Saving America’s Dog
This year’s NMHP conference tackled the tough issues facing the sweetest “breed”
by Denise LeBeau, Best Friends Animal SocietyThe name of the session said it all, Beleaguered Breed: Saving Pit Bulls. This is the type of dog that is being killed at a disproportionate and alarming rate in shelters. It is reported that one in 600 of these types of dogs will make it into a home. The well rounded panel included experts in advocacy and model programs, and through thought provoking presentations really challenged the audience to think about ways to save pit bull type dogs in a whole new light!
“Terrier alert is up to orange,” laughed speaker
Ledy VanKavage in her opening remarks for the session. This sentiment said it all, the witch hunt for pit bull type breeds is on, and it’s going to take a sea change in attitude and actions to stop it.
She equated the pit bull hysteria in the U.S. to that of the types of scenarios found in China after a dog bite or rabies scare. A seize and destroy mentality is foisted upon the public and it seems like it couldn’t and shouldn’t be happening here.
“Language matters and we need everyone to rise up and speak out,” Ledy continued.
She went on to outline what speaking out can look like.
- Blog about the issues (she mentioned
Kansas City Dog Advocates as a great example)
-
Write Letters to the Editor- Contact Radio Talk shows
- Use social network sites like:
Myspace,
Facebook &
Second Life - Run for Local Office
- File Lawsuits (against Breed Specific Legislation)
- Send Complaints to Your State’s Disciplinary Board
- Want to keep your “special” dog but homeowner’s insurance is a problem? Check out insurance companies on the
PBRC website, the
AKC website and resources from
Animal Farm Foundation don’t forget to tell your misinformed former company why you’re switching!Her message was loud and clear: the court of public opinion is where you can make a real difference!
To watch Ledy’s presentation click hereAnother speaker who reiterated Ledy’s sentiments was Holly Bukes, a real pioneer in using the Internet to rescue animals and save lives. She’s the founder of
Pit Bull Rescue Central, the premier online presence for this beleaguered breed. This grassroots organization run by all volunteers was founded in 1997 by Veronique Chesser and her husband Rob, and while they have saved countless at risk dogs, they don’t have a shelter or rescue.
Their website provides the fundamentals of rescue: you can post dogs for adoption, have an online adoption application and applications are screened by PBRC. They also provide education and advocacy to help everyone from rescues to children.
She echoed Churchill’s words, “Yes We Can!”
To watch Holly's presentation click here
From online advocacy and adoptions to the mean streets of Los Angeles – Lori Weise of
Downtown Dog Rescue was also featured during this riveting seminar. They have a rehabilitation center for chained and abused dogs where each dog is treated as an individual, a large scale spay/neuter initiative and an educational program that targets the most dangerous of neighborhoods. Places like Watts, Compton and South Central!
Lori’s opening words say it best, “The people in this room have the least involvement with the people that are hurting these dogs the most!” Ouch!
With programs like their Family Dog Event, where the idea of their pet as a lifelong family member is instilled and plainly put to the public as “you’re going to love the dog from the time he or she is a puppy until the dog dies,” hammered home their main message.
With all their events 100% free to participants they share food, collars, leashes and promote positive reinforcement training and socialization. One of their most innovative programs is Pimp Your Pit where every Sunday they hold dog training classes that feature basic obedience training and give the public the proper tools to take care of their pets. If a dog comes in on a chain, he goes out wearing a new collar and leash.
With their Death Row Dogs program they’re giving the most disadvantaged people with pets the support they need and they do it by going into the community and working one on one with them. They’re on the forefront of making a sustainable change for the way dogs are viewed and treated by the people that need it most!
The multifaceted work these progressive advocates are doing is inspiring, and they all have one thing in common besides loving dogs, it’s that they all need cutting edge information and funding. Money does help make the world go ‘round, and one of the most dedicated organizations to helping the dogs we all love is
Animal Farm Foundation, Inc. In addition to excellent resources on helping pit bull type dogs, they also fund the programs that save their lives.
“We don’t have a problem, we have a mission: no more homeless pets,” Jane Berkey, founder and president of Animal Farm Foundation, succinctly said. After the roar of applause died down, she continued about the importance of accurate information (which their website if chock full of). And then she got philosophical, in a good way!
“Language reflects thoughts, but when I was speaking with Cynthia Bathurst of Safe Humane Chicago she said something even more poignant, ‘language reflects habits,’ and that’s really something alright!”
“We fund breed specific programs not because pits are different but because they are not,” Jane shared, reflecting that attitude.
They also fund programs that support partnerships, give $1,000 Achievement Awards, Humane Education, and research that dispels the myths and misconceptions of America’s most beloved dog! They provide spay/neuter resources, expert opinion on breed specific legislation, pet friendly housing resources and so much more!
This conference brought together the dream team of pit bull type dog advocates to inspire ‘we the people’ to do what is not only right, but necessary to stop the killing and start the understanding! It couldn’t have been a luckier day, it’s a pity dogs don’t understand PowerPoint presentations or they’d all be kicking up their paws!
Don’t Just Sit & Stay: Get Involved!Check out the organizations that are mobilizing the masses:
Downtown Dog RescueAnimal Farm Foundation, Inc.Pit Bull Rescue CentralTo join the Stop BSL Community on the Best Friends Network:
click hereFor updates on the Vicktory Dogs,
click here. These are the 22 dogs sent to the Best Friends Animal Society after being saved from Michael Vick.Click here to check out the highlights from the 2008 No More Homeless Pets Conference! photos by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Animal Society