How to help people make good decisions for their pets (like, voluntary spay/neuter surgeries) without being a hateful, discriminating asshole (as in, breed specific mandatory spay/neuter measures).
August Shots Fair SLIDESHOW
Above: This shots fair client arrived three hours early to ensure that her tiny puppy would get the resources offered to pit bull owners in her struggling East Oakland neighborhood. Contra Costa and Santa Clara Counties want to punish her for owning this dog, and are looking into breed specific measures (mandatory spay/neuter) to do that. We see things differently. To decrease euthanasia rates and curb irresponsible ownership, we need proactive, cost effective solutions that embrace the human-animal bond rather than tear it down.
With many thanks to the American Bar Association (ABA) and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) for sending members to help us with the 'Celebrate Your Pit Bull" event last Saturday.
17 comments:
That is the cutest puppy that the world has ever seen!
I agree. Absolutely adorable!!
She loves her puppy, Que No?
This is an awesome Photo....
Adorable picture, you can tell she loves her little baby ! So cute !
Donna -- great photos -- and a great example of how helping people to become better pet owners is always preferrable to trying to punish them into being better pet owners.
You all do great work...and this is the type of thing that should be recreated elsewhere....
Thank you Brent. This really is the most important work we can do to create lasting change in our communities.
We're building a 'how to' guide and will do our best to support anyone who wants to do similar events in their town. Tim will be promoting this work in a presentation upcoming ASPCA Spay/Neuter Summit in September.
Washington Animal Rescue League has been doing once-a-month free sp/euter and shots clinics. Debbie has a nice write-up on her blog for kids:
http://warlkids.blogspot.com/2010/08/doing-right-thing.html
And, last month the America's Dog promotion resulted in homes for a dozen bullies (pits and bulldogs). You are doing great work and leading by example.
This is an amazing event and a great example of how we as a nation can come together and make things happen. Every community needs something like this. I know mine does.
The expression on that owner's face tells me everything I need to know. Love is a picture.
What a beautiful photograph. I hope the lady sees it. Such love...it warms my heart.
Thank you for your work.
2 words popped into my head immediately when I looked at this lady`s face...pride and love.What a great program.
This pictures is full of beauty & love. How lovely!
I have always thought we were losing out on HUGE opportunities in the AW world by vilifying breeders (or just people that don't alter their pets, show people, etc) instead of working with them. You are breaking new ground and I'm sure you'll have your critics on this one. The pictures should speak for themselves. I just can't put into words how much I support what you're doing here and what a difference its going to make for dogs and their owners.
Thanks for the good vibes and support Michelle.
Critics? ... They're the caffeine in our coffee.
ABA and ADBA helpers,
I hope you realize how much YOUR 'showing-up' means to the BADRAP 'regulars'. The critics might be the caffine - but you're the sweet milk that clears the bitterness away. I'm wondering if you got the coaching from Donna "... just don't get bit."
Donna,
Your ABA and ADBA volunteers probably got a dose of life changing energy by participating with your program. Both sides of the line are inspiring, not to mention the Celebraties (Pibbles).
I say if you can't join'em, still beat'em, like WARL, by looking for more ways to support our local town's alternative & educational efforts.
Boris' OEL (O-ther E-nd of the L-eash)
I hope someone was able to follow up with the young boy and his dog after you ran out of supplies? Everyone, especially kids, need support and encouragement to take proper care of their pets. I'm so glad he got there!
Thank you for all you do for these wonderful owners and their pups.
Every day I read this to the Same effect, tears...it's the love I see in the faces. I hope you helped the child when you ran out of supplies.
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