Promoting our dogs

On Sunday, the Lions Foundation of Canada is putting on the Purina Walk For Dog Guides. Shasta and I have sponsors and are walking, as it invites people of all ages and friendly dogs on leashes to attend. Matter of fact, there are several of us, that I know of bringing their pitties. It's definitely a great cause, but also a good time to show the public that our dogs are not like those they have stereo-typed in their minds due to the bad press.
It seems in all I do, I do for the right reasons, but also with an alterior motive, which is promoting a positive image with Shasta, to show that the pit bulls you hear about in the media, are NOT owned by responsible owners. The more we get the word out and people see with their own eyes, the better hope we have of repairing the nasty reputations of the pit bull breeds. An aweful lot of people need to see proof with their own eyes, rather than listening to responsible owners talk. I know Shasta will live up to her natural self and draw positive attention to herself as she always does. She just has that type of personality that warms her Mommy's heart and melts the hearts of strangers. Often I wonder, why am I so lucky to have gotten such a sweetheart like her?!
The bonus part of participating in this walk is that I will be able to talk to people that train the dogs for the disabled and the hearing and visually impaired. It's as if this walk came right at the right time as these are the questions I have been seeking questions to, having Shasta certified as my Service dog. It's like everything that is happening is coming together all at the same time. I don't know what it takes to qualify, nor if Shasta and I can even get that certification, but hopefully we will. I don't want to get too excited and then be distraught if things don't work out, just like with the St. Johns Ambulance Therapy Dog Program once Bill 132 was first announced and we were told no Pit bulls allowed in the program anymore. That was heart breaking as I really wanted to share the gift Shasta had brought to me with the seniors and sick kids.
You may have remembered me posting a blog way back about me being asked by my property manager to bring Shasta to the office more frequently as she had a big fear of dogs and was hoping to face her fears. While the media was rip roaring with Pit bull attacks, St. Johns telling me no more Pit bulls and how ironic it was for someone with a fear of dogs to approach me asking me to bring in Shasta. But, it all paid off as now she thinks nothing of coming towards Shasta to give her, her pats and yesterday she was all excited telling me she got herself a little puppy. What a HUGE accomplishment!!!
Shasta has eliminated to many people the fear of Pit bulls. Through her and me talking and educating people, many are realising that it isn't bad dogs that are the problem, but bad owners. I tell them that Shasta, although very special to me, is very typical of the pittie breeds. They will go out of their way to be lovable, comical and definitely loyal just to be praised for their behaviour and knowing they are pleasing you. Their greatest reward is having your love returned to them, and that's what people need to see to realise that the true nature of the pittie breeds is to feel loved. A loved dog does not promote fear.
As responsible owners, we need to educate the public as often as possible and if we all work together, eventually we can break the stigmatism attatched to our dogs.

How To Clean Your Toilet - The Fun Way

How To Clean Your Toilet - The Fun Way

1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.

2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.

3. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids. You may need to stand on the lid.

4. The cat will self agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this.

5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a "power-wash" and rinse".

6. Have someone open the front door of your home. Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.

7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift both lids.

8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, and run outside where he will dry himself off.

9. Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean.

Sincerely,
The Dog

credit for this joke

HOPEFULLY WAITING!

It wasn't long ago, it might have been at the Bow Wow Pow Wow or it could have been mentioned at City Hall, but because of my speech and we saying that not only is Shasta my loving pet, loyal companion, but also my Service and Therapy dog to help me with things related to my health problems and disabilities, that without her help, I would not be able to have some of the independance that I have. I also wrote some of the things that we have thought up to do to help me out in these ways.
Well, someone suggested that I should get her certified as my Service dog since she is already playing that role in my life.
Never did I once think of that before and the more I thought about it the more it made sence. After all, who better knows me than Shasta and wants to please me so much that when it's work time, she gets all excited and I enjoy having her by my side.
They probably could suggest other things in which she could be of assistance to me too, that I've never thought of. This could mean even more freedom for me as they allow Service dogs on the bus (another of my big phobia's) and even in stores (so I wouldn't have to try to lug everything outside to her first).
She already pulls all my heavy groceries home for me and takes the garbage to the big bins with a sled. She wakes me if someone is at the door when I'm sleeping and don't hear the knocking. If I had some sort of cart, she could help me with groceries in the summer too.
I'm sure they must have special harnesses in which to pull these things as I only put on a normal harness and attach an extra leash to it, but with proper equipement, it would be so much easier on her.
There are so many other needs I would require, but because the trainers are familiar with people with disabilities, I'm sure these things are already known to them.
On another positive note, because these are Service dogs, they are exempt from licensing fees and many of the other 'normal' fees. All this is news to me and if this is at all possible...what a dream come true!
Someone told me that would exempt her from having to wear a muzzle too, as how can she help if she were to wear a muzzle with some things?!
She watches me as we walk as at times I do not hear a roller blader behind me and she skiddles me over to the side of the sidewalk. I've learn to trust her even if I'm not sure at the time why.
This could be such a God sent if this works out. As yet, there is no mention that pit bulls can not be Service dogs and not sure what the new law says about it, but basically, she has grown with me and my needs for nearly 3 years. Who best to know me but her.
I've requested more information into this and now awaiting that info from a few different trainers. If anyone that reads this and is from around the London area, you can contact me through my email address no1conners@yahoo.ca. Make sure you put SERVICE DOG in the heading incase it goes into my junk mail. Also if you have any knowledge about any of the information, I'd like to hear about that too.
I am unable to drive a car (due to confusion and panic attacks, plus I sometimes have problems with cognative thinking, so I assume this training would have to take place at my home.
I hope this works out for me and I'm trying not to get prematurely excited, but must admit I already am. This could be a chance in a lifetime for both Shasta and me. I already know she is perfect for the job from what I already have her doing and she LOVES me putting her to work.
Now I wait again...but this I wait on is so exciting that I just had to tell anyone who reads my blog as I'm too excited to keep this in and wait to tell once we get accepted or rejected. Prayer, fingers crossed and whatever else you do is most welcome.

No Meeting! They are keeping us at bay...

Today was suppose to be the meeting at City Hall to find out how the Sept. 12th meeting changed or dropped anything from the bylaw. But it seems that our waiting for the day was all in vain. Todays meeting did not take place as this item has been deferred to the October 17, 2005 meeting of ETC when staff will report back on answers to questions raised at the September 12th meeting. So we still sit and wait!
I should be happy that these bylaws didn't pass as of Sept. 19th as was expected, but the wait and not knowing takes away any joy of the delay.
Did we or did we not get through to them?
I believe we did, but if this goes provincially, our voices will be lost to the effect that one city in the province put into it. The province didn't hear the emotions and see the faces of the speakers as they poured out everything we had to offer. It was with all our questions, our facts and our heart felt feelings that made this meeting what it was. We were fighting for our lives and the lives of the dogs with our presentations and speeches. We knew we only had one chance and this was it. We fought with everything in us.
That was the purpose of our Bow Wow Pow Wow, to get out all the facts and our speeches not repeating one another. Every speech was different from all the rest. One used enhansed computer pictures on the wall, showing not only cute pictures, but pictures of pitties in competitions with their awards and titles. Skills that you saw amazed the council members.
I spoke more regarding the service and therapy dogs and for the disabled Londoners that depended on their dogs to keep their independance because of their companion dogs.
Several people announced they would leave London, along with their businesses if this proposal went through.
We saw the reaction of the council members and watched their faces closely. We KNEW we reached them and gave them much more information that they had not considered, but if taken to a provincial level, the passion in our speeches will be lost.
Still, I must remember, valuable accounts were given and these still must be looked at. Perhaps not all will be lost. Perhaps fear is creeping in because we expected to hear 'something' by today. Something that would have given us some encouragement or some ammunition to direct us to which way we should continue to fight...but instead, we nervously wait.
October will bring us the results from our meeting. A week later, the preperation stage will be finalized by October 28th. The provincial law WILL be enforced!
The lull before the storm is not calm, instead it makes us more anxious, but we do have a great fighting force an nobody is giving up. Infact, the fear makes us stronger as our rights are being taken away from us. It no longer a ban of Pit bulls, but taking away the rights and freedom of citizens. The emotional strain the government is placing on decent, law abiding citizens and making them feel like we have somehow been targetted as the scum of the earth.
We watch every movement we make and watch as other owners of dogs break the bylaws more frequently, knowing the eyes are upon us and they have nothing to fear.
The media now switching to another breed trying to stir up the general public again to increase their paper sales. None of our letters sent to the London Free Press, our local paper, has been published. Only one that was sure to have come from a staffer to stir the pot even more to rile up readers, as they did with the pit bull breeds.
You hear nothing more of pit bull attackes. Why? Because it is to show that the breed ban works.
I'm tired and I'm frustrated, but the fight will not end. We will continue with everything we have to make sure we get our amendments to the law. NOTHING will stop us...of that you can be sure!

Martha Stewart Joins PETA

No sooner do I decide to post about PETA, then I come across this article saying that good ol' Martha Stewart has joined ranks with them. *sigh*
Obviously SHE doesn't read my blog or do her homework. You would have thought she would have had enough time being she had so much TIME on her hands.
I must make one comment though, I do have to agree with her in this one...just not the organization she has joined. Press to view the video, but be warned, it's GRAPHIC and DISTURBING!

Media Scare Tactics starts Again!

It's starting already! The media with the scare campaign has started again, only now it's the rotties that they are going after. Sure, now that the Pit bulls are banned and not headline news anymore (and notice no signs of attacks since the ban has been in place), so now lets pick on another 'dangerous breed' and see if these can be banned too. Check out Hairy Deal and you will see what I am talking about.
First let me point out the statement, "The woman and her pets weren’t seriously injured – requiring some bandages for cuts and scratches before returning home. The woman also stated, she wasn’t angry at the animal, but its owner. So why did this article even make it into the paper? It wouldn't have when the fucus was on Pit bulls.
Another assumption made by the media...remember, this is their words to add to the fuel of scaring people just as they did with the Pit bulls, is "It raises the issue of whether other dogs besides pit bulls should have been included in the ban that took effect in late August. Rottweilers have been known to attack, as have other breeds, like German Shepherds."
It does not say, that it may look as if the Breed Specific Ban doesn't work, but instead suggests that Rottweilers and German Sheherds have been known to attack.
Well, I hate to inform them...but any dog could be known to attack if the owner are irresponsible and allows the dogs to roam and not socialized. HELLO? What have we been saying all along?
The 2nd Rottie in this story, the owner admits has been aggressive in the past. Did he ever think of proper training to break that aggression...and another question while I'm at it...what (or who) made this dog aggressive in the first place?

The Truth about PETA

A lot of you know that I removed PETA from my website once I found out the truth about the PETA organization. I once too, believed they were protecting and defending animals.
When Ontario was first proposing Bill 132 regarding the BSL on Pit bulls, I emailed PETA for their help. I wondered why I never received a response, until I found out "PETA supported the BSL on Pit bulls and other potentially dangerous breeds."
That's when it was time to do some research on an organization that I THOUGHT was full of compassion for animals. I didn't realize then what extremest they were and what their platform on animal rights involved. I was horrified and shocked.
I also wonder if my partner when we had the animal rescue, was approached by one of their members, here in Canada as now this makes sense. We were trying to shut down a puppy mill, that not only harboured dogs, but also cats, horses, livestock and wild animals. We were told by the Humane Society, Animal Care (at that time called Animal Care and Control) and the Ministry of Natural Resources, that they too had been working for years trying to shut this elderly farmer down. He was always one step a head of them and everything just within the boundaries when he knew they were coming.
My partner met a man that told her he could help us shut down this place, but said we must hold a private meeting with the three of us and everything must be kept secret, even to the point of me not telling my husband.
During the private meeting he told us he would only go by his first name, which now I don't remember and is unimportant. He told us he was an American and that he had shut down many puppymills in the states. We never expected to hear what he next proposed and wanted our concent for.
He wanted to bomb the farm, killing the farmer, which naturally would most likely kill most or all the animals kept there also. A proposal so outrages that as much as I wanted the puppymill shut down, was against murder in any form.
I was appalled at his proposal and gave him a flat NO!
He tried to sway my partner telling her it was to stop this man from furthering hurting any more animals. The old man was already in his late 70's.
He phoned her one more time and she told him neither of us agreed with his tactics nor would give our consent. That was the last we ever heard from this mysterious stranger. Now I wonder if he was from one of these extreme groups. Penn and Teller are obviously not big PETA fans either. The video is long and if you are easily offended by bad, colorful language, be warned NOT to open this link. The truth about PETA.

New teeth in dog legislation can be costly for owners

New teeth in dog legislation can be costly for owners
By MARDY BACIGALUPO, The Londoner

If you are a pit bull owner, you only have about five weeks (until Oct. 28) to get your dog spayed or neutered and make sure it’s muzzled and leashed while in public. If you own a different breed of dog – one deemed dangerous – there are some things you should know, too.
Effective Aug. 29, when the amendments to the provincial Dog Owner’s Liability Act – called DOLA for short – kicked in, if your dog bites or attacks another dog or person or its behaviour constitutes a menace to the safety of people or domestic animals, the penalties are more serious.
You could face a fine of up to $10,000 ($60,000 for corporations), six months in jail and the court will be able to make restitution orders requiring convicted persons to make compensation or restitution to victims. Prior to Aug. 29, the maximum fine was $5,000 and there was no jail sentence.
“You have basically 45 days to make sure you have a muzzle that fits the requirements and is most appropriate for your pit bull,” explains Jay Stanford, division manager, environmental programs and customer relations. “All owners of dogs should be alerted that these changes to the provincial rules apply to any dog that has a tendency to be aggressive. Take the time to take that dog to obedience training – which should have happened in the first place – because if your dog happens to bite now, the rules are much tougher; whether you have a pit bull or not.”
But Mr. Stanford says there is no answer currently for the definition of aggression.
“It’s a very big unknown,” he says. “DOLA refers to the word menacing as opposed to aggression. The definition of menacing or the threshold of menacing/not menacing may not be known until it is tested in the court system. This area is viewed as being problematic with respect to enforcing DOLA. Over time it will become clearer.”
Yvette Van Veen, a London pet behaviour consultant and pet columnist for The Londoner, is concerned about the definition of aggression as well. She says aggression can mean many things to many people.
If we were talking people and not dogs, and you disagree with someone, is that aggressive, she asks? If you refuse to participate (passively) is that aggressive? What about a lawsuit? What about a harsh word? What about slamming a door? What about punching someone? What is okay and what is not?
“The answer is so subjective, which is part of the concern for the bylaw,” she says. “If a puppy nips, is that aggression? I ask in my classes for everyone who has a nipping puppy to raise a hand. Almost all do. That would make puppy nipping fall into ‘normal’ behaviour that needs to be addressed, but not necessarily aggression. If a puppy nips and breaks the skin, how does one determine it was a nip, and not an aggressive puppy? I have seen puppies eight weeks of age ready to tear a strip off someone. It's frightening to see a ball of fluff that is in such a rage.”
Within the amended liability act is a new section called pit bull controls regulations. Among other things, it prohibits the breeding, transferring, abandoning, importing and training to fight pit bulls, except as permitted by the Act or regulations under it.
It provides grandfathering provisions for pit bulls, search and seizure of dugs under a warrant (or without a warrant under certain conditions) and delivery of seized or abandoned pit bulls to a pound operated by or on behalf of a municipality, Ontario or designated body. (They can be exempted for research facilities – they are allowed to own, breed and so forth).
In addition to provincial legislation, a new municipal bylaw will regulate and provide for licensing rules of pit bulls. According to Mrs. Van Veen, there is ample evidence that breed specific bans don’t work. She says the city officials currently working on creating the bylaw are considering placing nearly impossible restrictions on pit bull owners.
“I think if there were more preventative measures in place, the safety of the community would be increased and I don’t think we would need the breed specific ban,” she says. “All dogs can be dangerous and it’s serious regardless of the breed. Toy breeds have killed children. I’ve seen some very serious aggression in toy breeds. It’s not pleasant.”
She says owning a dog should involve a similar process as obtaining a driver’s license. You need to gain knowledge – educate yourself about the rules of the road. And when you speed or find yourself in a situation that violates the laws of the highway traffic act, maybe the first time you’ll get a warning. Maybe you’ll get a fine.
Similarly, if you have a dog – of any breed – and it indicates dangerous or aggressive tendencies and someone alerts officials about it, maybe the first time you would get a warning. Maybe some suggestions for encouraging better dog behaviour. She says part of the problem is people aren’t educated first and therefore don’t know how to train their dog so it isn’t aggressive. They may not know their own actions are in fact encouraging aggressive behaviour.
“The biggest trigger for aggression in dogs is tying a dog out on a cable for a prolonged period of time. Depending on the dog, this will definitely lead to aggression,” Mrs. Van Veen says. “I am not convinced that after the fact enforcement is going to work. There needs to be a focus that educates because as long as people don’t know what to do, I’m not sure what they will learn from being punished.”
What may happen is people could hide their dogs from the public eye. Mrs. Van Veen says maybe dog owners will walk their dogs late at night so no one sees what kind of dog they have. They could also become afraid of those who enforce the bylaw – although the city is not sure yet who that may be.
Lack of human or animal socialization could also cause a dog to become aggressive. Ignoring your dog while it’s in the backyard all day long could also cause aggression.
This kind of education has proven useful in Calgary where 90 per cent of dogs are licensed, compared to London’s 50 per cent.
Mrs. Van Veen says it’s nearly impossible for dog owners in Calgary not to know their responsibility before they buy their dog.
“We would love to have every single dog licensed and then some,” Mr. Stanford says. “Calgary has things in place that we can’t have here in Ontario (because of downloading from the provincial government). We can learn how we can get to a certain point from Calgary’s example. They have some very tough laws because of the province.”
According to Mr. Stanford, there are currently about 24,000 licensed dogs in London. A little more than 700 of them are pit bulls. One could assume there are more than that in the city, but he says it’s tough to know for sure. It’s something the city is working on.
What complicates this is the definition of a pit bull. Something Mrs. Van Veen says needs clarity.
“Right now, many people are looking at their dogs and wondering, “Does my dog fall under the law? It's a mutt, a mixed breed, does that animal count as a pit bull? No one knows,” Mrs. Van Veen says. “Perhaps if politicians are looking at eliminating ‘fighter dogs’, then they should echo and enforce ‘game bred-fighter dogs’, which is technically illegal under the SPCA's mandate. Game bred refers to dogs that have been bred with the tenacity and ability to fight regardless of breed. I think the Ontario government would have been better focusing on game bred, rather than a specific breed.”
On Sept. 12, a public information meeting was held to hear concerns from Londoners regarding the proposed bylaw. Before that meeting, the soonest the bylaw could have been passed was Sept. 19. After the Sept. 12 meeting, the environment and transportation committee recommended city staff find more information in response to a handful of unanswered questions raised by the public.
The next time the committee meets is this Monday, Sept. 26. But Mr. Stanford says they won’t even have all the answers by then. He says it will probably be late October – after he attends a provincially organized training session for people involved in enforcing these bylaws – before he has the answers they are looking for.
“Our priority is to protect the public in London and to do that we have to think about what are the rules that need to be in place,” he explains. “One of the concerns is, what is a pit bull? That’s a very good question and we don’t know how to answer that so we will look to the province to help us interpret that.”
Ms. Van Veen hopes when the bylaw is finally written, it will consider that all dogs can be dangerous and that bylaws don’t need to be breed specific.

You will notice I bolded the 2nd 1/2 as this is the city bylaw proposal we were fighting against. Although, not what you could call a victory, we did give the city a challenge and given us more time. I'm still planning on going to the meeting on Monday to see what is brought up and if any of the proposals have been dropped or only put on hold. I will keep you posted.

Bill 132 CRUSHED my dream, but drew us all closer together!

This totally felt so natural; seniors and terminally ill kids with Shasta and I by their sides. I felt so fulfilled this day as not only did Shasta and I bring smiles to the seniors, but them to us as well.
The man I was speaking to was the town dog catcher in his time. He knew a good, calm and well trained dog and said Shasta was a natural. I knew that, but it felt good to hear it from someone else. Especially one that recognized dogs from years of experience.
I couldn't help to fall in love with this man. The other people were very sweet too, but as you can see, Shasta and I spent more time with him then the others. Probably because he had my Shasta. LOL


But then again, my other passion is the animals. I made more friends that day.

But, I wasn't the only one in good company. Shasta quite enjoyed her company with Lucy.

If only all this calm could stay. Seems like it did before the media was screaming, 'Pit bull Attacks!' If only we could turn back time and life was as it was... before the responsible owners and innocent, loving dogs became targeted by the province.
But then again...a man named Michael Bryant was making a name for himself...and unfortunately, he surely did that. He even took his fight to the States to show them what a BIG man he is. He WILL fall! He MUST fall!
Will we ever rectify this wrong? I'm sure in time we will; unfortunately for some dogs and some owners that would have come too late.
What the government didn't expect, was that dog lovers across the globe would become united in their fights and that we all help each other in this time. No longer is this a provincial fight; nor a Denver fight; nor even a Neitherlands fight. This is a world-wide fight where we all have come to fight this together.

What SHOULD she be???

I've got some material that would look great for Shasta's Halloween Costume. Now the problem is deciding what I should make it into and what Shasta should be? I thought with the purple, maybe a gypsy or a knight? And the blue...hmmm...she could be a princess or a butterfly?
What do YOU think??? Any idea's?

Rebuttal to Pit-bull Bylaw Serves Purpose

BREED-SPECIFIC LAWS NOT USEFUL IN PREVENTING HARM Tuesday, September 20, 2005 Memo: Selma Mulvey is a Burford resident. Column: Rebuttal BY SELMA MULVEY, SPECIAL TO THE FREE PRESS Your editorial, Published on 09/14/2005, The London Free Press Here as well, is a rebuttal to that very article: Your editorial, Pit-bull bylaw serves purpose (Sept. 14), makes some excellent points, but I'm not sure they are the ones intended.The statistics you quote on breed are likely skewed. First, they are stats on reported bites and, as we all know by now, pit bulls get more attention than other types, not only in the media but also on the street. A nip by a pit bull is more likely to be reported than a potentially more serious attack by another breed. Without a bite registry in Ontario (an idea rejected by the Liberals), we have no valid information.Breed is not even particularly useful as a category, except with respect to how popular the type may be, which would allow for mathematical adjustment when citing percentages, for example. Items such as reproductive status, sex of dog, status of obedience training, age of dog, age of victim, sex of victim, age of owner, sex of owner, circumstances (including owner's presence or absence), number of dogs involved, was there chaining or isolation, bite history of a particular dog, etc, provide much more valid information for dog-bite prevention than breed alone.The weak enforcement of licensing in many municipalities has contributed to the problem by forcing everyone to guess at how many dogs may reside in a municipality, never mind what breed they may be.The media's relentless campaign about the dangers of pit bulls has, in some cases, attracted the type of individual who is fearful or wishes to intimidate others.Cowards and bullies are not suitable as dog owners.You are correct in stating that there are other breeds available. When the same individuals who have ruined this type of mongrel can no longer acquire one, they will simply move on to the next media darling.Your statement that a poodle bite is less serious than a pit bull bite is insulting to those who have been injured by poodles. It further contributes to the mythology surrounding pit bulls, which are, after all, only dogs.If people of questionable competence were unable to obtain dogs from pet shops and backyard breeders, this problem would be significantly reduced. Ethical breeders and affiliates of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as well as breed rescue clubs, are very fussy about where they place dogs. They not only do thorough checks on those wishing to obtain a dog, they also match individuals with dogs that they are likely to get along with and are likely to be able to raise properly. Pet shops and backyard breeders will give a dog to anyone with cash or a credit card. Competence is not an issue with them nor is the welfare of dogs or people.The constitutional challenge filed in Ontario Superior Court has nothing to do with pit bulls, breed or even dogs. It is built around the unassailable rights and freedoms for all Canadians guaranteed by the Charter. These include the right to be presumed innocent in a court of law, the right to be protected from illegal search and seizure, the right to freedom of movement and the right to freedom from discrimination.The major constitutional violations in the provincial law will, I suspect, come back to bite the McGuinty Liberals. (Sept. 14), makes some excellent points, but I'm not sure they are the ones intended.The statistics you quote on breed are likely skewed. First, they are stats on reported bites and, as we all know by now, pit bulls get more attention than other types, not only in the media but also on the street. A nip by a pit bull is more likely to be reported than a potentially more serious attack by another breed. Without a bite registry in Ontario (an idea rejected by the Liberals), we have no valid information.Breed is not even particularly useful as a category, except with respect to how popular the type may be, which would allow for mathematical adjustment when citing percentages, for example. Items such as reproductive status, sex of dog, status of obedience training, age of dog, age of victim, sex of victim, age of owner, sex of owner, circumstances (including owner's presence or absence), number of dogs involved, was there chaining or isolation, bite history of a particular dog, etc, provide much more valid information for dog-bite prevention than breed alone.The weak enforcement of licensing in many municipalities has contributed to the problem by forcing everyone to guess at how many dogs may reside in a municipality, never mind what breed they may be.The media's relentless campaign about the dangers of pit bulls has, in some cases, attracted the type of individual who is fearful or wishes to intimidate others.Cowards and bullies are not suitable as dog owners.You are correct in stating that there are other breeds available. When the same individuals who have ruined this type of mongrel can no longer acquire one, they will simply move on to the next media darling.Your statement that a poodle bite is less serious than a pit bull bite is insulting to those who have been injured by poodles. It further contributes to the mythology surrounding pit bulls, which are, after all, only dogs.If people of questionable competence were unable to obtain dogs from pet shops and backyard breeders, this problem would be significantly reduced. Ethical breeders and affiliates of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as well as breed rescue clubs, are very fussy about where they place dogs. They not only do thorough checks on those wishing to obtain a dog, they also match individuals with dogs that they are likely to get along with and are likely to be able to raise properly. Pet shops and backyard breeders will give a dog to anyone with cash or a credit card. Competence is not an issue with them nor is the welfare of dogs or people.The constitutional challenge filed in Ontario Superior Court has nothing to do with pit bulls, breed or even dogs. It is built around the unassailable rights and freedoms for all Canadians guaranteed by the Charter. These include the right to be presumed innocent in a court of law, the right to be protected from illegal search and seizure, the right to freedom of movement and the right to freedom from discrimination.The major constitutional violations in the provincial law will, I suspect, come back to bite the McGuinty Liberals.

As you scour the page of rebuttles in the LONDON FREE PRESS online, there is only 1, when in fact, I know many that sent in rebuttles. Yet which one made it in? Could it be from a City Staffer? Read on...this one made my hair curl!

Pit-bull bylaw serves purposeWhile it's understandable that responsible owners of pit bulls will resent both provincial legislation and a city bylaw relating to their dogs, the bigger issue is public safety. London Animal Care and Control statistics from September 2001 to September 2004 show that an average of one out of 5.9 pit bulls has bitten a person. Next worst are rottweilers, at one in 14.4. And that doesn't take into account the ferociousness and severe injuries that mark many pit-bull attacks. Still, pit-bull owners' concerns deserve attention, and, to that end, city council's environment and transportation committee did the right thing this week in referring the issue back to staff. Among dog owners' concerns with the bylaw is a requirement that they have $1 million in liability insurance. They say it may be impossible or too expensive. If so, changes should be made in the bylaw because a requirement that can't be met would negate enforcibility. Coun. Fred Tranquilli, who chairs the committee, says in referring the bylaw city staff have been asked to ensure its definitions are consistent with those of the provincial statute. While this newspaper urged council last fall to delay its pit-bull bylaw pending provincial legislation (which has since become law), the city contends a municipal law would provide a licensing system for pit bulls that would help identify which dogs are "grandfathered" (allowed to remain, under strict controls). The provincial law does not provide for licensing. Tranquilli points out this is also beneficial to dog owners because it proves their pit bull is grandfathered. In light of the opposition pit-bull legislation has met, anything that adds clarity has merit. Ontario's law bans pit bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, American pit bull terriers and any dog "that has an appearance and physical characteristics similar to any of those dogs." Some opponents of the legislation have argued the definition is not clear and is too broad. That's a red herring because the same could be said for any dog where there has been cross-breeding. Such rhetoric doesn't help people who have been badly mauled by an aggressive dog. Others say the problem is bad owners. But an irresponsible owner is a greater threat if he or she is master of a pit bull than of a poodle. Besides, a broader city bylaw yet to come will cover all dogs and therefore addresses all owners. Thanks to grandfathering, no one is being required to surrender dogs they currently own. There will be tighter restrictions, such as the requirement that pit bulls be muzzled and on a leash when in public places, but people will be allowed to keep their dogs. They just can't replace them with another pit bull. Given the variety of breeds available, surely one of those would meet most people's needs. Since Winnipeg banned pit bulls in 1990, such attacks there have declined from 25 a year to one or two. The increase in public safety is worth giving up one choice in selecting a dog.

AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER

It doesn't seem that long ago, before all this BSL and nobody ever expecting such a ban, that as a 5 month old pup, I took Shasta to the vet to have her spayed. Such hope and promise I had for the two of us.
I remember the secretary telling me, she could easily pass for a Staffordshire and most people wouldn't associate her as an alarming, misconceived Pit bull for those that were ignorant enough not to understand.
I remember asking her to write that name down so I would learn to memorize it when asked. It became second nature to call her my Staffie.
But now, I boast loudly, my Shasta is an AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER! Does she look vicious to you??? NOT!
I find education of the breeds is the 2nd best part of being a Mommy to her. The first of course is being her Mommy!
I don't wear my pants half down my hips, wearing over sized clothes and smoking joints in a back alley as I sell my dope listening to my boom box playing rap music that tells me to f*ck my mother or kill my sister. (gosh...I might be outdating myself. *giggle). I don't belong in a gang, unless you call a forum a gang. I'm not a ball buster or a head banger or whatever the slang is. My Harley isn't parked in my living room and Shasta isn't tied to a tree with a chain thick enough to bust someone skull. I don't drive a pimp-moble or walk like a rooster. Shasta doesn't froth at the mouth as you walk by and my body isn't totally tatooed with devils and skulls & bones, although I do admit to a small butterfly on my hip. I don't have a long rap sheet, nor spent 1/2 my life in th pen. I don't see a probation officer once a week nor avoid the pigs.
But you know what I do, do? I have an AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER, and because of my simple joy the Province targets me. Isn't that a kick!

This is ME Folks!

Jonathan captured my happy mood, my reading glasses and even my blue t-shirt with blue sweater over top. This picture was drawn of me last year at the age of 5.


Julian happily and excitedly ran up to me saying, “GAMMA! GAMMA! Look Gamma! I make Gamma!” This fabulous picture was drawn of me last week.

I’ve got to be the luckiest person in the WHOLE world!!! When life gets me down, I only need to remind myself of all the love surrounding me and know I am lacking in none of it.

My little budding ARTIST!

My grandson, Julian, 2 1/2 years old, drew me this picture yesterday of Shasta, Petu and BrandyCat at Gramma's house. I think it's quite clear that he is going to be our budding artist.
I've never seen Shasta and the cat's ever quite look so colourful.
I think it is an amazing likeness of the three and must say my place looks BEAUTIFUL!

Conners and Shasta's Retreat

Perhaps St. Johns Ambalance Dog Therapy Program missed out on taking us once Bill 132 was first proposed all because of her breed, but today Shasta brought smiles and endearment to a Seniors Home in a small town out of London. My girlfriend thought we needed a break from everything and invited us to come to her place for the night and our dogs could play with one another.
Today she said she planned a surprise for me and Shasta. That's when she took her dog, and Shasta and I to the Seniors Home there. It felt so good and natural being amongst the seniors and Shasta was so calm and well behaved. One man in peticular laid claim to her and wouldn't give up her leash until we finally said our good byes, but I promised him we would come back and visit with him again.

But our day wasn't over, we then stopped by a friends of hers and being the animal lover that I am, snapped some mor pics.



Well, just as you think your day couldn't get any better, she asked her friend if there were any horseback riders out in his acres and acres of bush. He didn't anticipate having any until evening, so away we drove far into the bush.
Since it was private property and miles from anywhere, Shasta had no need for her leash. Her and Lucy had a blast! I loved watching Shasta have the freedom that she so scarsely gets. Lucy on the other hand was old hat to this and knew her way around. The two had a great time running around in the bush.

Conners and Shasta's Retreat (part 2)

But what is even more fun than adventure and running? A nice cool pond that the dogs could enjoy. Lucy is a pro of retreiving a toy from the water and swimming. Shasta was unsure as this was only her second time around water.
First the beach and now the pond. She wasn't sure how to jump into the water, so we gave her a little help. She kept coming back for more, so we knew she was enjoying herself even if she didn't swim right across back and forth like Lucy did.







But, rolling around in the dirt to Shasta was the ultimate fun!

Thank you Linda and Lucy for the most fantastic day! We would LOVE to do it again soon!

Simple Pleasures

Today was a good day for Shasta and I. We decided to take a walk to my daughters house to see the grandkids. It felt great not having to muzzle Shasta and made such a difference in the both of us.
But, one thing I noticed is that now people are seeing her halti (gentle leader) and thinking it is a muzzle. I had so many people tell me it was unfair to have to muzzle her.
I think, other than enjoying my two grandsons, the next best part was when I stopped at a variety store. Two young kids were there and it impressed me that they asked me first if it was alright to pat Shasta. I told them that that was very wise of them to do so, as one dog could be completly harmless and another may not be used to kids. Naturally they enjoyed the praise and Shasta enjoyed the attention.
We had a little educational talk going that two men standing near by were listening to. They also came into the conversation when I told the kids that there were good owners that cared about their dogs and other owners not so caring that sometimes they used cruelty and that teaches a dog to bite. Not only pit bulls, but any kind.
They (the men) told me they watched a man with his golden retriever. The dog did it's business on the grass and then the owner gave it a big kick. The man naturally yelled at the owner that there was no need to kick his dog. The owner told him it was none of his business. The onlookers wife begged him to be quiet, but he said he continued and asked the man how he would feel if he was being kicked for doing something that was very natural? The owner relied, 'What business is it of yours?'
Even as his wife protested to not keep this conversation with the owner, he continued as he was angry to see this dog being abused. I stated that as a concerned citizen, he could and would call the Humane Society on the man, just as he would call the Children's Aid or the police if he saw a child being abused.
The owner of the dog finally backed down, but as I mentioned to him, he may still be abusing the dog inside of his home privately. Who's to know? Because this incident only happened very recently, the man was still thinking of phoning on the man and I encouraged him and said, 'Good for you! The dogs can't defend themselves that as concerned citizens, we need to step in to help them.'
Not all stopped to pat Shasta on our walk, but I did get plenty of smiles from people as we made eye contact. I like making eye contact with people, even if it's a simple walk by and of course a smile never hurts.
I think Shasta and I have a very simular personality. Both outraverted and friendly. It took us a long time for our walk, but handing out information and discussing with people of the importance of responsible ownership vrs. the irresponsible owners of any breed is a topic that comes up quite frequently when we walk.
Praising and teaching the children is an added bonus I always enjoy. Sure they like to boast and some of their stories are tall tales, to be sure LOL, but I enjoy listening and speaking to them regardless.
The little girl told me she had seen Shasta on tv. I doubt that she would have been awake at 11 PM to watch the news, but I asked her where she had seen her? She said she watcher her on a movie. Perhaps she saw a simular dog, but Shasta has not starred in any movies as yet. *giggle* We thought we would start slow, like doing the talk show curcuit first. ;)
Oh but to listen to the innocence of children along with their imaginations. It's so uplifting.
What would normally be a 15 min. to 20 min. at most, takes sometime 1 & 1/2 hours because of speaking to people. Both Shasta and I enjoy every sweet moment of it.
What can I say...simple pleasures are sometimes the best kind of pleasures. Enjoy the moment.

Taking a short break for myself and Shasta

It's been a long, hard fight, physically and emotionally. My body may be tired, but my spirit is up so high. We did good...no! We did GREAT at City Hall. We gave 150% and I know we've made an impact.
What they decide is still unsure, but we have been invited back to a closed door meeting at City Hall in 2 weeks to see what changes have been made. Knowing we brought one council member out of 4 to our side is a victory in itself. The other 3 all agreed they needed to look into this a lot further as we brought up a lot of valid issues they had not considered.
So these few days, Shasta and I will take to taking it easy and just relax.
I found out one other thing. Muzzling does not come into effect until Oct. 28th, so I can take her out and wean it on her slowly now.
I'm tired and going to bed early.
Good nite all!

Another Poll!

Has the city of London gone to far with it's proposed bylaw to control Pit bulls?
http://www.lfpress.ca/

Take the POLL!

Problems with the pit-bull by-lawSep, 13 2005 - 8:00 AM
LONDON - It might be back to the drawing board for London's proposed pit-bull by-law.
A public meeting last night revealed a few problems with the by-law, including a major issue with the clause that would force pit-bull owners to take out a million dollars in liability insurance.
London resident Beth Sayler says she has contacted dozens of insurance companies and brokers and even the Insurance Bureau of Canada and there is no such insurance to be had.
The Committee will take all the public input back to their next meeting at the end of the month to prepare it for a run at city council.
- AM980

PLEASE EVERYONE VOTE: Scroll down and on left hand side under POLL click on vote "Do you think London's proposed pitbull bylaw is too strict?" http://www.am980.ca

London's Proposed Bylaw Under Fire

Owners lament proposed pit bull bylaw
JOE BELANGER, Free Press City Hall Reporter
2005-09-13 02:54:35

London's proposed pit bull bylaw came under attack last night at an emotionally charged public meeting at city hall.
Tears flowed as some owners told city council's environment and transportation committee the bylaw could force them to abandon their dogs.
"I will have no choice but to leave this city," said Kim Young, choking back tears as she presented a slide show of her purebred Staffordshire bull terriers, Gus and Kelly, in competitions and play.
"Giving up my dogs is not an option."
Other owners delivered much the same message, including:
- The bylaw unfairly targets responsible dog owners.
- It will be impossible to enforce because of a loose definition of pit bulls.
- It places an "exorbitant" financial burden on owners, in terms of licence fees and other measures.
- A requirement for owners to have $1 million in liability insurance may be impossible or too expensive for owners to obtain.
The committee referred their concerns to staff for a report at the committee's next meeting Sept. 26.
"This bylaw is going to separate pets from their owners and dogs will die as a result of this and their deaths will be your responsibility," veterinarian Alexandra Soltan told the committee.
"Dogs should be restricted on the basis of their behaviour, not their looks."
The proposed bylaw is in response to the Ontario government's ban on pit bulls, which came into effect Aug. 29.
The province imposed the ban after a number of vicious attacks by pit bulls on people and pets.
People who own pit bulls are exempt, provided the dogs are sterilized, leashed and muzzled.
City staff say a local bylaw is needed to enforce the new provincial law by ensuring all pit bulls are licensed.
But the proposed bylaw puts even tougher measures in place, including:
- A licence fee of $130 annually, compared to the current $25.
- $25 for a warning sign at the entrance to owners' property.
- A first-time administration fee of $25.
- Proof pit bulls are microchipped and sterilized.
- Fines up to $500 for bylaw violations.
The city is also proposing a policy to pursue the maximum court sentence -- a $10,000 fine and six months in jail -- under the Dog Owners' Liability Act for owners of dogs that bite a person or domestic animal.
Beth Saylor, president of the London Dog Owners Association, told the committee she contacted more than 40 insurance agents and brokers and was unable to get a quote on the cost of insurance.
"Not one insurance company would send a quote in writing," Saylor said.
"One agent even said I could have my house insurance cancelled if I owned a pit bull and another said it would be illegal to insure a pit bull because they're banned in Ontario."
Among the 15-plus presenters was Sonny Allinson, manager of communications for the Canadian Kennel Club.
Allinson said a major problem with the provincial legislation and proposed bylaw is the lack of a definition.
"The generic reference refers to a population of randomly bred dogs," Allinson said. "Our concern is that municipalities will see that definition become a catch-all for additional, precisely defined, purebred dogs. There have been a lot of tears shed around this table tonight. There will be more tears, no question about that."
WHAT THEY SAID
"I wish the city would stop concentrating their effort on penalizing the responsible dog owner but start going after the puppy mills and dog fighting rings. Lets start targeting the people who are causing the problem, the irresponsible dog owners."
- Beth Saylor, president, London Dog Owners Association
"I want the city to specifically target aggressive dogs . . . And I'm saying the city must find an alternative to euthanizing those pit bulls that owners have abandoned."
- Christine Hopkins, owner of a Staffordshire bull terrier
"If you want to own a dog, aside from having it neutered or spayed, part of the package should be (that) you have to take training."
- Henry Masek, owner of a purebred American pit bull
"If this bylaw is approved, I will hang my head in shame. I don't want to live or work in such a city."
- Alexandra Soltan, veterinarian
"If it wasn't for her, I'd be bedridden today. She's gotten me out of the house, she's my companion. I think the fees are ridiculous and I can't afford them, but I'll do it somehow. She's an angel who's given me back my life."
- Connie Dufour, owner of Shasta, an American pit bull Terrier
"This is a violation of my rights. If a convicted child molester doesn't have to put a sign on their front lawn, why do I have to put one up? I'm not a criminal, but I feel like I'm being treated like one."
- Danielle Faubert, owner of a purebred American pit terrier
Copyright © The London Free Press

Pit Bull Owners To Speak Up!

PIT BULL OWNERS TO SPEAK UP TONIGHT
COUNC. FRED TRANQUILLI SAYS THE PROSPOSED LICENSING BYLAW IS MEANT TO HELP THE OWNERS.
Monday, September 12, 2005
London pit bull owners get their say tonight about a proposed crackdown on them and their pets.City council's environment and transportation committee will hear presentations from the public on a proposed new pit bull licensing bylaw."I expect we'll hear a lot from people who oppose the pit bull ban," said Coun. Fred Tranquilli, chairperson of the committee."But, hopefully, those people will realize we're trying to help them by allowing them to register their pit bulls. We've already decided we don't support breed specific legislation, but we have to respect the provincial legislation."The new city initiatives recommend tougher controls for pit bulls and harsh penalties for irresponsible pit bull owners.The tougher controls include higher licence fees, a requirement for $1-million liability insurance, fines up to $500 for bylaw violations and a warning sign at the entrance to the owner's property.The bylaw follows provincial legislation that came into effect Aug. 29 banning pit bulls. People who already own pit bulls are exempt, provided the dogs are sterilized, leashed and muzzled.The city is also proposing a policy to pursue the maximum court sentence -- a $10,000 fine and six months in jail -- under the Dog Owners' Liability Act for owners of pit bulls that bite a person or domestic animal.

Becoming RESPONSIBLE After the Fact doesn't Work!

Why do they wait until after the fact, is what I'd like to know when an owner decides to take responsibility? In the Palm Beach Post Rocky's owners decide to get him nuetered and training by a behaviourlist, but only after he has attacked another dog. Then they wonder why people are on a witch hunt for 'bully dogs'.
Know and understand the facts of raising a pit bull before buying into the breed! Know the facts before buying ANY breed!
Why was Rocky allowed to roam is my other question?
This could have been avoided if the owner and her son were aware of the facts. Yes, Rocky is a great family pet that sleeps with the cats and the pet pomeranian, but if a dog on the street aggrevates him, he's not going to back down.
Now the other owners of pit bulls have to walk carefully due to one dog that wasn't educated until it was too late. Two year old Rocky, should have been fixed between 5 to 6 months. Most bites and attacks come from unaltered male dogs. The later you alter your dog, the more difficult it is to alter his personality. You can't alter a 7 or 8 year old male that is dog, male aggressive and expect that will change his personality. By that time his personality is already developed and the only way to mend that is through senstization with a good dog therapist, by why let it go that far? Why not start as soon as you get the pup?
Then these same owners state, well Rocky was always sweet to all our pets! It's incidences like this that continue to ban the dogs, good and bad. And who suffers in the end? All the responsible owners of the breeds and their dogs due to one careless one that didn't have enough sense to start from day one of doing what they should have done.
Goodyear and her son should have done their homework. She said from the beginning she was leary. Well, you idiot, by yourself a good book on the breed and READ it!
My other question that came to mind was, why wasn't Rocky fixed? Was the son considering to backyard breed the dog to make a few bucks? If I was that mother of that son, I would have told him, you find out all there is to know about the breed and you definately must have him fixed by 5 to 6 months old.
Was he only socialized with the family pets? So many questions, yet you won't get them by reading an article. Goodyear made a mistake...a BIG mistake, and because of that mistake the town yells BAN! One mistake and the other owners have to try to explain, but we are responsible. Then the fight with the town locals begin. People like Goodyear, with her and her sons lack of knowledge has started the ball rolling.
There are so many dogs that need to be saved. So many animal lovers will try to save them by adopting them. I say GOOD FOR YOU...but PLEASE, do the proper thing and read up on the breed so the rest of us don't have to suffer due to your lack of knowledge.
Take it from me. My Province has banned the breed and my only salvation is the Grandfather Clause to keep my Shasta. After her, there will be no more pit bulls I will ever own as long as I live in Ontario. Don't spread this disease...STOP IT! It only takes a little reading and knowledge on your part.

last of bow wow pow wow

None of us or our dogs had ever met one another. This was a meeting for the Bow Wow Pow Wow for our dogs to socialise together and for us to get our speeches rehersed befor the big day at City Hall on Monday.
Not one incident took place other than the dogs having a lot of fun together. Especially the two males, that some how decided to have a love affair amongst all the females. LOL
The only one on patrol was the neighbours cat waiting for something aweful to happen so it could call the newspaper and report the incident.
Don't think you had me fooled for a minute cat! I know you were working for the other side. LOL
We didn't get a whole lot done...but we sure as heck had a lot of FUN!

more of bow wow pow wow

some of bow wow pow wow...