city aim at informing the public that Denver is currently killing family dogs, according to backers of the campaign. The Web site features an image of a fireplace with photos of pit bulls and their families plastered across the mantel.
“Denver wants family dogs executed or exiled,” states the Web site.
The billboards ask, “Which dog will Denver kill next?” and feature a baby rolling on the floor with an adorable looking pit bull. The idea is to motivate people to continue hammering city officials to repeal the breed ban. The posters can be found at the Pepsi Center, the Convention Center and at Coors Field.
In fact, Denver had killed 1,918 pit bulls as of October since the breed ban was reenacted. David Edelstein, founder of ROVERlution, said as many as 3,100 pit bulls may have been killed when taking into account private shelters that are contracted by the city when city shelters are full.
~Read Full Article~
In fact, Denver had killed 1,918 pit bulls as of October since the breed ban was reenacted. David Edelstein, founder of ROVERlution, said as many as 3,100 pit bulls may have been killed when taking into account private shelters that are contracted by the city when city shelters are full.
~Read Full Article~
December 26, 2008
http://www.myfoxcolorado.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=8151548&version=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=3.2.1
http://www.myfoxcolorado.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=8151548&version=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=3.2.1
Press the Play button
The "Vicious" Pit Bull in the making
Published July 23, 2005
in Our Town for the Tracy Press.
www.tracypress.com
The picture of a growling pit bull appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine in August 1987.
According to the sports commentator and writer communities, to be featured on SI’s cover is historically bad mojo for the subject athlete, a phenomenon known as the Sports Illustrated cover curse. The pictured athlete predictably falls into a slump shortly after publication.
Athletes are expected to be seen on the cover of Sports Illustrated. When a non-human athlete graces the cover, we expect to see a Secretariat or Ruffian — or maybe even the Iditarod lead dog. But a photo of an ordinary, everyday domestic dog?
A curse, indeed. The image of the pit bull was transformed from ordinary Canis familaris to Canis godzilla because of a print media feeding frenzy aggravated by the actions of headline-seeking politicians.
~Read complete article~
Published July 23, 2005
in Our Town for the Tracy Press.
www.tracypress.com
The picture of a growling pit bull appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine in August 1987.
According to the sports commentator and writer communities, to be featured on SI’s cover is historically bad mojo for the subject athlete, a phenomenon known as the Sports Illustrated cover curse. The pictured athlete predictably falls into a slump shortly after publication.
Athletes are expected to be seen on the cover of Sports Illustrated. When a non-human athlete graces the cover, we expect to see a Secretariat or Ruffian — or maybe even the Iditarod lead dog. But a photo of an ordinary, everyday domestic dog?
A curse, indeed. The image of the pit bull was transformed from ordinary Canis familaris to Canis godzilla because of a print media feeding frenzy aggravated by the actions of headline-seeking politicians.
~Read complete article~
'Dangerous breed' ban in Denver yields few clear results
By Dan Sorenson
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 12.03.2006
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/158745
Hundreds of municipalities across the U.S. have banned or restricted ownership of pit bulls and other so-called "dangerous breeds," but Denver's 1989 pit bull ban likely gives it the most experience with a breed-specific approach to stopping serious attacks on humans.
But even after 17 years — there were two briefs periods of nonenforcement during legal challenges — the ordinance hasn't produced any solid answers about the ban's effectiveness, said Doug Kelley, director of Denver Animal Care & Control.
The Denver ordinance prohibits owning or keeping "American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of these breeds."
The ban was the result of four serious maulings by pit bulls in a 2 1/2period in the 1980s in which two people — including a 3-year-old child who crawled into a neighbor's yard and was mauled by a chained pit bull — were killed, Kelley said.
There have been no deaths or serious injuries by pit bulls in Denver since the ordinance passed — and only one death by another breed — a child killed by a chow mix, Kelley said.
But the ban hasn't ended the popularity of the pit bull breed in Denver, he said. There are still pit bulls, apparently more every year.
"We've experienced a continuing upward trend of pit bull impounded since 2001," said Kelley. Pit bull seizures hovered between 50 and 70 annually until 2000, when 134 were impounded. In the first 10 months of 2006, 807 pit bulls were seized.
"We're blessed in that we haven't had a serious injury in quite a while" by any breed, Kelley said.
Contact reporter Dan Sorenson dsorenson@azstarnet.com.
As a result of this "dangerous breed ban", below are pictures of a few of the dogs that were considered by the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter to be a Pit Bull or Pit Bull mix because these dogs had a "resemblance" to a Pit Bull.
By Dan Sorenson
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 12.03.2006
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/158745
Hundreds of municipalities across the U.S. have banned or restricted ownership of pit bulls and other so-called "dangerous breeds," but Denver's 1989 pit bull ban likely gives it the most experience with a breed-specific approach to stopping serious attacks on humans.
But even after 17 years — there were two briefs periods of nonenforcement during legal challenges — the ordinance hasn't produced any solid answers about the ban's effectiveness, said Doug Kelley, director of Denver Animal Care & Control.
The Denver ordinance prohibits owning or keeping "American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of these breeds."
The ban was the result of four serious maulings by pit bulls in a 2 1/2period in the 1980s in which two people — including a 3-year-old child who crawled into a neighbor's yard and was mauled by a chained pit bull — were killed, Kelley said.
There have been no deaths or serious injuries by pit bulls in Denver since the ordinance passed — and only one death by another breed — a child killed by a chow mix, Kelley said.
But the ban hasn't ended the popularity of the pit bull breed in Denver, he said. There are still pit bulls, apparently more every year.
"We've experienced a continuing upward trend of pit bull impounded since 2001," said Kelley. Pit bull seizures hovered between 50 and 70 annually until 2000, when 134 were impounded. In the first 10 months of 2006, 807 pit bulls were seized.
"We're blessed in that we haven't had a serious injury in quite a while" by any breed, Kelley said.
Contact reporter Dan Sorenson dsorenson@azstarnet.com.
As a result of this "dangerous breed ban", below are pictures of a few of the dogs that were considered by the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter to be a Pit Bull or Pit Bull mix because these dogs had a "resemblance" to a Pit Bull.
|
Click picture for larger image
Army Staff Sgt. Heidi J. Tufto's letter to Doug Kelly, Director of Denver Municipal Animal Shelter
From: Tufto, Heidi J SSG NGCO
Sent: Monday, December 29, 2008 10:35 AM
To: 'doug.kelley@ci.denver.co.us'
Subject: My story (UNCLASSIFIED)
Dear Mr. Kelley,
From: Tufto, Heidi J SSG NGCO
Sent: Monday, December 29, 2008 10:35 AM
To: 'doug.kelley@ci.denver.co.us'
Subject: My story (UNCLASSIFIED)
Dear Mr. Kelley,
In 2002, I was going through a painful divorce, and also a big move from Texas to Colorado. My job with the military required the transition, and rather than move to Aurora, where Buckley Air Base is stationed, I chose to move to Denver. I wanted to be near an exciting, dynamic city. I signed a lease, moved in to a great house in the Baker District, and everything seemed to be looking up. I had lived in Denver just 3 days and was walking my dogs along the waterfront on Jason St, when a white van jumped the curb and came screaming across the park at a high rate of speed. I was in the process of bagging dog poo, and began looking for a place to scramble to....I assumed that the van was in the midst of a police chase or something equally terrible. I was in the open, and there was nowhere to run!
The van screeched to a stop near me, and two officers jumped out. ...
~Read entire Letter~
The van screeched to a stop near me, and two officers jumped out. ...
~Read entire Letter~
Lumpy and Nigel
Mariah's Promise Letter back to Sports Illustrated
From: Mariah's Promise [mailto:mariahspromise@msn.com]
Sent: Friday, January 02, 2009 8:57 PM
To: letters@si.timeinc.com
Subject: OUTSTANDING ARTICLE!!!
Really truly appreciate the cover and article about Vick's dogs, as well as pit bulls in general!!! Those of us in rescue are hoping that with positive press, putting the blame where it belongs - at the other end of the leash - that these incredible dogs will have the chance they deserve to be in loving, responsible homes with families!!! This is where these dogs belong - NOT in a pit, NOT at the end of a chain, but in loving arms!!
We alone have taken in over 325 'pit bulls' since Denver reinflicted their 'pit bull' ban on May 9, 2005, and we're just one small rescue. Some came to us from other states where pit bulls are banned, or animal abuse cases. These are just 'every day' dogs ~ they don't have high profile status that propels people to help them. They aren't Katrina dogs, they didn't belong to someone famous. They came from people who loved them!!!
~Read entire letter~
From: Mariah's Promise [mailto:mariahspromise@msn.com]
Sent: Friday, January 02, 2009 8:57 PM
To: letters@si.timeinc.com
Subject: OUTSTANDING ARTICLE!!!
Really truly appreciate the cover and article about Vick's dogs, as well as pit bulls in general!!! Those of us in rescue are hoping that with positive press, putting the blame where it belongs - at the other end of the leash - that these incredible dogs will have the chance they deserve to be in loving, responsible homes with families!!! This is where these dogs belong - NOT in a pit, NOT at the end of a chain, but in loving arms!!
We alone have taken in over 325 'pit bulls' since Denver reinflicted their 'pit bull' ban on May 9, 2005, and we're just one small rescue. Some came to us from other states where pit bulls are banned, or animal abuse cases. These are just 'every day' dogs ~ they don't have high profile status that propels people to help them. They aren't Katrina dogs, they didn't belong to someone famous. They came from people who loved them!!!
~Read entire letter~
A Letter to the City of Denver from Dr. Paula
Mon, 12/29/08, Paula Terifaj
Subject: We saw you on Fox News!
To: doug.kelley@ci.denver.co.us, milehighmayor@ci.denver.co.us
Monday, December 29, 2008
Dear Mr. Kelley,
Your comment (when recently interviewed by Fox News) proudly boasted “there have not been any attacks by pit bulls since 2005”, was merely an attempt to deceive the public and draw support for Denver’s unpopular and widely criticized breed ban. Interestingly, you defended a 2006 dog mauling when you reported: “Boxers can be very protective.” The article can be found at TheDenverChannel.com: Grandmother Recovering After Dog Attack - Good Samaritan Fights Off Boxers To Save Woman, also reported on ABC Channel 7 News March 28th, 2006. Furthermore, next time, when you are asked about dog attacks in a televised TV interview or news article, we expect that you will also sadly remember the German Shepard mix that mauled a little girl, reported on August 2nd, 2006 by ABC Channel 7 News.
You also reported that Denver mostly picks up the strays. Tell that to Gema Martinez, whose house was raided and her beloved dog Kane seized. Or Heidi Tufto, a respected citizen and soldier in the US army, who was walking her dog Lumpy in a park when she was accosted by the police and held at gunpoint, forced to surrender her dog. And if you are mostly just killing the strays, why have so many panicked dog owners moved away from your city? Just ask Sonya Dias, one of the plaintiffs in a civil lawsuit against Denver, who hid her dog Griffie for several months before she could sell her house and move.
~Read More~
Dr. Paula's letter can also be read on Animal Law Coalition website.
Mon, 12/29/08, Paula Terifaj
Subject: We saw you on Fox News!
To: doug.kelley@ci.denver.co.us, milehighmayor@ci.denver.co.us
Monday, December 29, 2008
Dear Mr. Kelley,
Your comment (when recently interviewed by Fox News) proudly boasted “there have not been any attacks by pit bulls since 2005”, was merely an attempt to deceive the public and draw support for Denver’s unpopular and widely criticized breed ban. Interestingly, you defended a 2006 dog mauling when you reported: “Boxers can be very protective.” The article can be found at TheDenverChannel.com: Grandmother Recovering After Dog Attack - Good Samaritan Fights Off Boxers To Save Woman, also reported on ABC Channel 7 News March 28th, 2006. Furthermore, next time, when you are asked about dog attacks in a televised TV interview or news article, we expect that you will also sadly remember the German Shepard mix that mauled a little girl, reported on August 2nd, 2006 by ABC Channel 7 News.
You also reported that Denver mostly picks up the strays. Tell that to Gema Martinez, whose house was raided and her beloved dog Kane seized. Or Heidi Tufto, a respected citizen and soldier in the US army, who was walking her dog Lumpy in a park when she was accosted by the police and held at gunpoint, forced to surrender her dog. And if you are mostly just killing the strays, why have so many panicked dog owners moved away from your city? Just ask Sonya Dias, one of the plaintiffs in a civil lawsuit against Denver, who hid her dog Griffie for several months before she could sell her house and move.
~Read More~
Dr. Paula's letter can also be read on Animal Law Coalition website.
I am writing to you in hopes that you will read this sincere and heartfelt message. I appreciate your time in advance. I have a story, and a few ideas that I would like to share with you. I encourage you to contact me at any time, and look forward to speaking with you.
Cyan
"When Howard introduced us to Cyan the end of 2004, it was a no-brainer that Cyan would just blend into our house of dogs. Cy always had something to say to new people, she LOVED playing with the dogs and she was a cuddle bug at night. Just as lovely as they come!!! We'd take Cyan to the shop some days and she was in all her glory meeting our customers and visitors!!! Cyan's best buddy was Brindle, the one our 'neighbor' shot & killed. (That's Cy laying behind Brindle in her memorial picture). She was truly an excellent ambassador to her breed and helped many people change their minds about 'pit bulls' after experiencing the love that over-flowed from Cyan. Rest in peace, sweet girl! The battle continues for your breed." ~Toni Phillips~
"When Howard introduced us to Cyan the end of 2004, it was a no-brainer that Cyan would just blend into our house of dogs. Cy always had something to say to new people, she LOVED playing with the dogs and she was a cuddle bug at night. Just as lovely as they come!!! We'd take Cyan to the shop some days and she was in all her glory meeting our customers and visitors!!! Cyan's best buddy was Brindle, the one our 'neighbor' shot & killed. (That's Cy laying behind Brindle in her memorial picture). She was truly an excellent ambassador to her breed and helped many people change their minds about 'pit bulls' after experiencing the love that over-flowed from Cyan. Rest in peace, sweet girl! The battle continues for your breed." ~Toni Phillips~
Howard and Cyan's Blog
Scroll down to read more of the blog
She's fighting FOR pit bulls
By JASON NARK
Philadelphia Daily News
narkj@phillynews.com
856-779-3231
SCARFACE ISN'T named after the famed thug in the Miami-based gangster movie. The little, fawn-colored pit bull wasn't given that tough title so that his owner could pump up his own street cred.
It was simply a sad observation by the people who rescued the dog, an obvious label for an animal with ragged, half-chewed ears and a thick head covered in crisscrossing gashes in various stages of healing.
By JASON NARK
Philadelphia Daily News
narkj@phillynews.com
856-779-3231
SCARFACE ISN'T named after the famed thug in the Miami-based gangster movie. The little, fawn-colored pit bull wasn't given that tough title so that his owner could pump up his own street cred.
It was simply a sad observation by the people who rescued the dog, an obvious label for an animal with ragged, half-chewed ears and a thick head covered in crisscrossing gashes in various stages of healing.
"Nobody knows his real name," said Kathy McGuire, president of New Jersey Aid for Animals, as she stood next to his kennel at the Halo House in Franklinville, Gloucester County. "He kind of looks like he's smiling, though."
Scarface was a fighter. Miracle was probably a dog on whom fighters practiced. Noel was simply a "breed bitch." They were three of the seven pit bulls found in November, chained up and emaciated, at a home on Lanning Avenue in Penns Grove, Salem County. Three men were charged with 31 counts of animal cruelty in the case.
~Read Entire Article~
Scarface was a fighter. Miracle was probably a dog on whom fighters practiced. Noel was simply a "breed bitch." They were three of the seven pit bulls found in November, chained up and emaciated, at a home on Lanning Avenue in Penns Grove, Salem County. Three men were charged with 31 counts of animal cruelty in the case.
~Read Entire Article~
Kathy McGuire holds Scarface, one of the battered pit bulls she's trying to save. Renamed Chance, he's headed for a new life in Texas.
"Dog Bite Fatalities Plummet 33%"
January 8, 2009
Dog bite fatalities were lower in 2008 than in 2007. Over the decades, the annual number of dog bite fatalities remains within a stable numerical range. These incidents, which are extremely rare, are, to a significant statistical degree, a product of dog owner neglect and/or abuse
Slanesville, WV (PRWEB) January 8, 2009 -- Despite the increase in the human population of the United States to more than 300 million, and the canine population to almost 74 million, human fatalities attributed to domestic dogs fell by one-third in 2008, over the number reported the year before, Karen Delise, Director of Research for the National Canine Research Council, announced today.
~Read More~
January 8, 2009
Dog bite fatalities were lower in 2008 than in 2007. Over the decades, the annual number of dog bite fatalities remains within a stable numerical range. These incidents, which are extremely rare, are, to a significant statistical degree, a product of dog owner neglect and/or abuse
Slanesville, WV (PRWEB) January 8, 2009 -- Despite the increase in the human population of the United States to more than 300 million, and the canine population to almost 74 million, human fatalities attributed to domestic dogs fell by one-third in 2008, over the number reported the year before, Karen Delise, Director of Research for the National Canine Research Council, announced today.
~Read More~
If you are unable to view this article on our website, your internet browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.) may require that you install the Adobe Plug-In. Check the top part of your browser to see if there is a yellow information bar. If you don't see than, then you may also download the newsletter onto your computer. You will need an Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the newsletter
Dog-bite survey finds few canines that attack
Animal-safety coalition says many bites are preventable
By Kieran Nicholson
DenverPost.com
Feb. 27, 2009
Dog bites happen, but they don't happen often, and many bites are preventable.
That message, delivered Thursday at a forum in Denver, was gleaned from data taken in Colorado over a year-long period.
The Coalition for Living Safely With Dogs, made up of Colorado veterinarians, animal-control officers, animal-care professionals and others presented the data at the group's second annual forum.
"The data shows that any dog can bite but most don't," said Nick Fisher, a coalition member.
The dog-bite surveys were taken from July 2007 to July 2008 and covered 17 "districts" in Colorado, including the Denver area; El Paso and Weld counties; and some Western Slope counties.
Beth Mulligan of Corona Research, who helped with the survey and data collection, told the forum that there are about 1.4 million dogs in Colorado and about 700,000 in the study area.
The coalition study tallied 2,060 bites. That's about 1 bite for every 350 dogs, less than one-third of one percent, Mulligan said.
~Read Full Article~
Animal-safety coalition says many bites are preventable
By Kieran Nicholson
DenverPost.com
Feb. 27, 2009
Dog bites happen, but they don't happen often, and many bites are preventable.
That message, delivered Thursday at a forum in Denver, was gleaned from data taken in Colorado over a year-long period.
The Coalition for Living Safely With Dogs, made up of Colorado veterinarians, animal-control officers, animal-care professionals and others presented the data at the group's second annual forum.
"The data shows that any dog can bite but most don't," said Nick Fisher, a coalition member.
The dog-bite surveys were taken from July 2007 to July 2008 and covered 17 "districts" in Colorado, including the Denver area; El Paso and Weld counties; and some Western Slope counties.
Beth Mulligan of Corona Research, who helped with the survey and data collection, told the forum that there are about 1.4 million dogs in Colorado and about 700,000 in the study area.
The coalition study tallied 2,060 bites. That's about 1 bite for every 350 dogs, less than one-third of one percent, Mulligan said.
~Read Full Article~
Beyond the Myth
March 16, 2009 : 1:56 PM
www.bestfriends.org
By Ken Passarella, Best Friends Network Volunteer
Film Breaks Down Stereotypes About Pit Bulls
Libby Sherrill didn’t own pit bulls. She didn’t know much more about them than most people. But when her close friend brought two rescue pit bulls, Angus and Boris, to her house to visit, neighbors called asking fearfully, “are those pit bulls running around over there?” That was Libby Sherrill’s introduction to the public’s misconception about pit bulls. It’s also what prompted Sherrill, an avid animal lover, into action.
March 16, 2009 : 1:56 PM
www.bestfriends.org
By Ken Passarella, Best Friends Network Volunteer
Film Breaks Down Stereotypes About Pit Bulls
Libby Sherrill didn’t own pit bulls. She didn’t know much more about them than most people. But when her close friend brought two rescue pit bulls, Angus and Boris, to her house to visit, neighbors called asking fearfully, “are those pit bulls running around over there?” That was Libby Sherrill’s introduction to the public’s misconception about pit bulls. It’s also what prompted Sherrill, an avid animal lover, into action.
(Click on image to view movie trailer)
Inspired To Make a Difference
Her two-year investigation has resulted in a film called Beyond the Myth, a feature-length film that sheds light on Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) and the plight of pit bulls in our country.
~Read Full Article~
Her two-year investigation has resulted in a film called Beyond the Myth, a feature-length film that sheds light on Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) and the plight of pit bulls in our country.
~Read Full Article~
Say No to DENVER - Stop Breed-Specific Legislation and Stop Killing Dogs
ALL BARK, NO BITE, COSTS IN THE MILLIONS
New research exposes high taxpayer cost to ban pit bulls
Breed-discriminatory legislation that targets pit bull-type dogs is an expensive waste of tax dollars, according to an economic study commissioned by Best Friends Animal Society. The Utah-based national animal welfare organization has worked with American pit bull terriers for many years and in the past two years has been working to rehabilitate dogs from the Michael Vick dog fighting case.
The study, completed by John Dunham and Associates and based on data from a variety of sources including the Federal government, serves as core information for a new online “Fiscal Impact Calculator” that Best Friends says will help state and local governmental entities calculate the true cost of implementing and enforcing breed-discriminatory laws. Such laws exist in approximately 300 different U.S. communities and involve regulating or banning certain breeds of dogs based solely on their lineage with no regard to the animal’s behavior or temperament.
Bottom line finding: It would cost governmental entities in excess of $450 million to enforce a nationwide ban on pit bulls, which would include costs of enforcement, kenneling and veterinary care, euthanizing and disposal, litigation and DNA testing.
~Read Entire News Release~
New research exposes high taxpayer cost to ban pit bulls
Breed-discriminatory legislation that targets pit bull-type dogs is an expensive waste of tax dollars, according to an economic study commissioned by Best Friends Animal Society. The Utah-based national animal welfare organization has worked with American pit bull terriers for many years and in the past two years has been working to rehabilitate dogs from the Michael Vick dog fighting case.
The study, completed by John Dunham and Associates and based on data from a variety of sources including the Federal government, serves as core information for a new online “Fiscal Impact Calculator” that Best Friends says will help state and local governmental entities calculate the true cost of implementing and enforcing breed-discriminatory laws. Such laws exist in approximately 300 different U.S. communities and involve regulating or banning certain breeds of dogs based solely on their lineage with no regard to the animal’s behavior or temperament.
Bottom line finding: It would cost governmental entities in excess of $450 million to enforce a nationwide ban on pit bulls, which would include costs of enforcement, kenneling and veterinary care, euthanizing and disposal, litigation and DNA testing.
~Read Entire News Release~
Alternative Pit Bull Ban Proposal
by Jan Keith
Denver Kills Dogs
Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2009 12:06:13 -0700
From: jan@denverkillsdogs.com
Subject: Alternative Pit Bull Ban Proposal
To: michael.hancock@denvergov.org; milehighmayor@ci.denver.co.us; kory.nelson@denvergov.org
CC: carla.madison@denvergov.org; carol.boigon@denvergov.org; charlie.brown@denvergov.org; chris.nevitt@denvergov.org; jeanne.faatz@ci.denver.co.us
Dear Mayor Hickenlooper and Council Members:
The recent CBS4 news item which included a video interview with Councilman Michael Hancock describing his unfortunate encounter with a pit bull perfectly illustrates how rational thought can be replaced by fear and skepticism. This dog attack occurred when Mr. Hancock was a child and has understandably left an indelible mark on both his mind and body. The circumstances of this incident were not mentioned in the interview, but my guess would be that a negligent human being was instrumental in this dog bite incident. That is not to say that I can't appreciate the fact that dogs bite people---ANY dog can bite. I'm curious. Had a Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso or Dalmatian bitten Mr. Hancock, would he be advocating a ban on those breeds?
This leads me back to my original assertion that fear and skepticism can wreak havoc on peoples' lives when used to shape laws by which others are forced to comply. Supporting a law that cuts into the very core of an American's right to privacy and right to live free of government intrusion into an issue so mundane as dog ownership, is not only extreme and unreasonabIe, it's harmful! Think about the hundreds of families who face financial hardship as they leave their homes and move out of Denver? How do you explain to a child to trust authorities when they witness their innocent family pet who has done absolutely NOTHING wrong is being dragged off by police and animal control? How do you teach tolerance when you have a law that essentially racially profiles and targets a dog's life because of its "look"? How do you defend the nearly $1 million per year in costs to enforce this ridiculous ban? How long will it take to recoup the dollars lost in tourism and new families who avoid your dog-unfriendly city?
Ignorance breeds contempt and fear. Under your watch, you are pulling a "fast one" on Denverites when you make false claims about the city being safer without pit bulls. It's simply untrue (HSUS study 6/09). You have the power to repeal this absurd, Draconian law that has done nothing to support your safety concerns and replace it with tough "dangerous dog" regulations with consequences for PEOPLE who own ANY breed. I sincerely hope you set aside your fear and ignorance and learn the facts, http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/in-your-state/colorado/dog-bites/denver-hospital-rates/.
Please stop this dog holocaust and do the right thing.
Sincerely,
Jan Keith
by Jan Keith
Denver Kills Dogs
Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2009 12:06:13 -0700
From: jan@denverkillsdogs.com
Subject: Alternative Pit Bull Ban Proposal
To: michael.hancock@denvergov.org; milehighmayor@ci.denver.co.us; kory.nelson@denvergov.org
CC: carla.madison@denvergov.org; carol.boigon@denvergov.org; charlie.brown@denvergov.org; chris.nevitt@denvergov.org; jeanne.faatz@ci.denver.co.us
Dear Mayor Hickenlooper and Council Members:
The recent CBS4 news item which included a video interview with Councilman Michael Hancock describing his unfortunate encounter with a pit bull perfectly illustrates how rational thought can be replaced by fear and skepticism. This dog attack occurred when Mr. Hancock was a child and has understandably left an indelible mark on both his mind and body. The circumstances of this incident were not mentioned in the interview, but my guess would be that a negligent human being was instrumental in this dog bite incident. That is not to say that I can't appreciate the fact that dogs bite people---ANY dog can bite. I'm curious. Had a Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso or Dalmatian bitten Mr. Hancock, would he be advocating a ban on those breeds?
This leads me back to my original assertion that fear and skepticism can wreak havoc on peoples' lives when used to shape laws by which others are forced to comply. Supporting a law that cuts into the very core of an American's right to privacy and right to live free of government intrusion into an issue so mundane as dog ownership, is not only extreme and unreasonabIe, it's harmful! Think about the hundreds of families who face financial hardship as they leave their homes and move out of Denver? How do you explain to a child to trust authorities when they witness their innocent family pet who has done absolutely NOTHING wrong is being dragged off by police and animal control? How do you teach tolerance when you have a law that essentially racially profiles and targets a dog's life because of its "look"? How do you defend the nearly $1 million per year in costs to enforce this ridiculous ban? How long will it take to recoup the dollars lost in tourism and new families who avoid your dog-unfriendly city?
Ignorance breeds contempt and fear. Under your watch, you are pulling a "fast one" on Denverites when you make false claims about the city being safer without pit bulls. It's simply untrue (HSUS study 6/09). You have the power to repeal this absurd, Draconian law that has done nothing to support your safety concerns and replace it with tough "dangerous dog" regulations with consequences for PEOPLE who own ANY breed. I sincerely hope you set aside your fear and ignorance and learn the facts, http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/in-your-state/colorado/dog-bites/denver-hospital-rates/.
Please stop this dog holocaust and do the right thing.
Sincerely,
Jan Keith
Denver councilwoman proposes easing pit bull ban
Kim Posey KDVR Reporter
http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-pit-bull-ban-080409,0,7108689.story
August 4, 2009
DENVER - Could pit bulls be allowed back into Denver? The dogs are banned in the city, but councilwoman Carla Madison is proposing changes to the ban that would allow dogs back into the city with some restrictions.
"It still would be illegal to own a pit bull in Denver unless you are willing to go through these hoops, and comply with the ordinance," Madison said.
Under her proposal pit bull owners would have to be 21 years old, pay $50 for a permit, and agree to home inspections. They would need at least $1,000,000 in homeowner or renter insurance, and the dog would need temperament testing, obedience training and to follow muzzle restrictions.
"I say let them back in," says resident Greg Stewart. But many don't want the dogs in their city again. "Pit bulls are bread to fight," said resident Spencer Chase. "Just because you muzzle them is not going to take away the dangers that exist."
The issue is not yet scheduled at a city council meeting. Councilwoman Madison says she would like to hear what residents have to say about the idea.
Kim Posey KDVR Reporter
http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-pit-bull-ban-080409,0,7108689.story
August 4, 2009
DENVER - Could pit bulls be allowed back into Denver? The dogs are banned in the city, but councilwoman Carla Madison is proposing changes to the ban that would allow dogs back into the city with some restrictions.
"It still would be illegal to own a pit bull in Denver unless you are willing to go through these hoops, and comply with the ordinance," Madison said.
Under her proposal pit bull owners would have to be 21 years old, pay $50 for a permit, and agree to home inspections. They would need at least $1,000,000 in homeowner or renter insurance, and the dog would need temperament testing, obedience training and to follow muzzle restrictions.
"I say let them back in," says resident Greg Stewart. But many don't want the dogs in their city again. "Pit bulls are bread to fight," said resident Spencer Chase. "Just because you muzzle them is not going to take away the dangers that exist."
The issue is not yet scheduled at a city council meeting. Councilwoman Madison says she would like to hear what residents have to say about the idea.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Were innocent dogs killed?
Pit bull advocates wonder if city has put down misidentified dogs
The Denver Daily News
Peter Marcus, DDN Staff Writer
http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=6009
Pit bull advocates would like to know just how many innocent dogs have been killed by the city simply because the dogs were wrongly identified as being part of the banned breed.
Suggesting that hundreds of innocent dogs may have been killed by the city, advocates are calling for an immediate re-evaluation of the city’s controversial ordinance.
At the center of the debate is a recent case in which an administrative judge ruled that animal control officers wrongly labeled a boxer-mix as a pit bull. Three so-called experts with Denver Animal Care and Control had labeled Kevin O’Connell’s dog Dexter a pit bull. But O’Connell’s own experts — American Kennel Club judges and professional dog handlers — testified last week that Dexter was in no way a pit bull.
~Read More~
Were innocent dogs killed?
Pit bull advocates wonder if city has put down misidentified dogs
The Denver Daily News
Peter Marcus, DDN Staff Writer
http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=6009
Pit bull advocates would like to know just how many innocent dogs have been killed by the city simply because the dogs were wrongly identified as being part of the banned breed.
Suggesting that hundreds of innocent dogs may have been killed by the city, advocates are calling for an immediate re-evaluation of the city’s controversial ordinance.
At the center of the debate is a recent case in which an administrative judge ruled that animal control officers wrongly labeled a boxer-mix as a pit bull. Three so-called experts with Denver Animal Care and Control had labeled Kevin O’Connell’s dog Dexter a pit bull. But O’Connell’s own experts — American Kennel Club judges and professional dog handlers — testified last week that Dexter was in no way a pit bull.
~Read More~
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Pit Bull Ruling Puts Spotlight On Denver's Breed-Specific Ban
Dog Owner Wins Case Against City
Jaclyn Allen, 7NEWS Reporter
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/21268216/detail.html
DENVER -- When the city of Denver said Kevin O'Connell's dog was a pit bull, they took away his best friend.
Now, one dog owner's win in court is putting Denver's controversial pit bull ban back in the spotlight.
"He never gets tired," said O'Connell, as he threw a tennis ball for his 4-year-old boxer-mix, Dexter. "He's always by my side. He sits in the front seat of my car whenever we go anywhere."
During one business trip in July, though, O'Connell left Dexter with a friend in Denver.
An animal control officer responding to an unrelated call saw Dexter in the back yard, thought he was a pit bull and took him to the pound.
~Read More~
Pit Bull Ruling Puts Spotlight On Denver's Breed-Specific Ban
Dog Owner Wins Case Against City
Jaclyn Allen, 7NEWS Reporter
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/21268216/detail.html
DENVER -- When the city of Denver said Kevin O'Connell's dog was a pit bull, they took away his best friend.
Now, one dog owner's win in court is putting Denver's controversial pit bull ban back in the spotlight.
"He never gets tired," said O'Connell, as he threw a tennis ball for his 4-year-old boxer-mix, Dexter. "He's always by my side. He sits in the front seat of my car whenever we go anywhere."
During one business trip in July, though, O'Connell left Dexter with a friend in Denver.
An animal control officer responding to an unrelated call saw Dexter in the back yard, thought he was a pit bull and took him to the pound.
~Read More~
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Ruling on "pit bull" revives debate on Denver's ban
By Jordan Steffen
The Denver Post
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_13535727
On Monday, an administrative judge ruled that Denver Animal Care and Control must remove the pit bull breed label from Kevin O'Connell's dog.
On Friday, O'Connell, 40, of Thornton, and his boxer-mix Dexter celebrated the ruling.
O'Connell's attorney, Jennifer Edwards of The Animal Law Center, said the reversal could be a first step toward combating the controversial ordinance that bans pit bulls from Denver.
"This ruling absolutely disqualifies Denver in having any expertise in breed determining," Edwards said.
Breed determination, Edwards said, is the crux of the city's ability to enforce its ban on pit bulls.
~Read More~
Ruling on "pit bull" revives debate on Denver's ban
By Jordan Steffen
The Denver Post
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_13535727
On Monday, an administrative judge ruled that Denver Animal Care and Control must remove the pit bull breed label from Kevin O'Connell's dog.
On Friday, O'Connell, 40, of Thornton, and his boxer-mix Dexter celebrated the ruling.
O'Connell's attorney, Jennifer Edwards of The Animal Law Center, said the reversal could be a first step toward combating the controversial ordinance that bans pit bulls from Denver.
"This ruling absolutely disqualifies Denver in having any expertise in breed determining," Edwards said.
Breed determination, Edwards said, is the crux of the city's ability to enforce its ban on pit bulls.
~Read More~
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009
Subject: The Manifestation of the Denver Breed Ban
From: thepitbullband@gmail.com
To:
**WARNING** Graphic Photos Of Denver's Breed Ban Inserted (Don't Open If You Have A Weak Stomach or An Overly-Empathetic Heart...Seriously!)
Many of you B.A.N.D. (Breed Awareness, Not Discrimination) members have been here with me and so many others since Denver reenacted the breed ban in May of 2005. Various members have done and continue to do rescue, fostering, letter writing, phone calls, and every other kind of action that goes into helping those affected or changing these insane laws to something saner, kinder, and smarter than rounding up family dogs and killing them.
Lately, for several reasons, I've not sent out much information about what is going on with the court cases or what you can do to help if you're looking to. A small part of those reasons is that doing some of this is hard and awful and I just plain don't want to relive it by telling others--I've pretty much clammed up as a defense mechanism. For me, one of the worst aspects of this is helping people through the system to get their dogs out. Animal control does not make this easy and anyway, almost everyone is scared and crying, and that's just the people.
~Click here to read more IF you can handle graphic photos~
Subject: The Manifestation of the Denver Breed Ban
From: thepitbullband@gmail.com
To:
**WARNING** Graphic Photos Of Denver's Breed Ban Inserted (Don't Open If You Have A Weak Stomach or An Overly-Empathetic Heart...Seriously!)
Many of you B.A.N.D. (Breed Awareness, Not Discrimination) members have been here with me and so many others since Denver reenacted the breed ban in May of 2005. Various members have done and continue to do rescue, fostering, letter writing, phone calls, and every other kind of action that goes into helping those affected or changing these insane laws to something saner, kinder, and smarter than rounding up family dogs and killing them.
Lately, for several reasons, I've not sent out much information about what is going on with the court cases or what you can do to help if you're looking to. A small part of those reasons is that doing some of this is hard and awful and I just plain don't want to relive it by telling others--I've pretty much clammed up as a defense mechanism. For me, one of the worst aspects of this is helping people through the system to get their dogs out. Animal control does not make this easy and anyway, almost everyone is scared and crying, and that's just the people.
~Click here to read more IF you can handle graphic photos~
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 (SF Gate)
Michael Vick's unpaid dues: Why dog advocates aren't moving on
By: Christie Keith, Special to SF Gate
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/g/a/2009/11/03/petscol110309.DTL
When football player Michael Vick made his first post-prison appearance in a Philadelphia Eagles uniform, he got a standing ovation from the hometown crowd. His recent reception in the Bay Area was far cooler -- at last month's game between the Eagles and the Oakland Raiders, he was greeted with protestors, picket signs and a plane flying over the stadium with a banner reading "Dogfighter Go Home!"
But even in the dog-loving Bay Area, Vick had plenty of defenders. "Sooner or later you're going to have to forgive the guy anyway," Charles Wright, a 44-year-old Oakland tow truck driver, told protestors after the game. "You may as well get it out of your system."
Another fan yelled, "Come on, the dude paid his debt to society."
~Read More~
Michael Vick's unpaid dues: Why dog advocates aren't moving on
By: Christie Keith, Special to SF Gate
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/g/a/2009/11/03/petscol110309.DTL
When football player Michael Vick made his first post-prison appearance in a Philadelphia Eagles uniform, he got a standing ovation from the hometown crowd. His recent reception in the Bay Area was far cooler -- at last month's game between the Eagles and the Oakland Raiders, he was greeted with protestors, picket signs and a plane flying over the stadium with a banner reading "Dogfighter Go Home!"
But even in the dog-loving Bay Area, Vick had plenty of defenders. "Sooner or later you're going to have to forgive the guy anyway," Charles Wright, a 44-year-old Oakland tow truck driver, told protestors after the game. "You may as well get it out of your system."
Another fan yelled, "Come on, the dude paid his debt to society."
~Read More~
In Your Hands
Johnson: If experts cannot ID dog breeds, how can cities?
By Bill Johnson
Denver Post Columnist
Posted: 12/16/2009 01:00:00 AM MST
Updated: 12/16/2009 02:22:00 AM MST
So you think you know about dogs?
Sorry, you do not.
I break this news to you only because I got put to such a test Tuesday, along with about two dozen animal-shelter directors, volunteers, dog trainers and others who make a dog-related living.
The task was simple: View 20 dogs on a videotape and identify each one. Is it purebred or mixed? If believed a mix, what is the mixture of each?
How hard could it be?
~Read More~
By Bill Johnson
Denver Post Columnist
Posted: 12/16/2009 01:00:00 AM MST
Updated: 12/16/2009 02:22:00 AM MST
So you think you know about dogs?
Sorry, you do not.
I break this news to you only because I got put to such a test Tuesday, along with about two dozen animal-shelter directors, volunteers, dog trainers and others who make a dog-related living.
The task was simple: View 20 dogs on a videotape and identify each one. Is it purebred or mixed? If believed a mix, what is the mixture of each?
How hard could it be?
~Read More~