Monthly Archives: April 2013

The Components of Love:

Posted on by
15

Recently a friend of mine told me that she had decided to respond with “rescued mutt” whenever she was asked what breed her dogs are.  They both really are the epitome of mutts (just like mine) and I love that she has vowed to do this.  I often respond the same way when asked but I have been making a conscious effort to also respond with just “rescued mutt” and nothing more.

Regal Reagan did a wonderful job supervising the pack.

Beautiful, loyal, serious Reagan, one of my friend’s mutts, and her proclaimed “soul mate”.

After yesterday’s post about BSL it got me to thinking: What if instead of even saying “mutt” we responded with something like “50% love and 50% goofiness”?  After all, if you were going to be judged, wouldn’t you want it to be on your character rather than appearance?  I don’t go around describing myself as “German/Dutch/unknown origins”, I describe myself as “an animal lover, gym rat, outdoorsy, book worm”.  I don’t call Rich “half Puerto Rican, half motley mix”, instead I call him a “smartass, comic book loving nerd”.  So why do we do this to our dogs, who we know are so much more than their genetic makeup?

Buddy

Buddy: 30% Hard-Headed, 40% Goofball, 20% Loyal, 5% Cuddly, 5% Grouchy, and 100% my best friend.

IMG_1028

Tag:  30% Grouchy, 55% Loving, 10% Jealous, 5% Goofball, and 100% the easiest dog I have ever owned.

IMG_2243

Maggie: 10% Stubborn, 30% Cautious, 30% Silly, 5% Bossy, 25% Loving, and 100% my proudest accomplishment.

IMG_1717

So I’m curious, how would YOU describe your dog if you could only use adjectives like this?  And no, you don’t need to be detailed as I was…though I could have gone even more in depth 😉  Do you think that is would be a good idea if we could get everyone to participate?  Because I love the idea!

{Legal Issue} BSL Around the World

Posted on by
9

It’s been a hot minute since we did the last Legal Issue post so I figured it was time to get back to business!  This topic is one that likely hits home with at least a few of us: BSL.  A reader asked what International Laws look like and if BSL exists in other places.

IMG_2777

 You all remember the Lennox case, right?  In short, Lennox was removed from his home in Ireland after officials determined he was a “pit bull type dog”.  His family fought legal battles for two years, all while he was deteriorating in horrible conditions, along with support from people literally all across the world to save him–he had done nothing wrong.  You might remember seeing pictures of pit bull type dogs with the words “I Am Lennox” –this was done as a show of support.  Ultimately the family lost and Lennox was euthanized.  Up until this point, I can honestly say that I hadn’t really paid any attention to international BSL issues, but this case brought it jarringly to my attention.

IMG_2717

Obviously this is a huge topic that could literally fill books, so I asked Rich to kind of give us a condensed version of his research.  Without further ado, here are some “fun” facts about International Laws surrounding BSL:

You may think that our country’s unfair view on certain breeds is so far from the norm that it wouldn’t be duplicated in other countries. While this is a nice thought, the United States is far from being the only country that allows breed specific legislation to be passed by its constituent states. In fact some other countries have gone so far to enact federal BSL that touches every border of the country, and it’s not just pit bulls that are affected by these laws.

IMG_2802

For example, the United Kingdom has a law that prohibits four types of dogs entirely from the country. These are the Pit Bull, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasiliero breeds. The good news is that the area of Northern Ireland, which is a part of the United Kingdom, is not affected by this ban. But the bad news is that Northern Ireland has enacted its own ban that includes these dogs (this is where the Lennox situation occurred). In addition to outright banning these breeds the UK law encourages voluntary microchipping of dogs and imposes severe penalties on owners of dogs that attack people (including prison time up to two years).

IMG_2755

Australia is another country that has a ban on these breeds. Additionally they also include the Perro de Presa Canario. For those that don’t know about these breeds that are banned, for the most part they look like Pit Bulls and Mastiffs, large dogs with defined muscles. Although the Tosa does not look like either type, it is apparently nicknamed the Japanese Fighting Dog. In Australia the importation of these breeds is banned, and any dog that was “grandfathered” in by being there prior to enactment of the ban, is required to be neutered, thus Australia is attempting to let the breed die out (completely die out!) in the country.

IMG_2836

Finally, a little closer to home the island nation of Puerto Rico has enacted a similar ban on these types of dogs (although it doesn’t appear that Tosas are included), banning the importation, sale, and breeding of these dogs. When this law was enacted it gave owners eight months to register the dogs that they already owned to “grandfather” them in. Additionally it looks like the legislators there saw the trouble that Miami-Dade had in court defending their ban on “pit bulls” as being too vague, and the Puerto Rican law defines Pit Bulls to include specific breeds, and cross breeds between them and other breeds. Also it gives a physical description of what the banned dogs look like.

IMG_2791

Unfortunately this is just a sampling of the breed specific legislation throughout the world, and there’s no end in sight. Venezuela has passed a law that will outlaw American Staffordshire Terrier and American Pit Bulls in 2014. This law was passed in 2010 and the delay in going into effect is probably due to the fact that it is an outright ban and there will be no “grandfathering” in.

IMG_2782

Rather depressing, isn’t it?  So what can we do?  First and foremost we can use our own dogs to show what great family members these “pit bulls” and other breeds really are; we can walk the walk.  We can also take the time to sign petitions against bans; we can ask our friends to sign these petitions as well.  We can write letters to legislators and intelligently and politely make a case for our family members.  We can get involved! 

The photos from this post are from the Pittie Party.  It was a wonderful event and if you are in the Tallahassee area and looking for helping throwing a charitable event you should seriously consider checking out my friends at Hire Wire Charitable Even Planning.  They rock; more pictures to come!  And a couple of the dogs featured in this post are available for adoption, so if you are in the market and one catches your eye, please get in touch with me!

 

Jump for Joy:

Posted on by
1

Because it’s Friday and that means two whole days, dedicated to the dogs (and buying a new washer and dryer–bleh), the outdoors, and most importantly, fun!  Buddy seems pleased with the news:

IMG_2462

IMG_2463

IMG_2464We shall return Monday with our next Legal Issue as well as pictures from the Pittie Party. In the mean time, we wish you all a wonderful weekend!

Pit-tie Par-tay

Posted on by
5

You may or may not remember, but back in March I oh-so subtly begged my friend to throw another Pittie Party and guess what?  She’s doing it!  And doing it big.

Flyer

Maggie went to her first event not long after I got her and I’m not sure who was more terrified, her or me.  I literally had two leashes on her because I was certain she was going to be scared by something, flip out, and get away from me.  Of course that didn’t happen and she was a very well-behaved, though admittedly shy, little lady.  Fast forward to today and I cannot wait to take her!

488392_252411621546737_2010240981_n

                                                            I spy two leashes on Moo. Do you?

This event is going to be HUGE compared to events in the past, too.  There will be adoptable dogs from various rescues there, a doggie kissing booth, agility courses, food trucks, face painting, and the list goes on and on.  There really will be something for everyone!

557401_252411158213450_2142631810_nEvents like this are so important, for so many reasons.  First, in my opinion, is the socialization.  All dogs can benefit from it, whether they are seasoned pros at huge events, or shy little girls like Maggie used to be.  Obviously it’s key that the owner/foster parent/handler of the dog stay tuned in to their needs and give them as much space as necessary (Maggie and I just hung around the outskirts the first time) but just being out and about and seeing other dogs and how they interact is so great.  The fundraising and awareness raising are also so important.  It’s a great way to show off not only pit bull type dogs, but rescue dogs in general, in a positive light all while not being too “in-your-face” or “preachy” which we all know can cause some people to shut down.  I always feel like walking the walk is the best way to get my point across.  Plus, it’s just good clean fun!

IMG_1554So if you’re in the Tallahassee area and interested in joining in on the fun, you should!  Maggie, Rich and I will be there.  Maybe even with bells on?

(almost) Wordless Wednesday

Posted on by
7

Some pictures from Sunday’s pack walk, reminders of why we love beautiful Florida!

IMG_2666

IMG_2668

IMG_2672

IMG_2684

IMG_2679

IMG_2688Happy Hump Day!

How Do I Put This?

Posted on by
20

How about, “Maggie is still available for adoption!”  Like many of you said, I would know right away if the family was right for Maggie or not.  Sadly, they were not.

IMG_1678

While a small part of me is relieved that for now Maggie is still mine, an even larger part of me is disappointed because I truly had myself excited about the prospect of Maggie getting adopted.  I had come to peace with the idea of saying goodbye and moved on to being excited about all of the new dogs I would be able to help.  (There were a few sleepless nights–something that is completely foreign to me–while I got myself to this place, but that is really here nor there…)  Hell, I had even gotten Rich excited about it, which I now realize I never have really talked about Rich’s love for Maggie, but let’s just say it rivals even mine.

So what went wrong?  The family really was every bit as nice and knowledgable as they seemed when we chatted Friday night, and if I could base my decision on the amount of love they had to offer a dog, Maggie would already be there–but I can’t.

IMG_1027

Actually, I’m getting a little ahead of myself, because I still haven’t even heard back from them, so maybe they aren’t interested after all and the point is moot?  Personally, and I know I’m not alone because bumpyroadtobubba shared the story of adopting her dog with me (check it out here, it is absolutely perfect), if I were serious about a dog, I would sit outside the home or facility where the dog was until I had the green light to take it home.  Maybe that’s extreme, but Maggie (and truly all dogs) deserve this amount of love, excitement, and devotion.

Regardless, there were things about their house that I envisioned being real problems for Maggie, given her propensity for getting into things and what not.  When I committed to foster her, I committed to keep her safe forever.  If/when she gets adopted, my responsibilities do not just end there.  Until the day Maggie goes to join my other dogs in Heaven, I hold myself responsible for her precious life.  Really, what good would I be doing if I just let dogs pass through my doors and never thought about them after that?  Didn’t care enough to ensure nothing bad would ever happen to them again?  No good at all is what I say.

IMG_2303

So we will continue searching for the perfect home for Maggie.  And if it comes time for us to move and that perfect family has yet to appear, maybe it really does mean she’s been home all along.  I don’t think I’d be too upset about that 🙂

Doggie Wash!

Posted on by
6

I know, I know, everyone is dying to know how things went on Saturday with Maggie, and I promise, I’ll let you all know as soon as I hear back from the family (who was supposed to call me yesterday but didn’t…)

So in the mean time, I thought I would share some incredibly cute pictures from what I spent the rest of the day Saturday doing: helping at a dog wash fundraiser!

IMG_2471

Super, duper cute Joey was there with his new forever family! He is an alumni of WCAC.

Adorable (and still adoptable!) Nala was there…and she met a Great Dane!

IMG_2537

IMG_2530IMG_2515

IMG_2507

Sophie, another WCAC alumni, was there lounging about with her momma.

IMG_2484

Cute Oscar was showing off his tricks and hoping someone would want to adopt him.

IMG_2619

“Aaaaattack! attackattackattackattack the water!”

And, to up the cuteness ante, Last Hope Rescue got three new puppies that day.  We had the foster families meet at the carwash to all pick up their new puppies.  Check out this adorableness:

IMG_2594

IMG_2616

IMG_2578

IMG_2563

If any of these cute dogs caught your eye, please let me know.  Oh, and feel free to hit that “share” button and help us get these babies adopted fast!

Maggie’s Meet-n-Greet

Posted on by
5

Oh Boy!  In about an hour Maggie and I will be heading to the home of her prospective new family to meet them.  I had a great chat with the mother after work yesterday and I feel really good about them.  She has tons of experience with dogs like Maggie and really views dogs as family members, just like I do.

FUR 046 edit-(ZF-1860-91697-1-009)I am getting really excited thinking about all of the future dogs that I will be able to help if Maggie does get adopted.  It goes without saying, I will be sad and miss her dearly, but like I said yesterday, this is all part of fostering.  You have to swallow that lump and say goodbye.  You have to see the big picture and realize that by being selfless, and saying goodbye to your beloved foster dog, you will be able to give the gift of your love to so many more and help them the way you’ve helped that foster.  So, this really is the first step in the process, and nothing is set in stone yet, but I’m feeling very hopeful!  I will report back soon, but in the mean time, have a great Saturday!

I’ve Made A Huge Mistake.

Posted on by
31

If you follow TH,PL on Facebook, you already know the news: there is a family interested in adopting my Maggie.  And therein lies the problem.  She was never supposed to be my Maggie.  And at first, she totally was just my foster dog, but somewhere in the last year (A. Whole. Year!) she kind of just, well, wasn’t anymore.  Something changed and I started thinking of her instead of as my foster dog, but as my dog.  Have I made a huge mistake?

IMG_1981

I know a lot of people that foster dogs create some separation between their permanent dogs and their foster dogs.  For some, it’s not allowing them on the couch or bed.  For others, it’s calling them by a different name or not cuddling.  I never created that division though.  Maggie was so scared and timid when I got her that I poured 110% of myself into working with her and making her feel, really feel that she was loved and part of the pack.  I wanted her to feel just the same as my dogs so I could work to overcome her other fears.  And I don’t regret that because she has done damn near a full 180 in the time that I’ve had her.  But for my sanity, should I have?  Have I in fact made a huge mistake?

IMG_2304

After saying goodbye to my first foster, Dash, I wrote this post about how you really can do it.  You can say goodbye to your foster dog that you have grown to love because it is for the greater good, and that is why you foster in the first place.  But now I’m not so sure.  Can I?  Am I strong enough to trust someone else with her?  Ever since I spoke to the family that is interested in Maggie I have felt like I’m going to vomit at any second, had a giant lump in my throat, my heart has been beating faster than a hummingbirds, and I’m pretty sure there has been an invisible elephant sitting on my chest.  Because it feels like they want my dog.  And to make it even worse, they sound perfect.  Yes, that is worse.  Because when I meet them and they are in fact perfect, how am I going to make an excuse to justify saying “no” to them so that I can keep Maggie all to myself?

Maggie

I know that I might be getting a little ahead of myself here.  First the family has to meet Maggie (tentatively scheduled for tomorrow) and they have to like her.  And Maggie has to like them.  And then there will probably be a trial weekend or even week.  And then the final decision would be made.  So there are a lot of things that need to go right before I actually have to make the decision to say goodbye to her, but I’m already dreading it.

Snuggle Monkey

And here’s the thing: I am dreading it more for Maggie than for me.  I know, you might not believe me, because it’s painfully obvious that I love her dearly, but I really am more scared for her than anything.  I know saying goodbye to her is the right thing for me to do, because it would allow me to save so many more and help them the way I’ve helped Maggie.  But I have a paralyzing fear that Maggie will get let down again.  I don’t ever want her to feel, even for one tiny second, scared or alone or confused again.  And if she stays with me, I can guarantee that that won’t happen.  I can guarantee she will always be understood.  I can guarantee she will never be put in a situation that might not set her up for success.  I can guarantee her weird quirks will be adored.  I can guarantee she will be protected.  But I guess I just have to have faith?  Faith that this family will love her as much or even more than I do.  Because isn’t that what it’s all about?  Without trusting adoptive families to treat our fosters as well as we do and just keeping them ourselves, our efforts would essentially come to a screeching halt.  And then what about all the future dogs that need us?

FUR 007-(ZF-1860-91697-1-002)

So, while I have probably in fact made a huge mistake by allowing myself to think of Maggie as my dog, I will swallow that enormous lump, and say goodbye to her if everything goes well.  Because this is why I foster.  So I can take the broken dog and make it whole again.  I can teach them to love and trust.  I can do that so they can complete a new family.  And I can repeat the cycle.

FUR 035-(ZF-1860-91697-1-007)

 

All Dogs Go To Heaven.

Posted on by
14

And there sure are going to be some awesome ones waiting there to greet me.  Just yesterday my friend at Tails of a Foster Mom shared this quote:

“If there is a heaven, it’s certain our animals are to be there. Their lives become so interwoven with our own, it would take more than an archangel to detangle them.” -Pam Brown

Hollie

I am quiet in my faith, not one to get into loud arguments, or nit-pick at interpretations from verses in the Bible, but one thing I stand firm on is my belief that God loves all of his creations equally.  Be it a human, a dog or cat, or a little snail crossing the side walk: God created them, and in my eyes, He loves them.  If you know me well enough, you know that this is why I always choose to root for the underdog.  The “ugly” dog that is missing an eye.  The boy in the lunch room that talks funny and no one will sit next to.  These are the people and creatures I have always sought out and done my best to befriend.  Because, who am I to say that they aren’t beautiful or deserving of love?  God chose to create them that way for a reason.  I may not understand it, but who am I to deny that He placed them here?

I struggle with understanding how God can allow any of His creatures, human and non human alike, to be treated in some of the terrible ways we all know exist.  And why does it always seem to be the most innocent among us that are abused the worst?  Little children that are molested, our elders that are neglected in nursing homes, or dogs like Holly that are starved and denied even basic medical care by the very ones that are supposed to be caring for them.  I will probably never understand how He lets this happen, but what gives me solace in all of these injustices, is the fact that I know, deep in my gut, with all the fibers of my being, that one day they will be happy in Heaven.

Hollie

And when the time comes for me to join them, I have a lot to look forward to.  I’m quite certain that Maddie, the sweet Lab my parents had when I was born, and undoubtedly the reason I am an animal lover today, will be the first to greet me, ready for a game of fetch.  I will never get the image of finding her dead in our pool out of my head, but I know that when she greets me, it will be with a big grin and sloppy kiss, no evidence of her violent end in sight, just happiness.  

And Corky, the first dog I ever really rescued, will come racing up behind her on her short, goofy Basset/Beagle legs.  I found Corky when I was in kindergarten and thanks to her I had my first experience with sh!tty dog owners.  You see, after Corky was impregnated by their giant Bull Mastiff, they decided they didn’t want her anyone.  I told my mom this after taking her on a walk around the neighborhood and meeting her former owners.  Like any good mother would do, mine didn’t believe my story, and marched me right over to their house to find out if I was in fact telling the truth.  Turns out, I was, and they just really didn’t care what happened to her.  She was my best friend and moved all the way from Florida to Nebraska with me.  When she comes to greet me in Heaven, it will be with all the exuberance she had in her younger years.

IMG_0968

And then Sara will come over, after stopping to sniff all the other dogs’ butts along the way, to give me all the kisses I can handle.  I got Sara when I was 13 after hearing through a family friend that her owners decided they “didn’t feel like dealing with her anymore.”  My second experience with just how heartless people can be.  Sara came from a champion bloodline (she was a Brittany Spaniel) and despite the fact that she won Best in Show numerous times, was about as dumb as a door nail.  She was goofy, and weird, and usually not all there, but I loved her nonetheless.  When I was 16 Sarah went downhill fast and my parents told me since she was my dog, it was my decision what to do with her.  I called the vet, loaded her in my car, and took her to be put down.  I felt, and still firmly believe, it was the humane thing to do.  She had lived a good, long life, and I owed it to her to die with a little dignity left.  My dad still talks about watching me pull into the driveway after doing that all by myself and how he had never felt so equally heartbroken but proud at the same time.  Sara too will be restored to her former glory and will surely provide me with an eternity of entertainment.

And these are just a few of the dogs that I know will meet me, right at the gate.  I believe all of the abused, neglected, unwanted, and otherwise wronged creations of God will be right there, with big grins on their faces, because finally they are free.  Scars, both physical and emotional, will disappear and they will be restored to the condition God intended them to be in: happy, safe, and loved, just like they should have been from their first moment on Earth til their last.  And if your beliefs says otherwise, I respect that, but I hope you’re wrong 🙂  Because really, who would want to spend eternity without our beloved family members?

Hollie

Rest In Peace sweet Holly.  When the time is right, we will meet again. Until then, look for Maddie, Corky, Sara and all the other dogs I’ve sent to Heaven.  You’ll be fast friends.