Saturday, January 22, 2011

We owe PBS a thanks


Many thanks to William Brangham and the crew from the PBS Show 'Need to Know' for being real people and telling a real story about real dogs. It was a rainy soggy week when you came to CA, our dogs stamped all kinds of muddy paw prints on you and your subjects were admittedly skeptical about the angle of your story. But you were all-time pros, and your segment on the canine survivors of Vick's abuses was brilliant. Thank you.

Link to open: The Dogs Are Alright

Please let the show producers know if you liked this story: Contact 'Need to Know'

22 comments:

J.M. said...

It was very well done and I just dropped them a line to say thanks.
First and foremost though,thanks to all the rescuers.No story without you guys and those great dogs.

PoochesForPeace said...

It was good. Im glad you gave a heads-up that it would be on!

tdc2283 said...

Thank you for all you do. I sent them a thank you note. It was a great show.

ForPetsSake said...

Definitely agree with this post - thanks for telling the story that needed to be told. It's a true testament to the dogs and the tenacity of their rescuers who stuck it out and gave them a second chance. What a turning point for fighting dogs (hopefully). Well told. Really, truly - thank you for making this piece!

Whitley and Tequila said...

What an awesome show--I had tears as I viewed it! Such a testament to all you and your volunteers do, but more so a testament to the forgiveness, love and acceptance the dogs have shown and continue to show to all around them!

Anonymous said...

I sent them an effusive thank-you note.. it was such a great piece, and presented so well. I was misty-eyed just watching it. :)

Unknown said...

What an awesome segment! I wrote a review of The Lost Dogs and included an embedded video of this segment.
http://dogfoster.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-review-lost-dogs.html

Everyone needs to hear this story. Thanks for all the work that you do!.

alexis. said...

I just saw that this morning, and I long for the day that I'll be able to be an animal parent -- and I will not outrule pit bulls. They're beautiful and I appreciate your blog displaying that. I think PBS did a really nice job on the segment!!!!

TabbyKat said...

i sent a thank you. loved the PBS segment. thank you for advocating for these dogs and not condemning them for what PEOPLE did to them. thank you for giving them their deserved second chance. adopters, BAD RAP, and Best Friends make me not embarrassed to be human. every one of you did right by these dogs.

Anonymous said...

I have been following this story from the beginning and I just have to say how heartwarming the outcome is. Thank you Donna and Tim, your effoerts saved so many dogs and set a new precedent for evaluating fight bust dogs, you are the true heroes!

Donna said...

Thanks for the notes. Every time I think media (and public) interest in the V-dogs is finally fading back into our 'past,' it flares back up again. I'm amazed at the perennial nature of this story. It's been four years!

Christina said...

Thanks for posting a link to the story -- I just sent them a thank you.

The biggest thanks of course, goes to you and all the people who worked so hard to save these pitbulls. Not only did you save these dogs but you saved countless others by changing peoples' perceptions about pitbulls. I'm glad this story still has legs so that people will continue to be informed and inspired by your work and the dogs themselves.

Hilarie said...

Agreed...thoughtful, sensitive job...LOVED the tequila comment, Donna!

Donna said...

... ahhh tequila. In small amounts, it rejuvenates and invites the inner fool to come out and play. Very necessary in this work!

Dianne said...

Loved the segment, I've watched it three times now. Yes, it is surprising how this story won't fade away. I helped host a kid's birthday party at WARL on Sunday and while they were eating cake, the subject of Vick and his dogs arose spontaneously. I was surprised how much they know ("he can get a dog in 2012 if he doesn't screw up") and their opinion ("scumbag" sotto voce around the table).

Heather Cherry said...

I cracked up at the tequila shout-out, too. You guys did us proud. And I've always known Audie was petite, but it was so adorable to see video of him and just appreciate his utter tinyness! It was nice seeing Jim Gorant on there, too. He's my hero. I would daresay with all he's done, what with his "Good News" article, the book, and this segment, he's helping undo some of the damage that awful SI article from the 8o's started.

Little Pup Lodge said...

Any attention you get is wonderful! Although I rescue and rehab tiny dogs, I have enormous respect for anyone who helps pitbulls and their reputation. I actually blogged about you folks a few months ago: http://littlepuplodge.com/137-no-bull.html.
Keep up the good work!

Independent George said...

Nice piece, and thank you for the work you've done. The only thing I didn't like was when they started talking about how "If even PETA thinks the dogs should be put down..."; alas, the truth about that organization just never seems to get out. All things considered, though, that's the least important part of the story, and I'm glad to see the dogs portrayed accurately.

Unknown said...

God-freaking bless you for all that you have done for these dogs and all the other pitties who've been touched by BadRap. We have a pit mix who would never have been in our family without the education of your team. Thank you soooooooooo much and hope to dee you in bully Ed!

Anonymous said...

Thank You for all the useful information! I'm a long time Pitt owner who faces tons of judgement everywhere I take my girl. I live close to Detroit where there is HUGE problem with mistreating and misunderstanding this wonderful breed. I grew up with a great level headed female as a child and now is enjoying my rescued female in my first home. I rescued Cinder in her death date and drove three hours on only a picture and ALOT of emails from a very helpful shelter employee. I think good Pitt owners must understand dogs much better than your normal pet owner. Outstanding, mind changing Pitts need to be shared everywhere. I wish to meet more positive owners in my area, so many people let their dogs act horrible in public. So MANY huge chains and collars too...So sad, I hate it. This breed is a magical Jacks of all trades can be trained to do anything.... Anything at 110% and the power to do it!

Robert said...

I find it disgusting that anyone would take part in this [dogfighting]. I am glad that PBS made this video, and also glad that you guys at Badrap do what you do! Pits are my favourites of all the dog breeds. I can't understand why people always associate pits with being mean and violent. Every pit I've ever met was loyal, playful, friendly, and extremely gentle! Thank you for all the work you do!

Odin's mom said...

I saw this on you tube...super!!! I am so enamored of these true survivors..they won me over in 2 seconds flat...what a great view of this story : )