Dogs On Thursday

"Michael Vick was a dogfighter. He paid for it, he bet on it, he participated in the training, fighting, and killing of dogs with his own two hands." -The Lost Dogs

I've listened to people say "everyone deserves another chance" and "he's done a lot of good since then" and "he's doing so well in football and trying so hard to get his reputation back" and "it was what he grew up with" and "he talks about being humane and making good choices now". I've listened and hoped that he's changed.

But maybe his second chance should have been at McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts. No offense to the people who work there, I'm just saying that his second chance, if any, should not have been being paid millions and in the position of a "roll model". And really how much good has he done that he couldn't have done before? Would he still be fighting dogs if he didn't get caught? Oh yea, he already answered that for us - he said he would! The rescues who took on his severely broken dogs still haven't seen a good chunk of the money promised them either. "Doing good" might be NOT taking money for speeches and giving it to the dogs! The football thing just makes my stomach roll too - of course he's good, you assholes - he has to be! I mean, if he were one of his dogs, he probably would have been killed by now. What he grew up with? What's in his blood? Oh, that's awful! He was a professional athlete - he was exposed to many different -better and more humane- hobbies that he could have taken up! What I wouldn't give to take up vacationing or buying awesome real estate all over (of course, my money would probably go to helping animals and land preservation, but whatever...). Oh, and his lectures and speaking which he should be "commended for" ... um why doesn't he answer questions? Why are his "talks" on humanity scripted for him?

"As that dog lay on the ground fighting for air, Quanis Phillips grabbed its front legs and Michael Vick grabbed its hind legs. They swung the dog over their head like a jump rope then slammed it to the ground. The first impact didn’t kill it. So Phillips and Vick slammed it again. The two men kept at it, alternating back and forth, pounding the creature against the ground, until at last, the little red dog was dead." --The Lost Dogs

I digress! I came across a video the other day while reading an article about Vick. He was apparently given a key to the city of Dallas and the mayor was requesting it back, saying the honor and ceremony were not okayed or to be honored since he did not approve it (he kindly said Michael Vick did not fit the criteria - like a very positive, international diplomat). The video was at the very bottom from someone who had been at the Dallas gathering. Honestly, I thought the video was more important and news worthy than the article about Vick possibly being insulted. However, I guess the editor of the Philly-area news wouldn't ok with the idea of focusing on this and not the fact Vick might have his poor feelings hurt (kudos to whoever put this video in though).

Here's the point of my post and all I think I really need to shut all those "second chance" people up. This is Michael Vick below just months ago and it chilled my bones...

Tea Tuesday

cuteness, tea, tattoos, sweetness, hand holding ... there are some great things going on in this photo

Are you happier when you kick back and relax or kick up your heels and see what's out in the world? Well, it's Tuesday, you know what I want to be doing - being lazy with tea! However, I can't say in general that I'm one or the other of these options. I like to think I'm a bit of both. I love my relaxing moments, but I love my time out dancing with my ladies or romping around taking pictures on the farm.

Book quote: "On the way home, Jonny paused in front of the school, checking out the stairs that led up to the front door. It was only a few days earlier that they'd stood as an insurmountable obstacle. Now they didn't seem so scary. A moment later Jonny was pulling Cohen up the steps. If he was Scooby Doo at times -a flushing toilet had sent him scrambling earlier that day- he was Rocky Balboa now." -The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick's Dogs And Their Tale Of Rescue and Redemption

Tea Tuesday - all the good we do won't get done if we're not around. So, take a minute to relax with me at some point. :)

Rules for Tea Tuesday are quite simple - there is a cute tea picture, a question you can answer (like I will be doing) and a quote from my current read. Participate at whatever level you wish to from reading a post, commenting on several posts or adding your own link.

Tea Tuesday

- brew a cup
- take a sip
(- swallow that sip)
- inhale one good, cleansing breath

Consider me silly, but I've been known to believe (and say) that band-aids, tea and/or hugs are the cure-all for almost everything. Due to my love and the busy-ness of life between working for a non-profit, my dad's condition, living with family and the general stress of all this, this is my weekly reminder that I need to occasionally unwind and relax with one of my own cures for all sorts of woes - tea. Oh, feel free to post about any moment to yourself. I mean, coffee & hot chocolate lovers are welcomed as well, of course ;) Along with the people that pick up a book for a moment, snap a picture that just makes them smile or arrange the flowers on their table just to breathe them in.

This particular Tuesday is a beautiful day, so my dad is outside wandering around. I brewed a mix of loose black tea my friend purchased for me recently and put it over ice. I'm going to enjoy it iced while I can because soon enough it's going to be nothing but frigid all the time! There are days on and off even now where it's sweater and hot tea weather.

"He escorted Merck around the Bad Newz compound. she noticed things others had not." - Jim Gorant's The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick's Dogs And Their Tale Of Rescue And Redemption
While I am taking most of this time to myself to catch up on blog posts, I'm reading too. I have several books going right now, but this is the one I keep picking up the most.

Tea Tuesday is reminder to you too, my friends and wanderers that found your way here. Remember that all the good you do won't get done if you're not around. So, take a minute to relax with me at some point today.

Dogs On Thursday

It's been awhile, but I've got an appropriate "Dogs on Thursday" post. An article was recently posted that a friend of mine shared with her friends, including me and my friend Joyce. The article is here: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=dw-vickdogs092110

"If Vick paid his debt to society (as he did, even becoming a Humane Society lecturer)" - I honestly couldn't read past that without getting angry. The entire article is twisted and awful. The dogs were saved thanks to the many people out there that know pits are good dogs, who believe that these pits bulls were not just fighting dogs, but individual animals deserving a chance.

I can't say if Vick's remorseful, but I can say that Vick had nothing to do with the rescue of those dogs!

Joyce responded best though: Well I had to reply. For this reporter to imply that {Vick} paid money to rehab his ex dogs is ridiculous. Faith at {Best Friends}("BF") told me that when {Vick} was initially released, his PR team called BF and asked if they would support his rehab. BF asked what would he be willing to help his ex dogs. Vicks PR team ended the conversation quickly and hung up. Where is the 1 million dollars that was noted in this article!? Here is my response to the reporter:

"Hi Dan,

I just read your article on Vick and his ex-dogs. You stated "Perhaps most remarkably, if it wasn’t for the high-profile nature of the Vick case and the quarterback’s ability to pay for their postrescue care (Vick reportedly spent a court-mandated $1 million on it), each of the dogs would’ve been destroyed." Would you please verify this statement? I am a big supporter of Best Friends Animal who received 23 of his ex dogs. http://www.bestfriends.org/ . I travel out there yearly to volunteer and know the founders personally. They have not received a dime to care for the Vick dogs from him. They have received money for their care from supporters like myself. So please tell me who received any money? ...

Also many say he was convicted of animal abuse, he was not, he was convicted of gambling and participating in dog fighting. He was not charged with animal abuse which he should have been on many many counts"

Coincidentally, a new book is being released (CHECK IT OUT!!! - The Lost Dogs), but somehow I think this article of lies, no matter how many responses like Joyce's there may be, is going to outshadow this book and these dogs (a lot can be seen here) that should be celebrated. Not stupid Vick. To prove my point? The top news in my area recently following this article has been the announcement of a new quarterback for our local team ... they named him - Vick! Sadly, this proves that some time, unverified "facts"(more like illegitimate excuses) and a handful of talent can allow you get away do anything. "You've gotta back a winner" one fan said. Awful...

I hope this inspires you in some way - whether it's to shake your head, pet the next dog you see that needs some love (even the most spoiled does) or consider pit bulls as better dogs, respond to this article of lies or adopt a dog ... I hope, if nothing else, it makes you think of the injustice.

Continued Discussion

This morning, I posted a note on Facebook and wanted to continue the discussion here. It was just going to be too long, too detailed. Feel free to comment here.

I absolutely loved SHARE’s coordinator’s status earlier this AM ... but it was so long, I needed to open it further to read it. When I got the urge to share it, I decided to write a note on Facebook. For those that come across it, enjoy, and I hope you all think twice when cheering on the Eagles. I know they're "our team", but they've embraced someone atrocious and the individuals absolutely represent the whole. Had he worked at McDonald's or Lowe's or been an expert on coffee blends at Starbucks, he'd never have gotten his job back ... but because he plays ball well, forgive & forget??? Anyway, anyway, here's what SHARE’s coordinator’s had posted earlier...

NFL pre-game shows feature 'good' Michael Vick - SHARE’s coordinator’s status on Facebook this AM: "Thank you for this well-written explanation of the Michael Vick phenomenon. The media is writing off the animal advocates as a bunch of crazies who don't believe in second chances. They're ignoring the crimes that Vick committed and support...ing the abuser and murderer who laughed when he tortured and killed his dogs. There are only a few in the media who get it - Dr. Phil said that Vick is psychopathic and needs to be watched carefully. The anger against Vick isn't just about the harm he did , it's about his enjoyment of pain. Stallworth did not set out to cause a death with his drunken driving. But Vick did intend to cause extreme violence, and the dogs who didn't measure up to his lust for blood were punished with more extreme violence. Animals die for many reasons. So do people. But when they die because someone enjoys watching them die, our outrage is not only justified, it is essential."

My friend wrote in response: "I've joked about this but I now feel the need for an honest and serious response as several of these articles are attacking the people who support Michael Vick playing in the NFL.

What most of these animal supporters either don't realize or choose to ignore is the fact that they are placing their idea of morality on a pedestal above all others. They think killing dogs is wrong and so should everyone else. This is at the very least illogical and when used in certain fashions can be downright insulting.

Don't get me wrong. I understand that for society to function properly there needs to be a general sense of right and wrong based on majority. This is fine, and this is what laws are for. Michael Vick, however, has served his time based on the laws that stood when he committed his crime and is now free to go back into society, just as child molesters and embezzlers do the same. Whether the punishments for his crimes should be increased or not is of course up to debate, but please refrain from attacking those who continue to be entertained by a football team that contains a felon who has served his time. ~ Having re-read this I think I owe it to myself to make it clear that I do not encourage the murdering of dogs and would never engage in the act personally. Just remember this: It is not logically sound to consider another person "worse" than you or "below" you because they do not hold the same ideas of morality that you do."

Here’s my desired response, which I just found to be too detailed…

"Though boys throw stones at frogs in sport, the frogs do not die in sport, but in earnest." -Bion

It is one thing to hold different opinions or "morals" and it is quite another to have NONE. That quote is preposterous in this situation as Vick has no morals (which he proved). The people cheering him on are being ignorant to a gigantic problem. Years and years of paying for and participating in dog fighting, abusing countless animals and mercilessly torturing, maiming and killing dogs through unspeakable means and training dogs to be monsters, meticulously over-breeding dogs and taking part in watching the violent act of dog fighting are not things several months in jail fixes. There are serious, PROVEN psychological issues, if not a serious aggression problem and complete lack of a concept of humanity in general - I believe psychopath might be a reasonable, predictable term.

"Dennis Rader, the BTK killer in Wichita, KS, killed at least 10 people. He abused and killed animals for practice prior to killing people." (source)

"Ted Bundy, David Berkowitz and Jeffrey Dahmer have more in common than just being serial killers. These three murderers are also connected by the fact that each of them tortured and/or killed animals during their childhoods." (source)

"Albert Disalvo (better known as the Boston Strangler) used to trap dogs and cats as a child and then shoot them with arrows." (source)

"Patrick Sherrill, who killed 14 coworkers at a post office and then shot himself, had a history of stealing local pets and allowing his own dog to attack and mutilate them." (source)

"One study found half of the youths involved in carrying out the nine school shootings that occurred between 1996 and 1999 had a known history of abusing animals." (source)

"Carroll Edward Cole, executed for five of the 35 murders of which he was accused, said his first act of violence as a child was to strangle a puppy." (source)

"Edward Emil Kemper lll was convicted of killing eight women, one of which was his own mother. When he was thirteen yrs. old he would kill neighborhood cats and put their heads on poles. Kemper killed his own cat, decapitated it and then cut it into small pieces. This is the same thing he did to his own mother!" (source)

"Sixty percent of more than 50 New Jersey families being treated for child abuse also had animals in the home who had been abused." (source)

A study in Australia … found that those convicted of abusing animals later had very high rates of reoffending in other ways. Eight percent were subsequently convicted of arson, 17 percent of sex offenses, and 61.5 percent of violent offenses against people." (source)

"A study done by North Eastern University and the Massachusetts SPCA found that people who abuse animals are five times more likely to abuse humans than people who do not." (source)

"Albert Schweitzer said it best when the wrote that "Anyone who has accustomed himself to regard the life of any living creature as worthless is in danger of arriving also at the idea of worthless human lives"." (source)

"Acts of cruelty to animals are not mere indications of a minor personality flaw in the abuser; they are symptomatic of a deep mental disturbance." (source)

"Schools, parents, communities, and courts that shrug off cruelty to animals as a “minor” crime are ignoring a time bomb. Instead, courts should aggressively penalize animal abusers, examine families for other signs of violence, and order perpetrators to undergo psychological evaluations and counseling." (source)

"Domestic animals are the only friend some people may have. Pets protect and guard families. They provide independent living for many disabled people who otherwise would be institutionalized or totally dependent on their family or friends. Dogs tirelessly serve disaster sites for signs of human life, they work with firefighters and police to save lives as well as search for drugs, bombs and other types of dangerous materials. Throughout history, there are stories about animals who have saved the life of their owners. They bring comfort and laughter to children adults and the elderly both at home and in hospitals, hospices, and homes for the elderly. Studies prove that people who own pets are healthier, have lower blood pressure, and live longer than those who don’t. Pets ask little in return for their loyalty and love – just food, water and affection. These are reasons enough to investigate, arrest and prosecute those who abuse, torture and kill animals. However, the recognized link between those who abuse animals and go on to commit violent and heinous crimes against people further heightens the need to investigate and prosecute these crimes" (source)

"Communities must recognize that abuse to any living individual is unacceptable and endangers everyone." (source)

I'm not comparing Vick to these listed names or examples, nor do I ever think he'll escalate (he does have eyes on him now). However, the fact remains that people are entitled to their own opinion and some people are ABSOLUTELY going to continue to be upset by others’ proven ignorance – ignorance of what he truly did, ignorance of the potential danger he is, ignorance of the special treatment he’s gotten (the lack of required psychiatric treatment, being allowed to play football again and get that type of paycheck, being represented for a “so called” animal advocacy group, etc) and ignorance of the example we’re all setting by allowing him to be a moral example/athletic celebrity. The drive to hate anyone (Vick, the Eagles or their fans) is not an intention; some people simply want others to open their eyes.

"Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel. He is the only one that inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it." -Mark Twain

Best Friends article

At the top of this page, two young people are seen clinging to each other amid the horror of the bombing of two pet markets in Baghdad.

At the bottom of the page, a young man relaxes on a dog bed with a snoozing pit bull curled up on his chest.

One headline speaks of carnage, the other of kindness.

It was the front page of the New York Times on February 2, and both are stories were about animals.

In one, we learned that the pet markets of Baghdad are good terrorist targets because families go there for a little relief from the misery of a seemingly endless war. (Full disclosure: The pet markets are not much fun for the "pets.")

And in the other, we were introduced to the four-footed victims of football star Michael Vick and his friends, whose idea of pleasure was making innocent creatures tear each other apart.

The young man in the bottom photo is John Garcia, one of the people here at Best Friends who are helping these same dogs build a new life. He'd probably want you to know that snoozing with the dogs is only a small part of his work! But it's an important part. At first, many of the dogs were terrified of people. Georgia, who'd been used for forced breeding, kept barking at her doghouse and rubbing her nose raw. Oscar would cower at the back of his play area. Cherry had burns on his back and was so scared of being on a leash, he had to be carried outdoors at walk time.

The healing of the dogs at Best Friends will take time, as will the healing of the people in Baghdad story - the civilians, soldiers and animals whose bodies, minds and lives have been shattered by the traumatic violence they experience every day.

But for Georgia, Oscar, Cherry and the other "Vicktory" dogs, 22 in all here at the sanctuary, the healing has at least begun.

It's worth noting, though, that they almost didn't make it to Best Friends. Two of the largest national humane organizations publicly called for them to be killed. No doubt, these very public leaders thought they were doing the right thing, but here are are, yet again, having to combat the humane establishment's belief that the best way to help animals is by killing more of them.

For those of us who began Best Friends, more than 20 years ago, our starting point was that killing the animals was simply not an option.

Back then, the animals we rescued included cats like Benton, who was missing an eye and had a club foot, and dogs like Victor, an old mutt rescued from life on a heavy chain at a run-down trailer park.

At a time when more than 17 million homeless pets were being killed at shelter every year, Benton and Victor were the "unadoptables" of their day. And the received wisdom of the humane establishment was that the upstart no-kill movement was a passing fad - the foolish idealism of a new generation of grassroots rescuers with little experience of the "real" world.

Today, homeless animals like Benton and Victor are a breeze to place in good new homes, and fewer than four million homeless animals are now being killed in shelters each year. The spay/neuter and adoption programs that were beginning to be put in place 20 years ago have worked miracles.

But there are still those remaining four million dogs and cats.

With millions of abandoned pit bulls being dumped at big-city shelters, many of them comes from the same background and culture as Georgia, Oscar and Cherry.

(The next largest number are cats. Some are alley cats, others are homeless pets. And it can be difficult to tell the difference. Both are terrified, cringing at the back of their cages, and lashing out at the people who have "captured" them. So the easy, accepted and most promoted solution is just to kill them all.)

This "next generation" of shelter animals is as much of a challenge today as the likes of Benton and Victor were 20 years ago. And in spite of all the progress, we are yet again hearing the same chorus of impossibility from the humane establishment that we heard back then. And yet again, they're missing the point.

No-kill is not some idealistic, futuristic goal. It's not what happens at the end of the campaign. It's where we have to start. It's how we begin.

And it's not that stopping the killing is a better way.

It's that stopping the killing is the only way.

That's because it's only when you take killing off the table as a way of "helping" the animals that you really start looking for new ways that are truly going to work.

And that's why any organization that claims a leadership role in the humane movement has to take that position, once and for all. It's up to the leaders to find the solutions - to be real agents of change, to open the way to a new generation of animal protection.

Here at Best Friends, with a group of dogs rescued from the deep trauma of sadism and murder, destroying them is not an option. So, rehabilitation, healing and redemption have to take its place. As a result, we're already learning how to diagnose and treat animals suffering from serious neglect and abuse in ways that will benefit animals in shelters everywhere.

As long as the humane establishment accepts killing as a solution, there will never be a solution. And the sooner they take killing off the table, once and for all, the sooner shelters will adopt the real solutions.

The same applies in all areas of life. As soon as we make it unacceptable to experiment on animals as a way of finding better medicines, the sooner we'll find truly better medicines. The sooner we close down factory farms, the sooner we'll find better, healthier ways of feeding ourselves (and saving the planet).

And the sooner we take killing off the table as a means of relating to people whom we don't like, the sooner we'll bring an end to war as a way of bringing about peace.

Sure, terrorists need to learn that strapping bombs to women and sending them into pet markets is never going to accomplish their supposedly spiritual goals. But even those of us who lay claim to the word "humane" need to understand that it's up to us to take the lead, set the agenda and, once and for all, stop the killing ourselves.

You can help bring an end to the killing of homeless animals by joining the Best Friends Network at network.bestfriends.org