Thursday, May 6, 2010

Are we here to fight for pit bulls or fight about pit bulls?

Since I started doing the show I have watched as what start out as sometimes 2 sentence status posts that take on a life of there own. It seems like no matter how I try to word things theres always one thing thats certain, I know some are going to take offense and some will disagree. My intent is never to alienate a particular group/individual and I don't engage in personal attacks. Sometimes they are just my opinions and I dont expect everyone to agree. What is upsetting though is the amount of time and energy we spend arguing over topics such as confinement, training methods, breeders or any other number of topics.

Recently I did a show covering the topic of tethering and the push for anti-tethering laws. My opinion and once again its only my opinion I dont think that we need more laws when people cant obey the laws we currently in place in regards to companion animals.I believe stronger penalties for the laws we currently have in place is where we need to focus. I know from personal experience in my area being involved in a case where a convicted hoarder was trying to take in dogs from an out of state rescue and the States attorney point blank told us she would be able to get animals again within 2 years after 2 offences. Now multiple animals were found dead in her house and she can continue to get them and it was also very evident that the attorney nor the judge had much concern when it came to this case. Then theres the case of destiny and Faith who the police called me about and I met at there former owners house where they were locked in a shed behind the house. When we got them out they were covered in feces and urine had multiple open wounds and were extremely malnourished. I took them in because we dont have a pound and I knew the local shelter wouldnt because they are "pit bulls". So that meant either I take them or they would have been put down. I got the case number and followed up on it and was told it hadnt been processed yet call back, this was a month later. I waited another month anticipating the heavy workload of DUI's, possession and domestic violence cases as those seemed to be reoccurring themes on the docket on the days of the hoarder case and was told they would not be pursuing charges. So I basically am taking care of the dogs at my cost with no help from anyone in this backwards town. My faith in justice when it comes to animals is dwindling so my point was how are more laws going to fix this problem, I was of the opinion they werent just more laws for irresponsible owners to break with no penalties.

Lately I have been having issues with one of the dogs in my care and what has previously worked for all the other dogs wasnt working and I was finding myself frustrated and helpless. Some suggested that I had done all I could for her and that maybe it was time to make a difficult decision. I reached out to a guy I had met at a charity rescue function and asked for his help and on Monday I made the 2 hour drive with Lillian. Lilly was becoming more reactive to dogs on the leash and also to the other dogs in the house. now I know full well what I have in owning APBT's I dont consider my self an expert but I have had a few years around them, my first one was in 1985. I took her there and he not only helped her but he helped me Lilly wasnt the only one at fault I was a s well and he showed me ways to become a better owner and develop a better bond with lilly. I came home posted a simple status something to the effect went greatLlilly did well Jeff is the man well it wasnt long before people began speculating on what was done and how it was done and it evolved into alpha and pure positive all over a 2 sentence statement. Now I have no problem with debate and thought wow this really sparked some interest maybe it would make a good show topic. Well that was yesterday and about 137 comments later it once again took on a life of its own and the arguing began then it turned personal and people were being sarcastic making rude comments. Once again t got me to thinking how counter productive it all is which i pointed out a few times or at lest attempted to on my own post but people were so caught up in trying to one up each other with opinions.

Ii think we are losing sight of our goal, arent we? The vast majority of people who are friends here on facebook are 'pit bull" owners or are at the very least dog lovers. I know this because I had alot of high school classmates admit to deleting me due to my repeated posts in regards to APBT's, so its mostly dog people with a smattering of non dog people. Does anyone wonder what the non dog people and the non APBT people think when they see us consistently arguing about this topic or that topic at all times no matter what it is? Do we look strong and united or do we look disorganized and weak? We have multi million dollar organizations who would love to see us no longer have companion animals and never mind all the APBT haters and the constant barrage of mythical media and negative portrayal and yet we continue to fight despite the fact that each and every one of us LOVE our dogs! Right or wrong? How can we ever get anything done as a community when we cant come together as one? Ever hear the saying your only as strong as your weakest link? Fighting because you do this and I do that is ridiculous and immensely counter productive and anyone who wishes to debate that topic feel free to contact me. We dont all drive the same car, eat the same food, shop at the same store so to think we are going to agree on all topics is ludicrous and arguing, well I think everyone knows where I stand on that by now. I do though like stated think we all love our dogs and the breed and want no harm to come to them nor do we want more prejudice.

Until we can come together to form a stronger front we will never gain any ground in this uphill battle. so before you jump down someones throat about how they train there dog or confine, if they are concerned for the utmost safety and health of that dog then we need to work together. We owe it to the dogs.

3 comments:

  1. Are you here for the dogs or what you can get out of them? Dan I'm starting to see you for what you really are man... I'm not the best but I don't have A big ass birthday partys and beg for people to pay my vet bills... and your going on anamil plantet (sp) Yeah right!!!! they'll laugh your ass off there just as they would me man drt a life Man and quit living in a dream world with these dogs, To mant MFs trying to make money off them now!!!!!!!

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  2. I dont think my wife having a party for me for my birthday is really any of your business, and it was pretty low of you to post all the vulgar stuff you did on her facebook Marty. She has never done anything to you has she? You say you do alot for the breed, but what exactly is it that you do? Besides hang around Craven Desires all day, now your working for them? Wow never thought I would see the day you sold your soul to Craven.

    Continue to slander me, but in the end Marty what are you hoping to accomplish?

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  3. Pit bull haters are evil that way. I have a statistic for you. Lets see if we can get horses banned. I'm not going to be the only one to lose my baby over idiots! The numbers speak for themselves. This is probably hands down the most dangerous pet in America. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_people_killed_by_horses_every_year_in_US

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