Matt.S
Minnesota
- 250 comments
- 151 likes given
- 210 likes received
Bio not provided
Lisa, thank you! The lives you've saved definitely make you a bonafide "superhero". I pray that your principled stand will be a catalyst for positive change in animal shelters everywhere. You took a bold step toward a better world.
It's so cool that you volunteer, you rock! Thanks for giving pit bulls a chance to show you the super dogs they are!
I get that you're commited to what you do, that's commenable. I'm commited to the larger issue of breed discrimination. My position is not an attack on yours. Personally, I choose to openly acknowledge my angel, Herman, was a Pit Bull, the result of which is equaly open discrimination. It's my view that discrimination of any kind is overcome only through directly adressing it in a positive way. Simply put, exposing the misconceptions with positive first-hand encounters. I'm sure your therapy dogs are doing good things. Speaking only for myself, the idea of people who know a dog is a Pit Bull, as you say the facility staff, parents & kids do, need to see open pride in the humans who have Pit Bull partners in community service of any kind. I believe that we're being looked to as examples to the next generation. Do we want to show these kids that we handle a problem by avoiding it altogether? I understand your position. I'm not attacking the work your dogs do, I simply disagree with the assertion that it doesn't matter what the "paper" says.
"Pragmatist" or "Idealist" both perspectives have their own merit. I respect the passion here. You're right about Pit Bull "Type" dogs being a group of breeds, not just one. My personal experience shaped my perspective on this issue. When my angel, Herman, adopted me, he came with a U.K.C pedigree as an APBT. I couldn't care any less about the paper that I was handed when he adopted me, other than the effect it had on my perspective on this very debate. Herman was a Pit Bull and nothing else. More times than I can count I was told it would be better if I told people he was a ____insert "acceptable" breed here. I never did. Herman was a Pit Bull. Every individual reacted differently. Some saw a playful, loving dog. Some saw only a label. The one constant was and is my refusal to tell people anything but the facts.
In March, 2011, StubbyDog published "Ruby's Tale", a story about a therapy dog in Minnesota, who happened to be a Pit Bull. In July, 2012, an article was published in the "National Examiner" about a childrens hospital that banned her for being a Pit Bull. This has to stop! The children in that hospital were denied a chance to interact with one of the most famous and beloved therapy dogs in Minnesota because Ruby was a Pit Bull. The children deserve better than that.
I support your choice. Discrimination needs to be confronted and the way you've gone about doing that shows character. Your stand is a principled one. Hate can't be allowed to have the final word. In choosing to educate, NOT hate, you are doing something couragous. The high road is often a difficult road, and you have my admiration.
I respectfully disagree. In my opionion, for what it's worth, Valerie's choice makes sense. 'No one denied Rocco being a pit bull. What was suggested was that we put the burden of proof on the facilities to "find the pit bulls" so that THEY could not discriminate. Everyone knows they are pit bulls, and are called pit bulls, and that is perfectly accepted...it was a paper thing to protect the dogs." If everyone knows said dogs are pit bulls, the "paper" needs to reflect that. In regard to "the burden of proof" part, proof of what? The phrase "burden of proof" is associated with trials involving criminal charges. Is being a pit bull inherently criminal? Again, I respect your desire to "protect" these wonderful dogs, the approach to doing so is where we differ.
Run Free, Tiny. you changed hearts & minds. The life you lived made other lives better.
I admire your courage, Valerie. you took a brave stand on principle, and I salute you for that. Rocco and yourself are obviously victims here, but I also feel for the children who are affected by the irrational hate you face. I pray that Rocco finds a therapy dog program not poisined by hate.
Great job, Delilah! You saved one life and changed other lives for the better!
Yesterday, I put on my Gi (martial ats uniform) for what was possibly the final time. One last set of pictures to honor my current instructor's 25 years of teaching. Injuries and medical conditions have ended my training. Herman's legacy is all that remains of that chapter of my life. As hard as it's been to accept the finality of that, my future is all about advocacy and that's alright by me.
@SusanneHoshino @barbaraleeanderson07090
SusanneHoshino, you are part of something very special. I can't imagine a better legacy for Percy. Thank you for helping to save the dogs that you were there for in their time of greatest need. God Bless you.
Tank was a hero! He helped you on multiple levels and made your life better, that's the definition of "hero" as I see it. Yes, Tank was fortunate to have you in his life, but that worked both ways! Run Free, Tank.
Way to go Juliet! Keep reppin' for pibbles in the sport you love!
Thank you. As a Christian, I believe God has a purpose, a calling for all of us. Herman was God's way of leading me back to my purpose in this world. Before my angel, Herman crossed the bridge, I promised him I would return to animal rescue. I promised I'd work to make the world a better place for animals that have no voice. Years had passed since I was last involved in rescue and I had no idea how, or where, to start. I intend to keep my promise to Herman by being his legacy.
London's heart is inspirational.
It's great that you gave Tigger a chance! Thanks for saving Tigger and giving him a real life.
Now Vick is playing the victim, saying the dog is for his kids and he's just being a good dad, implying that any objections hurt his kids. I didn't see this coming. (though I probably should have).
I was wrong. Now that Michael Vick has a dog, my previous position on this matter needs to be rethought.