What we're thankful for

On this day before Thanksgiving, each of us here at HELP FIDO are thankful for many things:

Lisa: "I am thankful for having the opportunity to be surrounded by so many dogs who have taught me such valuable life lessons. I am thankful for having met so many people this past year who have managed to restore my faith in humanity. I am thankful for my kids and the rest of my family who have the patience to allow me to devote myself completely to an issue I feel so passionate about"

Dr. M: "I am thankful for the new people I have met this year and the opportunity to work with them doing something I really enjoy while making a difference. As always my family (my furry family too), friends, good health and my work which I love so much. And ALL of the FIDOS!!!"

Amanda: "My household (Big D, Little L and Verry 'Berry) is very thankful that love will always be stronger than hate, ignorance or prejudice."

Anna: "I am thankful for my dogs, my husband, and my health. All the rest is bonus - and I am thankful for all the bonuses."

Adam: "I am thankful for my family (including all of our dogs) and my friends, who have shared joys and sorrows over the years, but have always stuck together."

Brian: "Thankful to be helping our 4-legged friends, especially those that don’t have many advocates out there. "

We are all helpful to have found each other and to have formed HELP FIDO.

So to all of you (and a month late to Caveat and other friends up north!) -

Happy Thanksgiving!

Aurora, Colorado "pit bull" ban goes to court

As detailed in this article from the Denver Post, the court case for Aurora Colorado's ban on "pit bulls" started on Monday in U.S. District Court. This is a landmark case for breed specific legislation and could have huge ramifications across the country. Our friends over at KC Dog Blog have an excellent post about this trial.

In Memory of Sandy

6 1/2 years ago we welcomed Sandy into our home. Sandy was a 12 year old, big white mutt, who found himself facing death row after his elderly owner had died and the rest of the family didn't want him. A lady drove him to us from New York. Had we only known what we were getting!

He arrived scared of EVERYTHING and more than happy to bite anyone who came to close or tried to touch his head. He joyfully proceeded marking every single piece of my new furniture and crating him was not an option. He lived his first year with us trying to squeeze under the couch to hide or trying to get behind coffee tables. We finally got him over that and as the years passed he grew less and less fearful, especially the last couple of years. Still he was never a cuddly, love on me type of dog. He would walk by and wag his tail, or follow me around the yard but he didn't want much hands on contact.

Old age finally caught up with him. He lost his hearing, was losing his sight, losing his strength and ability to stand and was getting multiple tumors. So we finally made the call.

The past couple of months he hasn't really known where he was much less who I was. But today on the way to the vet, that darn dog crawled up to the front seat and put his head on the console and stared at me adoringly with his cloudy old eyes. I don't know if he was trying to guilt trip me or just telling me it was ok but whatever he was doing it turned me into a blubbering mess. I never thought it would bother me so much to let the old guy go. Here's hoping that he is in a better place and having the time of his life. We will miss you Sandy and I thank you for the lessons you taught our family; patience, healing, committment and unconditional love.

New Education Program - Franklin County

As detailed in this article in the Columbus Dispatch, Franklin County Animal Care and Control is starting a new program beginning in January - "instead of paying a fine of as much as $150 for having a loose, unlicensed or un-vaccinated dog or failing to control a dog, owners will have the option of taking a class on how to be a responsible caregiver." While Franklin County and the State of Ohio have a long way to go to reach the successful programs of a city such as Calgary, this is definitely a good step in the right direction. By educating people, or actually rehabilitating them, we may be making the first inroads towards ultimately achieving more responsible ownership. Another thing that could be impacted by this could be the number of dogs abandonded in the animal shelter. These dogs are often then adopted out IF they pass the behavior test (and IF they are not "of a breed associated with pit bulls"). But that leaves a bunch of "IF's" and ultimately does not address the problems of un-vaccinated dogs running loose. Nor does it address the culture of "throw away ownership" that can be perpetuated with high fines.
By offering an alternative, we hope that many goals will be achieved and that ultimately the dogs of Frankin County will benefit.
Two paws up!

The "First Puppy"

In Barack Obama's speech last evening, he mentioned that his daughters were going to get the puppy they've been wanting for when they move into the White House. Regardless of how you felt about this election, please consider contacting the Obama's to encourage them to adopt a homeless pet instead of buying from a breeder or something. What a great message that would send for the First Family to adopt a dog from a shelter, humane society or rescue! You can share your thoughts here.