Thank this man. Sheriff Thomas Dart of the Cook County Sheriff's Department was good enough to champion for the cause of getting a pit bull onto the force to help his officers do their job. This week, he helped introduce 'Elliot' to the country as Chicagoland's first ever dog trained to locate cadeavers. Many saw this wonderful news piece, but here it is again: Canine cops help police.
“So many people have misconceptions about pit bulls and similar dogs and because of that, many never get adopted from shelters,” Dart said. “Many of these dogs, like Elliott, can be saved and worked with to lead happy, healthy, productive lives.” - Sheriff Dart
Elliot's human partner Deb Thedos is smitten and calls herself "Elliot's driver." We met Deb when she came to visit us back in the spring, during a wide search for a fitting police dog. As luck would have it, their Best Boy was back home in Illinois (natch!) We're woofing happy 'HUZZAHs!' and sending virtual high fives to Chicago's sheriffs today. Good on you!
Send thanks:
Sheriff Thomas Dart, Cook County Sheriff’s Office
50 W. Washington, Chicago, Illinois 60602 sheriff@cookcountysheriff.org
HUZZAH! from Nevada. What awesome news.
ReplyDeleteYep, saw this already but I sure don't mind seeing it again. Let's hope Elliot is the first of many in a new wave of Pits as working dogs. :)
ReplyDeleteHey! This is the same sheriff who made the news headlines a few months back for refusing to evict innocent renters from foreclosed properties! Not only does he protect victims of the mortgage meltdown... it appears he protects our beloved breed as well. I'm thinkin' I LIKE this guy ... ;-) You betcha!
ReplyDeleteP.S.
ReplyDeleteTOM DART FOR GOVERNOR!
Pit Bulls are dogs who love a purpose. Whether that is to take care of their families or take bad guys off the streets. This is why in history, they've always had a job. Of course my buddy's 'job' is to find his treats in the shortest possible order! :) Then find his cat.
ReplyDeleteKudos to Sheriff Cook. I hope that others take his lead.
Amen 2beemo.. I hear ya there. As a life long Chicagoan and proud pitbull owner, I am proud to hear that the Sheriff is spreading the good word of the lovely pit. I also heard through the grapefine that the Chicago Police Department is working on a dogfighting task force. Hopefully good things to come!!!!
ReplyDeleteAs a former Chicagoan (lived there 8 years), I'm super proud too! You have quite a few good guys stepping up for the dogs these days. Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteI hope Sheriff Dart and Deb Thedos get a big bouquet of red roses or similar!
I think all of us with pitbulls or pit mixes should send a Valentine from our dogs to Sheriff Dart.
ReplyDeleteWow! Between this - (and yes, that is the same sheriff) - and the pit bull acadmemy you linked us to last year, Donna, my home town, (birth to 30 years), is looking very good.
And whoever suggested Dart for Governor - YEAH!
Jean in Seaside, and Miss AriMarie, the PitMix
Valentines - nice! And don't forget the Bully Buddies program at Chicago's Anti-Cruelty Society.
ReplyDeleteAdvocacy work can be a lonely place to be, but a little support really goes a long way towards strengthening someone's resolve and helping them weather the storms.
"Loving and friendly, these traits keep most pit bulls from being good police dogs."
ReplyDeleteHow freakin' cute is that?!?!
Thanks, Donna. We'll do the Anti-Cruelty Society Bully Buddies as well. We can send pictures of our bad pittie selves!
ReplyDeleteAnother good guy wants to give Pit Bulls the chance that they deserve in Indianapolis
ReplyDelete[quote]"I really want to give every dog the last possible chance I can," said Douglas Rae, who took over Animal Care and Control last month.[/quote]
http://www.indystar.com/article/20090201/LOCAL18/902010367/1195/LOCAL18
"The main problem with pit bulls is that they're too darn nice..."
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful is that? (Both the quote and the "problem".)
GREAT story, wish these sentiments were more widespread across the country...
ReplyDeleteWOO!!! :)
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