Kirby's Journey: The first leg

Tough Love is not a large rescue. But our volunteers all put in far more than requested of them and they do with with grace, efficiency and passion. So, we make it work. When my volunteer Ashley sent me the photo of Kirby, I knew we would find a way to help him. I didn't care what it took or what it cost. 


This was the right decision. 


Immediately, people flooded in to help Kirby live. He has been with us less than 24 hours and already has touched countless lives. I received the following email from Kirby's transport, Jamie, and she has given me permission to share her experience helping Kirby. Kirby's story is about a dog. But it also is about the people with whom he interacts. I hope sharing their moments with you will make an impact. 


Hello Gemma:

I just wanted to say Thank You for allowing me to be a part of such a eye opening experience.  My birthday is on Sunday and I wanted to do something that I have never done before and that would make a difference.  When I logged into Facebook Thursday night and saw Kirby I was drawn to his picture and knew in my heart I had to help.  My husbands initial reaction when I woke him up was NO.  But I was determined and told him "fine, I'll make the drive myself".  He knew I would not take no for an answer so he was on board very shortly after that and that is when I committed to you that I would help. 

My pets are rescues but they were abandoned at the dog park so I did not have to go far to pick them up.  I have never been to a pound or animal control before.  I only saw that on television.  

When we were waiting in the front to speak with someone we could hear all the dog barks for help and it was heartbreaking then and my husband put his hand on my shoulder and told me to brace myself.  The woman up front thought that it was nice he was already named and she said dogs in his condition do not walk in and she was amazed that Kirby walked in.  

We got the paperwork and was told to drive around the back.  The woman at the front walked out with us and took a deep breath and said "wow, we are burning paper today".  When we drove around back we decided to wait in the parking lot right next to the building.  I certainly did not want to go in and see all the other animals we could not help.  We could hear more yelps for help and I wished that I could rescue them all.  I looked and saw the contraption they were "burning paper" in and noticed a wheel barrel next to it with filled black garbage bags in it.  I whispered to my husband "That doesn't look like paper to me".  He whispered back "I know, it's not".  

Then she came out with Kirby.  She carried him because he was so tired from eating that she did not want him to walk.  My husband swept him our of her arms and turned him to me.  He lifted his head and I knew then he was a fighter.  I rubbed his head and started to cry.  We got him in the car and when I sat down in the front seat I began to bawl.  It was amazing and heartbreaking all at the same time that this animal was alive.  I was so taken aback that this live animal in such horrible condition wanted to be next to us wanted to move around and it was obvious he had not given up.  The entire experience was surreal.  

Kirby immediately after leaving the shelter 

The vet was so nice and they gave him extra treats.  All his skin and bones added up to a pathetic 27.8 lbs. but Kirby is not pathetic, he is a walking miracle.  At the vet, he got cleaned up a bit around the rear end, ticks removed, nails trimmed, water under the skin, he walked out of the vet on his own and got right back into the car where he began his final leg of the journey to his foster home.  He did not want me to stop petting his head but I finally got him to relax and he slept for the next hour.  

Kirby finally falls asleep

When we passed him off to Phil, my husband woke Kirby up and scooped him up from the back seat.  As he was bringing him to Phil's truck he was wagging his tail again.  I have no doubt that we will be getting updates of Kirby as he puts weight on and gets the life back into him.  He is a fighter and I am very glad that I was a part of his second chance.  I know you will find a great home for him once he gets healthy.  I know that his wonderful personality will only shine more once he is better.  I have a great feeling about this little pup and I want you to let his forever owners know about his journey. This is a very special dog.  

This experience was very emotionally taxing on me but one I will never forget.  I am sure I will be able to help in the future and when I am able to I will let you know.  Keep up the great work Gemma.  You are making a difference one awesome pup at a time! :) 

Kill all the Pit Bulls: How to Deal with Antagonism as a Breed Advocate

One of my wonderful new volunteers, Nicole, related the following story to me today:

It was at lunch today.  I wasn't eating (we had a meeting where they fed us a big breakfast) and I was on my phone texting you, look at my messages on FB, and thinking about the Roxie situation in general.  My close friend,who knows me well, asked me if I was doing dog stuff.  I said yes, and when she asked about it I started telling the story of Roxie and how I could possibly be transporting her this weekend.  They called me crazy, in a teasing but nice way, and then we continued talking until my coworker, Lindsey, asked me what type of dog she was.  I responded with pit mix and she replied, "Oh they can put her down.  I don't care about pit bulls."  I must of had a stunned look on my face because then she proceeded to explain that her dog was attacked by a pit bull, who was owned by someone she knew who was then in jail.  I told her I was very sorry about that, but that it was one dog and it was safe to say that the owner probably wasn't quality.  I tried to express my opinion that it is more "bad owners" than bad dogs but I was pretty much drowned out by a chorus of pit bull related horror stories and reasons why none of them would ever have a pit bull.  I tried to explain my opinions on the stereotypes and misinformation regarding the breed, but at that point I was so upset and flustered that I ended up just leaving the room.  

Obviously, for a pit bull advocate, especially a new one, such remarks can sting (I suppose they always sting) and it can be difficult to figure out how to proceed in a controlled, professional manner. I talk to a lot of people about pit bull type dogs and for the most part I've met with receptive audiences. Here are a few simple steps to help you stay on track as an advocate. 

1. Be educated. Know the key arguments against pit bull type dogs and know the facts that shut down these arguments. Make sure your facts come from reliable sources. Prepare simple, concise statements that summarize these facts. Don't spout out things you haven't fact-checked, even if it means you don't "win" on every point. Many points are red herrings anyway. Offer to provide additional information, and then hold true to your offer.

Real life example: Comment - Studies have shown that pit bulls are much more likely to attack a person than any other breed. Answer - Please get me the names of those studies. To my knowledge, no reliable dog bite statistics exist, and the studies that claim to make determinations on pit bull aggressiveness are based on media reports and are not scientific or authoritative. In fact, the authors of the most prominent dog bite study available have clearly stated that their data is incomplete and that it should not be used to extrapolate any conclusions about the temperament of any breed nor should it be used to pass any breed discriminatory legislation. Reliable research on canine temperament consistently demonstrates that pit bull type dogs score high on temperament tests and are less likely to aggress toward humans than many popular breeds. 

2. Be authoritative. If someone is wrong, then they're wrong, and you have a right to correct them unequivocally. Be firm without being a jerk. 

Real life example: Comment - well, pit bulls have locking jaws. Answer - No, they don't. Pit bulls are mammals, and no mammal has a jaw with the ability to lock. Pit bull jaw structure has been studied and was found to be exactly the same as all other dog breeds.

3. Don't diss. Positive pit bull research is abundant, so there is no reason to insult other dog breeds or other people, even if they do it first. Advocates present facts (and perhaps conclusions based on those facts); they do not attack dissenters. 

Real life example: Comment -- Pit bulls are the ugliest breed of dog and I don't know why anyone would want one. Wrong Answer -- Look at pugs with those bulging eyes, or Cocker Spaniels with those stupid ears! Right Answer -- Hey, you don't have to own a pit bull or even like pit bulls; I respect that. But physical appearance has nothing to do with a dog's temperament. 

4. Don't yell. Keep your emotions under control. Anti-pit bull people like the term "pit bull nutters" to describe advocates. Do not give any teeth to that designation. Yelling won't win you followers but it will ensure that open-minded people will take you less seriously. 

Real life example: I've been called all sorts of terrible names by people who are raving. I just present the facts, then stand back and let them discredit themselves with their ranting (it nearly always works). I look that much more credible in comparison. 

5. Walk away. You can't win every battle. And some folks are just too stubborn to change. Don't waste your time on those people. There's a reason extreme views are called "extreme"; most folks are moderate and open to good information. Spend your time discussing issues with that large group. As long as we have the majority on our side, we're winning. 

6. Have support. Pit bull advocacy can be trying, lonely work. Make sure you have a network of friends, family, and peers who you can turn to for consolation, affirmation, or vent(ilation). 

Real life example: My family and friends are always willing to lend an ear. I also have made connections across the country with fellow pit bull advocates and I discuss issues with them regularly. 

Foster Mom Christina tells Duke's Story

One Friday night, Brian was headed out to pick up some takeout. A few seconds after he walked out the door I got a phone call saying, "Honey, there's a dog outside the house." I went out front and there was Duke lapping up sprinkler water in our front yard. He was skinny, didn't have a collar, and had a patch of fur scratched off his face. We fed him and brought him into our backyard and he perked up right away. 

Duke, soon after we rescued him 

Duke is all puppy - he'll sleep for a few hours then want to play. He loves to run around with other dogs - one of his favorites is a young female across the street. They will run around together as long as you let them. He loves rawhide bones, dental bones, stuffed animals, floppy toys that he can shake around, and pretty much anything that makes noise - including empty water bottles and soda cans! He likes tug-of-war, but hasn't figured out how to fetch yet. He loves to play in the sprinklers, but is not a big fan of baths! 

Duke and Duchess with Christina

Since he has been in our house we have taught him to sit on command and how to walk on a leash. He has also gotten all his vaccinations and been neutered. He still needs help learning more doggie manners since he's just a big rambunctious pup. He's a quick learner though!Duke is a big lover. He loves to sit in laps and will climb into bed with you if you let him. He gives lots of kisses - especially on faces and toes.

Some of Duke's famous kisses!

Duke also knows how to use his doggie door to go potty and he is crate trained. We put him in his crate when we aren't home and at night. The only time that he fusses in his crate is if he hasn't gotten enough attention during the day or he has to potty.

I think Duke would do well either as the only pet or in a household with other animals. He is not dog aggressive and loves to play. Ultimately the most important thing to me is that he find a forever home with a family that will give him lots of love! I think his sweet face and disposition would be a positive addition to any home.

Duke today! Still looking for that perfect forever home!

What Harry Potter Can Teach Us About Dogs

Oh yes, I did go there...! After a decade-long relationship with Harry Potter, I admit I’m not quite ready to let go. As I’ve aged along with Harry and his friends, my interests have developed and I can’t help but notice that JK Rowling’s commentary applies to so many facets of life. Also, I really like metaphors because I'm a huge nerd at heart. As you’ve probably figured out by now, I’ve become involved with dog rescue and welfare issues. Even here, I can apply Rowling’s lessons. Here’s what I think the Harry Potter series can teach us about man’s best friend.

1. Pure blood does not always correlate with aptitude.

Snobs like the Malfoy family gauge the worth of their friends and family members on their ability to track their lineage via old wizarding blood lines. But some of the most competent wizards in the series are muggle-born – Hermione Granger and Lily Potter come to mind – or are half bloods  – Severus Snape and Dean Thomas fit the bill here.  As Sirius points out, wizards had to marry muggles, or they’d die out – the gene pool simply wasn’t diverse enough to support a growing population without inbreeding. And, in the wizarding world, inbreeding can lead to pretty big problems – just ask the Gaunts.

No offense to whippet fans, but I see a definite resemblance...

2. Big black dogs get a bad rap

An omen of death in the wizarding world, only the highly logical Hermione was quick to scoff at the idea that a big, black dog was one of the worst things a wizard could hope to encounter. As it turns out, the spectral dog that haunted Harry through much of the Prisoner of Azkaban was none other than his soon-redeemed godfather and best friend of his dad. Turns out, black dogs can be good news and faithful guardians.

To fear or revere...judge by personality not color 

3. A tough exterior can house the biggest heart

Let’s face it: Hagrid is the pit bull of the Harry Potter world. He’s brawny, he’s misunderstood, and he’s got a heart of gold if you bother to give him a chance. Hagrid’s highly sensitive to human approval – remember how long he hid out in his hut after Rita Skeeter published that nasty article about him? Raise your voice at a pit bull and watch his goofy smile slide right off his face and dissolve into a look of utter shame. Although Hagrid might be a bit unorthodox, he is the symbol of loyalty throughout the series, with Dumbledore entrusting him with critical errands and information.

If Hagrid were a dog, he'd totally be brindle...

Of course, Hagrid’s part giant, and heaven forbid you be even part giant, because, as Ron explains, “they’re not very nice.” And although there’s nothing wrong with Hagrid, and once you meet him you’ll figure that out quickly, Hagrid isn’t exactly keen to have his heritage scrutinized before he’s even given a chance to prove it wrong. Turns out Hagrid’s brother, Grawp, a full-blooded giant, can be a pretty stand up fellow as well, if you’ve earned his loyalties.

4. If you get bitten, it was probably your fault 

In the Harry Potter series, you’re liable to get bitten by animals, plants, and objects that would qualify as inanimate in the muggle world. As Malfoy found out the hard way, failing to follow proper procedures when dealing with non-human critters can earn you a trip to the hospital wing. But, even in the wizarding world, the law seems to use some sort of strict liability scheme for animal bites, and an animal caught up in a legal battle generally is blamed for acting exactly how an animal should behave, and poor Buckbeak was sentenced to death for scratching up Malfoy’s arm.

5. Indifference and neglect can cause as much damage as abuse

Hermione was first to point out a sentiment later echoed by Albus Dumbledore himself – treating non-human creatures like objects, starving them of affection and basic respect – can ultimately bite you in the butt. Perhaps Kreacher was a foul little house elf, but it was Sirius’s callous attitude toward him that inspired Kreacher’s betrayal.

6. Love is the greatest power of all

I’ve worked enough with rescued dogs to know that, almost always love is the key ingredient needed to fix a dog. A new foster asked me the other day, after she picked up her new foster puppy, “What do I need to do for her? I don’t know what I’m doing!” And I said, “Just love her.” Within hours, she was sending me pictures of a joyous puppy rather than an utterly defeated little creature. Time and time again I’ve seen simple acts of human compassion and kindness completely rehabilitate a dog. Harry Potter conquered Voldemort using this deceptively simple power. Let’s remember to use it with our own dogs. 

Michael Vick: Another Perspective

The Vick debate has re-ignited following Vick’s lucrative contract offer from the Eagles. Folks essentially fall neatly into two categories: (1) Vick did his time, let him play and (2) Despite his sentence, Vick has not paid for his sins. I fall into the final category, and I hope this article will illuminate why, as an attorney, rescuer, and lover of pit bulls, I am committed to this opinion. 

The Dogs

Michael Vick established Bad Newz Kennel in 2001. For six years he and his cronies committed unspeakable acts of animal cruelty upon the dogs in their care. In 2007, Fifty-four dogs were confiscated from Vick’s property. One dog had to be euthanized because she suffered from serious medical conditions – conditions that Vick did not treat despite the millions of dollars he raked in from his NFL job and the thousands he earned in fighting prizes.

Vicks dogs were beaten, abused, and riddled with issues from dog aggression, to intense fears of humans and new situations, to (in only a single case) human aggression. Mel, for example, used as a bait dog in Vick’s operation, is so terrified of new humans that he convulses in tremors and cowers in fear when strangers approach him. But even Mel has made remarkable progress and he and almost all the other Vick dogs have been adopted into loving families where they live with children, dogs, and cats. They have inspired their caretakers to start dog rescues, foundations that fund rescues, and become breed champions.

Michael Vick’s tale has been called “the ultimate redemption story.” But this is inaccurate. The Vicktory dogs are the ultimate redemption story.

So, I’d like to take a moment up front to say: Vicktory dogs and caretakers, I honor you.

Let’s move on to a more technical discussion.

The Cases:

Michael Vick and his dogs were involved in three separate cases: a federal criminal case, United States v. Peace, Phillips, Taylor & Vick; a state criminal case, Commonwealth of Virginia v. Vick; and a civil case concerning the disposition of the dogs, United States v. Approximately 53 Pit Bull Dogs.

Michael Vick was charged with several federal offenses for trafficking dogs for illegal purposes, gambling, and other serious crimes. Vick could have spent decades in prison. Instead, he accepted a plea deal at the federal level, and plead guilty to a single count: Conspiracy to Travel in Interstate Commerce in Aid of Unlawful Activities and to Sponsor a Dog in an Animal Fighting Venture. The charge carried a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, $250,000 in fines, and/or full restitution. Michael Vick received 23 months in prison and served 20 of those months; he currently is on probation.

Michael Vick also was indicted at the state level for violating state animal cruelty and dog fighting laws – all felonies. Vick was charged with four felony animal cruelty charges  and faced a maximum of 10 years in prison. He again accepted a plea deal, and plead guilty to dog fighting charges; the state dropped the animal cruelty charges. Vick received a three-year suspended sentence and a $2,500 fine that was also suspended conditioned on his behavior.

Vick’s civil case resulted in an order that he pay for the care of the dogs he abused, with each dog assessed a lifetime fee of $5,000 to $20,000. These fees were used to build suitable living areas for the dogs heading to rescues, and to pay for their medical bills and other care. These fees did not cover all the costs that rescues accumulated – and continue to accumulate – to care for these dogs. 

So, Vick, facing a total of 15 years in prison, received two, and escaped charges for the issues that incited outrage in animal lovers around the country: in the eyes of the law, he is not an animal abuser. I have a problem with that.

There were, of course, people who thought Vick’s sentence was too harsh:

Vick is a first time offender. He expressed remorse, publicly apologized, shelled out nearly a million bucks for the upkeep of the impounded animals, and likely won't play another down in the NFL. Vick's life and career is wrecked. The feds and the public have more than gouged their pound of flesh out of him. - Earl Ofari Hutchinson, 2007 

It looks like Mr. Hutchinson should eat some (most) of his words. Assuming Mr. Hutchinson’s conclusions are an aggregate of his assumptions concerning Vick’s career and mentality toward his dogs as well as his legal sanctions, if seems Vick has escaped much of the harshness of which the critics speak.

The NFL

This past week, football fans and pit bull fans alike learned that Michael Vick has accepted a $100,000,000 contract to play for the Eagles -- $38,000,000 of which is guaranteed. It may seem unfair that Vick is receiving a tidy paycheck, his past crimes largely forgotten. But it also seems contrary to NFL policy and procedure.

Back when Vick was arrested, the NFL had this to say about his conduct: "The activities alleged are cruel, degrading and illegal … Michael Vick's guilt has not yet been proven, and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts. The matter will be reviewed." Well now that Vick has been convicted, perhaps the NFL has reviewed the matter and appropriately sanctioned him; it has not.

Perhaps there are no NFL conduct policies that apply to Vick’s personal conduct. But there are.

Under its personal conduct policy, the league can fine or suspend players for criminal activity. In particular,

All persons associated with the NFL are required to avoid “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League.” This requirement applies to players, coaches, other team employees, owners, game officials and all others privileged to work in the National Football League. 

There you go: everyone privileged to work in the NFL. Multi-million dollar athlete salaries are not legal rights, they are privileges. They must be earned and can be taken away. I support second chances – I run a dog rescue after all – and I am liberal enough to support a system that allows convicted criminals to integrate back into society and become contributing members of society. If Vick got out of prison and got a regular job doing something like scrubbing toilets or waiting table I’d be ok with that. But he didn’t. Instead, he’s living a dream millions of talented young men would die to live, and he’s being lauded as a hero for climbing to this position not once, but twice.

But, why? Or better yet, how?  I have the questions, but not the answers.

The NFL is generous enough to forego discipline for first-time offenders; however this leniency does not apply where the charges involve “significant bodily harm.” Vick was personally involved in the killing of at least 6-8 pit bulls – how could this not qualify as “significant bodily harm”?

Vick isn’t exactly a first-time offender, either. In 2004 he was lectured by the coach after two men driving his truck were arrested on drug charges. In 2006 he was fined $10,000 – and paid an additional $10,000 to charity – because he flipped off fans after a loss to the Saints. Said Vick of the sanction: “I broke the rules and I have to pay the price.” So if $10,000 is the appropriate price for flipping someone the bird in the NFL, the price for fighting and killing dogs as well as breaking federal gambling and interstate commerce laws is….$0?

NFL policy itself comments on the necessity of appropriately sanctioning players, stating that 

For many years, it has been well understood that rules promoting lawful, ethical, and responsible conduct serve the interests of the League, its players, and fans. Illegal or irresponsible conduct does more than simply tarnish the offender. It puts innocent people at risk, sullies the reputation of others involved in the game, and undermines public respect and support for the NFL. 

Vick started organizing his kennel in 2001 – the same year he was signed to the NFL. He operated that kennel for 6 years and stopped only because he was caught. Perhaps Vick will not return to the fighting ring now that he’s been caught, but why isn’t 6 years of violent, federal and state violations enough to warrant ejectment from the NFL? Perhaps the NFL thought Vick’s legal sanctions were enough. I disagree. And I say: NFL, I have lost respect for your organization. For an institution that has retained the power to cull players not suitable to represent the league, it seems these powers are rusty from disuse.

Greg Aiello, the NFL’s VP of public relations, added that NFL sanctions and programs to deal with offenders target not only public opinion but also seek to eliminate recidivism. That is, non-legal consequences for bad acts should deter future bad acts.

Most NFL players are good citizens, and some are outstanding citizens, It's a small percentage of the 2,000 players in our league that becomes involved in incidents that do not reflect well on the NFL. We have policies and programs to deal aggressively with those issues, and we will continue to do so. The goal is to eliminate all such negative conduct. That may not be realistic, but that is the goal.

.  

I suppose I can’t fault Vick for not resigning and turning down millions of dollars – he is an opportunist for sure. But I can fault to NFL for failing to act on any of its stated policies regarding player personal conduct.

Forgiving Vick

Vick’s partnership with the Humane Society of the United States  received much publicity. Perhaps Vick has learned his lesson and is being sincere when he speaks out against dog fighting. But I can’t help noticing the irreconcilable conflicts that exist between his message and his lifestyle: fight dogs and retain public figure status, and millions of dollars in endorsements and contract payments. And I, for one, would not want Vick as the spokesperson for my organization – it’s all just too fishy for me.

I also find it hard to believe that anyone has to be taught that killing dogs and watching dogs tear each other to shreds is wrong, sick, and cruel. I find it shameful and insulting that he tried to blame “black culture” for his descent into immorality. A role model who blames his culture for his own decisions is not a good role model for youngsters from the same culture – giving off the impression that personal decisions are trumped by social inclinations gives off a sense of powerlessness not empowerment.

I find his remorse harder to swallow when I found this quote from him:  "It's almost as if everyone wanted to hate me. But what have I done to anybody? It was something that happened, and it was people trying to make some money."  I cannot understand why someone making millions would need to further augment his cash flow by fighting dogs. Michael Vick may be black, but he was not living in poverty when he founded Bad Newz Kennels. 

I am a forgiving person. I do not believe that carrying hate in my heart will inflict damage upon anyone but myself. So, Michael Vick, if you are truly remorseful and a changed man, then I forgive you. But I do not forget. In fact, in a country where the legal system treats pets like property and assigns minimal sanctions for the cruelest cases of abuse, I see no reason why I should forget.

The Vick case is a complicated collection of legal red tape, institutional policy, and social norms. It raises several very serious questions the inevitable interactions between these entities.

But what I think is this: social ostracism is part of the sanction for bad acts. And I think it can be useful in the right contexts. Ostracism is established part of our legal systems and is used as a consequence and a deterrent on a national and international level. We register sex offenders. We expect public apologies from high-profile criminals. Global treaties often are “soft laws,” that is, enforceable only by pressure and views expressed by citizens or other nations.

In a case like Vick’s, where the system failed and the dogs did not see justice, I think it is singularly valuable. That is, if the courts didn’t give Vick a strong enough sentence, we can hardly expect Vick to complain or courts to go back and impose a harsher one (they can’t) but we have no obligation to use our resources to fund his lifestyle. And neither do institutions like the NFL. And since the NFL sees fit to fund his lifestyle, it is up to individuals to continue to sanction Vick for his conduct. Because Vick is not a regular Joe working a blue collar job – he is a public figure. He is ours. He reflects our values and represents who we are as individuals and a collective society. And we have a right to take issue with that.

And in the words of Richard Hunter, who owns Mel, "Some people wonder, are we ever going to let Michael Vick get beyond all this? …  “I tell them, let's let Mel decide that. When he stops shaking, maybe then we can talk."