And this is why we do it...

Yesterday, Kym with All For Dogs Rescue of Central Oregon emailed me this photo collage of you know who with her new family. Thank you to every person who donated, promoted and prayed.

Zoë (f/k/a Sallie) has landed.

Help Ellie Find Her Forever Home!

We continue to hunt for that perfect family for Ellie. Help us find them! Ellie, posing as a devilish lil' gargoyle, is a contestant in the HSUS Spay Day 2010 Online Pet Photo Contest. Vote for Ellie (costs $1 per vote) and you will help raise her profile and increase the world's exposure to this wonderful little dog. The proceeds of your vote will go to benefit the non-profit rescue that paid for the spays of both Zoë & Ellie.

Ah--A tale of two dogs. Zoë (on the left) has landed in an enchanted land far far away from her cruel beginnings at the end of that logging chain in Wadley, Georgia. Zoë was adopted on New Year's Day 2010 by a family in Oregon. Ellie (on the right) lives in foster with my sister in Atlanta, where she receives structure and love.

Duration

It has been more than a minute since Officer Petitt fatefully intervened in the lives of two dogs surviving a desperate situation.I used to believe I couldn't make a difference. But then one day I was compelled. Once upon a time I lived in New Orleans and eight feet of water stood in my living room for the month of September in 2005. I wasn't able to get back home for several months and when I did I witnessed thousands of people from anywhere making a difference in the lives of the companion animals abandoned as the clouds gathered.

Emboldened by the insanity of the moment, I too jumped in. I was able to see the difference I can make and then I began to believe.

I moved from New Orleans to rural Georgia in part because I was exhausted with "recovery." I was hopeful for a place where most was not broken. But it didn't take long for that sense of urgency to return. All I had to do was open my eyes to the shameful fate of companion animals in this part of the world. Sure there are lucky dogs and petted cats. But there is an alarming number of throw aways. And where I live, dog fighting is a defended endeavor.

I once had a co-worker (a mother of two teenage boys) tell me that in this part of the country dogfighting was no different than dirt track racing and deer hunting. The headlines indicate just how endemic it is. In four months' time two suspected dogfighting operations have been unearthed in my town, pop. 452.

October 9, 2009, True Citizen,
Dogfighting operation discovered

January 8, 2010, Forest Blade,
Arrest made in suspected dog fighting operation

Two hundred and twenty five days ago I was contacted to assist in the rescue of two Pit Bulls who had possibly been used for dog fighting. I couldn't make a difference. You can't just bring a dog like that into your home.

But then, emboldened by the insanity of the moment, I jumped in. I probably contacted you to help. You probably did help. And look at the difference we made.

Today, Zoe (f/k/a Sallie), has a new name and a new life with her new family in a new state.

Ellie, remains in foster with a foster mom who has no doubt fallen in love. Ellie & her foster mom are working with the professional trainers at Sit Means Sit Atlanta to help her purge the last demon.

I have asked her foster mom to keep us updated with Ellie's progress.

All who meet her fall in love. Ellie patiently awaits her new life with her new family. We are searching for the perfect household, where Ellie is allowed to be the only companion animal. She will bring unadultered joy to the lucky person who finds her. Please share her story with anyone who you know that may be so lucky.

And thank you for helping to make it all happen.

Ellie: Progress Report (01/11/10)

From Lori, Ellie's Foster Mom:

Ellie has begun her training with Darin Shepard of Sit Means Sit Atlanta!

Darin came out to my house on December 29th to meet with my Dad and I to talk about obedience training for Ellie, and how it will benefit her in her journey of rehabilitation. Given all of the unknowns about her past, apparent from her scars, we decided that training would be a good thing for both her and others to reinforce positive communication between Ellie and people and to give Ellie a constructive outlet for her energies.

Upon Darin's first interaction with Ellie, he explained that almost all dogs can be trained. He even had one of his dogs with him to test Ellie's reaction to new dogs. He rescued his dog from a shelter that was about to euthanize the animal for terrible aggression towards other dogs and people alike. He told me that he wanted to put his training knowledge to the extreme to see what kind of results he could get. My dad and I watched this dog respond to his every command which were mostly hand signals. It was nothing short of amazing!

Ellie obviously wanted to meet this dog. She was wound up like a top but showed no signs of aggression. It was a relief to know her initial reaction was more or less excited curiosity than anything else. Ellie has gotten into two altercations with my other dog Dasha. Darin asked that I bring Dasha out so he could see the reaction between the two females. He watched them both and let me know that Dasha was definitely the aggressor, which came as no surprise to me since Dasha has gotten into spats with other dogs before.

Darin explained the basics of the remote collar training and tried the collar out on Ellie. It was amazing to see her under his command in just minutes! Ellie is so eager to please us!

The Final Chapter for Zoë

My little snow angel went to her forever home today. It is of course a wonderful thing when a foster dog finds their forever family. I know she will be with her new people forever and ever. I have fostered enough dogs to naively think that no foster would ever completely and totally steal my heart, but Zoë proved me wrong. She was with us for just over two months, which was long enough for me to fall totally head over heels in love with her, but not long enough for me to get tired of having her in my home. All my foster dogs have been amazing dogs, but usually by the time they find their forever people, I'm ready to see them go. I'm ready to stretch out in bed without multiple dogs hogging the blankets. I'm ready to only have two dogs to take running in the mornings. And I'm usually ready to have one less dog bowl to fill for breakfast and dinner. But not this time. Zoë managed to melt my heart in just a matter of days before she completely stole it. Finding the perfect home for her wasn't the hard part, accepting that the perfect home for her had been found was.

Zoë, as so many dogs of her breed, has quite the story to tell, but you would never know it by looking in her constantly smiling eyes or watching her tail wag a hundred wags per minute. When Zoë first came into our home I anxiously watched every move she made while playing with my two dogs but she never disappointed me, as she wasn't anything but gentle and sweet with my two girls. Zoë never let a second go by without enjoying what the world was offering her. There are good dogs, there are great dogs, there are amazing dogs and then there's Zoë who is both amazing and very very special. Zoë wasn't allowed to live her life as a dog before coming into rescue. She lived life on a chain, starved of both food and companionship. And once she got into foster she spent every minute enjoying life and taking advantage of everything offered to her, including food, chew treats, doggy friends and playtime and lots and lots of love and kisses from her human friends.

There's the saying All I ever needed to know I learned in kindergarten, my saying goes like this, "All I ever needed to know I learned from my foster dog Zoë." She's off to new adventures and experiences and lots of love and doting. And whenever I think of her, I will always remember her scarred ears and paws from perhaps being used as a bait dog in the disturbing world of dog fighting, but more than anything what I will always remember is her never ending wiggle butt, her grin from ear to ear and the appreciation she oozed to us every single day she was here. My little snow angel is on to more hearts to melt and steal.

Thank you Zoë for sharing the true meaning of life with me during your short time with us.

Kym
All For Dogs Rescue of Central Oregon

Zoë the Snow Angel

From Kym, Zoë's Foster Mom in Oregon:

Winter is here and I think Zoë is hoping for an out of state adoption at this point. We got a foot of snow yesterday and she can't decide if she wants to run around and play and jump in the snow with Lucy and Wheelie or run back to the house as fast as she can and jump into bed with all the nice comfy blankets. She looks at me with her deep brown eyes like, "really, do we HAVE to go outside? I can hold it a bit longer." She was a rock star over Thanksgiving when she stayed here with our dogsitter who introduced her to lots and lots of doggy friends. She's keeping my heart warm and fuzzy during our single digit temperatures outside!

Ellie Lately

Ellie Cozy on a Rainy Day in her Foster Home in Atlanta

Ellie ~ Thanksgiving in Midville

Foster Bliss

November 10, 2009
It's 10 p.m. here in Bend, OR on a cold fall night and we are all winding down for the evening. We need to keep this on the down low, but since Zack has been traveling for work, Zoë has become a little bit of a bed hog. She has made herself quite at home during our bedtime ritual. While I brush and floss, Zoë climbs up into my bed and snuggles up with her head on Zack's pillow, I mean she is doing him a favor by keeping it broken in while he's out of town. She sleeps not so quietly next to me all night (she is quite the snorer) and must be coaxed out of bed in the morning. I think she's kinda liking the life of sleeping in a bed surrounded by all her buddies. Fatty and Wheelie both join us in bed and Lucy chooses to stay in her doggy bed on the floor. I think other sleeping arrangements will need to be made once Zack returns from his work travels.

From Kym

What can I say, but she is awesome! She probably thinks she's in bootcamp here, but she's a good sport about it. We wake around 6-7 a.m. every morning, go out for our morning potty break and then I have some coffee and then we are off on our morning run, yes, this includes Zoë. She holds her tail high and gets in the zone taking it all in stride. We come back for breakfast, some doggy playtime, one last potty break and then a few hours of napping while I head to work. There's some midday play and potty time and lots of evening playtime. One would think she's been here forever. I think Wheelie and Fatty both have a crush on her, Wheelie won't give her 5 minutes of peace because she wants her attention. I've been putting off posting her on Petfinder knowing that when people see her smiling face and read her bio, they'll want her all for themselves. But the time has come, it's time for Zoë to go public and find her one true forever home, but it better be a damn good one for me to let go of her.

Zoë (f/k/a Sallie)

I post this old photo of Zoë (f/k/a Sallie) for contrast. Here she is a few days after Officer Petitt rescued her from her life on that chain in that field in Wadley.
This morning, sipping my morning coffee, I open my inbox to an array of photos from Zoë's new foster mom Kym. Among these images, professional headshots! Ha! I am loving it. Not that it would take a professional to capture the beauty of this dog...but it certainly helps.


Also, I want to share with you a beautiful and thoughtful email from Kym:

This is the true story of how one man’s simple act and decision to not turn a blind eye changed the course of two dogs in rural Georgia, an area that dogs seldom live past the age of 5 due to the harsh realities of being a dog in the rural south. It is also the story of how a community of folks decided to not accept the status quo and how I was lucky enough to become a part of it all. I hope you will take the time to read about it.

In June of this year, Officer Bruce Petit drove by a field where he saw something not quite right, and he did what so many of us often hesitate to do, he stopped and looked to see what was there. And what he saw still brings some sadness to my heart—two female pit bulls on chains shorter than the average dog leash with a litter of dead puppies and food strewn about, both just out of reach of the dogs. And even though Bruce believed, as he would tell me in his own words months later, that all pit bulls should be shot dead on the spot, he decided in this instant to give these two girls a chance. Over the next few weeks many other people chose to step in including a kind vet where the dogs were boarded, the local district attorney who made it her mission to get both these dogs into forever homes, and many others who walked and socialized the dogs while they were being boarded. The dogs were most likely used as fight and/or bait dogs in the brutal world of dog fighting, which is rampant in the deep south, but as those who committed themselves to rescuing these two girls quickly realized, they bore few emotional scars of their past lives, instead oozing appreciation to all those willing to give them a second chance.

One day, I was perusing a website I frequent, www.bestfriends.org, and saw their story. I read that they were still in need of fostering and/or permanent homes. Zack and I have been fostering dogs since March of this year and have realized how satisfying and totally doable it is to get dogs that many would overlook, into their forever homes. I decided to email Kelly, the district attorney in the case, a fellow dog lover and the advocate of these two dogs to see if they were still in need of foster. What I was hoping to hear was that they had both found their happily ever after. After all, I wasn’t totally sure I wanted to get involved with possible former fight dogs and a group of folks I had never met and thought perhaps I had nothing in common with, but instead within a few hours of sending my email I heard from Kelly that these two dogs were still waiting. At that point I had to decide if I wanted to turn a blind eye or take the next step and get involved. And with the support of the group that Zack and I foster with and the unquestioning thumbs up from Zack, I took the plunge. I started working with Bruce and Kelly to get the dogs assessed in order to determine the best fit for our home where we already have two dogs and one cat. They were happy to do whatever it took to get one of these dogs to Oregon for foster. After speaking with Bruce, “just a simple redneck trying to do the right thing,” and lots of emails with Kelly it was decided that Sallie would come to Oregon. Between the heartworm treatment she would need and planning her transport out here, it would still be months until I actually met her, but as the days and weeks went on, I knew more and more that she would do well out here. Finally after an unending amount of hard work on Kelly’s part, Sallie flew to Portland, OR on Thursday, October 22 where I drove to pick her up and meet her for the first time. She’s such a beautiful laid-back girl, it was like we were old friends. She laid peacefully in the back seat of my car listening to music with me and gently taking french fries when I offered them.

Sallie, who has been renamed Zoë to give her some west coast flare, has been in our house for only four days, but she’s already become one of the pack. She plays never ending chase and tug o war with Wheelie and allows Lucy, our little princess, to choose when she can play with her. She greets every person as if they are an old friend. Zoë’s tail hasn’t stopped wagging since she’s gotten here and wags even harder when she sees Fatty, the cat, who she likes to give soft licks to before leaving her alone. She doesn’t ask for a whole lot, just some occasional food and water and lots of pets. We are working to get Zoë into her forever home and have no doubt it will happen. And until then, I get the opportunity to hang out with a dog that reminds me that the past doesn’t matter so much as long as you can enjoy today. And we are making sure Zoë gets to enjoy everyday

Thank you to Bruce, Kelly, Vicki and Dr. Ford who took that first scary step to get involved and to not accept the status quo. Thank you to Zack for never once saying, no, but always saying of course and to Jerleen, Jenn, Melissa, Susan and Kay for making it seem like there was no decision making at all as to whether or not Zoë should come out to rescue in Oregon with All For Dogs Rescue. And of course thank you to Lucy, Fatty and Wheelie for allowing yet another dog to share their snuggle time and playtime.

Zoey in Bend, Oregon

Zoey's Oregon Foster Mom writes:

Well, it's official, Zoey has won over all the creatures in her new foster home which includes two dogs, one cat and two humans. Wheelie and Zoey have become tug o war buddies and Lucy, Ms. Princess, had an hour long play session with Zoey this morning. Even Fatty the cat, doesn't become alarmed at the sight of Ms. Zoey.

Last night Zoey attended her first Halloween party. We had folks over for some pumpkin carving and she only lasted in the crate for about 10 minutes before everyone wanted her to come out so they could meet her. She moved around the room giving great big kisses and face sniffs of all the guests. And last night, without question, Zack, my husband, her new foster dad called for her to come upstairs to bed, where she slept on the dog bed next to us on the floor. No more nighttime crate sleeping for her.

After hearing about Sallie, aka Zoey, for so many months and reading the blog about her life in foster care, I had few reservations about brining her to our home for foster, and now that she's here with us, I have absolutely none. She doesn't ask for a whole lot, but is more than willing to do what those around her ask of her like playing a never ending game of chase with Wheelie and going into her crate willingly when we must leave the house for a bit. She is an inspiration to me to make the most of everyday and not worry about the past, or the future.

You've Come a Long Way, Baby...

Ok--So a cigarette ad may seem like an odd way to express my joy at Sallie's journey. But I just couldn't shake the slogan. It fits so well.

Sallie, of course, began her journey back in June, when Officer Petitt of the Wadley Police Department discovered two malnourished dogs chained to stakes in a field littered with the decaying remains of other dogs.

That was the first June. Today is the last of October. And Sallie, now Zoey, is on the other side of country in Bend, Oregon.

She was accepted into the foster program of All For Dogs Rescue of Central Oregon and on Thursday of this week, she flew Delta non-stop to Portland.

On Wednesday night, I drove Sallie half-way to Atlanta to meet my Dad and my Sister, who took her to the airport early on Thursday morning. While I have been astounded by their incredible support of the rescue of Sallie & Ellie (Lori is fostering Ellie), I know that their interest is due, in primary part, to the incredible spirit of these two dogs. These two dogs have endured significant adversity, enough to win their first "care taker" a felony arrest warrant. But somehow, they have remained trusting and lovely. Being beautiful helps too.

So here's a shot of Zoey crossing the country! What a journey for a such simple country girl. She arrived on time and without incident.
I spoke with Kym, her new foster mom, as they were leaving the airport in Portland. Sallie was curiously processing the new scents of the other side of the nation. I suppose nothing surprises her these days. Yesterday, Kym writes:

Hey Kelly! As I write this Sallie, now named Zoey, is laying on our floor in front of the fire. There were a few snarls when the introductions were done, but Wheelie in her never ending optimism is determined to make Zoey her tug of war buddy and Lucy has decided she will allow Zoey to reside in her palace. We had an easy ride home from the airport listing to music and eating french fries together. She just wants to get and give love! I'll keep you posted.

What a vision. I have no doubt she will find that perfect forever home. Her chances of connecting with the right family are so much greater in Oregon. If you are reading this and know someone on the Northwest that is looking for an amazing dog with an amazing story, please tell them about Zoey.

We miss our girl. But it is a happy-kind-of-miss. God's speed Zoey!

Ellie in October

My sister, who is fostering Ellie, reports Ellie is doing great in foster. Although she had one fussy spat with her foster brother Romeo over a toy, Lori and her husband have been working with her daily and report Ellie is learning how to share. Knowing how to love comes naturally to this dog. She is a little ball of sunshine that is loving her life in foster. Right now, she has not prospects for rescue intake or adoption. She is an awesome dog and deserves a life and a family as wonderful as she is. If you are interested in meeting Ellie or think she would be a great fit in your life, please email me. Also, if you know of any rescue opportunities for Ellie, also let me know.

Just One of the Girls (and Sue)

Yesterday was a beautiful day. A new season is always good to remind you of good fortune and possibilities. Me and Nic brought Sallie out into the backyard to interact with our dogs for the first time. After watching her natural and easy way, I began to question just why I had waited so long. I suppose I am a worst-case-scenario thinker. In any event, as you can see from the video, she behaves naturally and clearly enjoys the freedom to gallop.

She is featured interacting with Miley (our Staffordshire Terrier adopted from Old Fella after she was rejected from two rescue group transports ostensibly because of her breed), Sue--the lone male (our Catahoula-American Staffordshire Terrier adopted from ARNO post-Katrina), and Ms. Mae (our Airedale Terrier Mix who was a shelter pull in Louisiana and also adopted from ARNO).

I look forward to that day when some person or family sits down to attach a photo of Sallie to an email and then types, "this is my new dog, adopted from All For Dogs Rescue of Central Oregon." The more time I spend with Sallie, the more I know just what an amazing dog she is and what an amazing companion she shall be. I will miss her more than I presently estimate, I am sure.

Sallie to Fly!

We are gearing up for Sallie's great trek across the country. Kym, her pledged foster mom in Oregon, is anxiously awaiting the welcome of Sallie to the greener pastures Oregon shall surely provide.

We attempted to orchestrate a cross-country drive to deliver Sallie from Georgia to Oregon, but we were unable to secure drivers for the leg between Little Rock and Albuquerque. Perhaps one day soon, we will need to call on those drivers to help us get Ellie out of Georgia to her forever home.

But in the meantime, we have decided to fly Sallie north. Right now, I am exploring Delta animal cargo options (non-stop flight from Atlanta to Oregon) as well as Pet Air, Inc. If you have any experience with either of these options or know of another good resource for flying rescue dogs, please email me with details.

I have set up a fundraiser for Sallie's airfare, which I am estimating to be about $400 (including the cost of the travel grade kennel). If you would like to support her journey, please pledge a donation toward the cost of this ticket. Your financial assistance would be immense.

Going Where Good is Familiar

Familiar isn't always Good. Good isn't always Familiar. For Sallie, I'd say, Good is now Familiar. The stronger our bond grows, the more I feel the pain of her past life . I shudder when I speculate on the abuse she has suffered. Her triumph will be normalcy, where Good is always Familiar.

This week I got one of those emails fifty times forwarded where you have to scroll through three screens of duck beaks to get to the message. I usually don't even read these. No time for inspiration, I suppose! But I read this one. It was dialogue between a child and his father about the short lifespan of a dog. To paraphrase the wisdom of that imaginary six year old:

People are born to learn how to live a good life, to know and give love, to know and give loyalty, to be and have respect. Dogs arrive knowing this and being this so they don't need as long to learn.

As witness to the resilient and unwavering love, affection and loyalty displayed by this incredible creature we call Sallie, I am reminded of just how true that rings. Watching her dream and hassle, I wonder what horrors have been stamped on her mind. But when I wake her, and she focuses those big searching root beer dum dum eyes, I can see her realization that now she is safe. She would have always been loyal, but in the arms of people who love and respect her, her task is much easier. The betrayal of that loyalty by those who get a charge out of abusing a dog, those who would wager on her life--that betrayal inspires me to do more.

Ellie is Juliet to Lori's Romeo?

So Lori got Ellie home tonight and upon the insistence of her dog, Romeo, decided to let the two meet to see how things go. Well, the videos speak for themselves! Lori, of course, will never leave them alone unattended. But as you can see, Ellie just wants love.

Ellie Finds a Friend in Romeo!

Ellie and her Foster Brother Romeo Share a Snack!
(Ellie is breathing hard after playing)

Ellie Wins Her Heart

I knew it would happen (snicker snicker). My sister came for a visit a few days ago and we decided to go visit little Ellie at the vet's office. We walked her around for a while and I could see it happening. Lori, my sister, was falling in love. Yesterday she called me to ask when we could bring Ellie out of the vet and into her home for foster.

Today, I met Dr. Ford and she bid farewell to Ellie. No doubt Dr. Ford bonded with Sallie and Ellie, as they became a part of her office for three months. Despite the demands of housing two extra dogs for such an extended stay, Dr. Ford was lovely and welcoming to the two girls. This in sharp contrast to the first vet to whom Sallie and Ellie were delivered by Officer Petitt, who began demanding within a day their removal from his office under threat of euthanasia.

Ellie thanks Dr. Ford for the wonderful care while she healed.

I drove Ellie to a meeting point halfway between home and Atlanta, where Lori lives. We had dinner at Waffle House, taking a booth by the window so we could keep an eye on Ellie. Over our meal, we discussed both dogs and the precautions we will take while they are in foster. Sallie and Ellie have proven themselves lovely with humans, young and old alike. However, the great unknown remains their behavior toward other animals.

Both Lori and I have dogs and cats. While we foster Sallie and Ellie, the girls will remain segregated from our other pets. We are not dog behavioral specialists and we know that these girls were saved from terrible conditions where they were likely exposed to the evils of dog fighting. They were chained and neglected and undoubtedly received and witnesses unimaginable cruelty.

Lori and Ellie in the parking lot before heading to Atlanta!

We are both seeking out the assistance of an animal behaviorist, now that the girls are no longer in an institutional setting, to help us ascertain what, if any, level of dog aggression they may have. Both are certainly too interested in cats for our comfort. Ideally, we will find families who have no other pets and only want one dog. They will thrive in this environment.

As I type this, Sallie is once again splayed out like a frog at my feet with her chin resting on my toes. She craves the closeness and affection of human contact. I have not introduced her to my dogs and I am lucky to have a set-up that allows me to segregate the animals with ease. Lori too has such a set-up.

I suppose I may be over-reacting. But then again, perhaps I am not. The bully breeds get a bad rap and it frustrates me that the world chooses to ignore the cause of animal cruelty and the effect of aggression. I am not convinced by those who argue that Pit Bulls are just aggressive and that is the way it is. I have my own Staffy, Miley, out in the yard with my AmStaff/Catahoula mix, Sue. I have had both dogs since they were babies and neither dog is aggressive. In fact, when I foster dogs for a local animal rescue, Miley and Sue play an integral part in teaching these foster dogs some manners.

But Sallie and Ellie do not have the benefit of having been raised with love and affection. They were rewarded for displays of aggression toward other animals. The tragic element of all this, of course, is this unwanted behavior (ie. dog aggression) was learned for the sake of pleasing their former master. So now, as they finally head toward a real life with real love deserving of real loyalty, they may be limited by who can adopt them.

I could be wrong. They may turn out to be just fine with other animals. They have certainly interacted with one another before without incident. Officer Petitt assessed them both on two occasions and did not detect any aggression, save for Ellie's heightened interest in cats. But I have been involved in rescue long enough to realize that assessments, no matter how thorough, are not the complete measure of a dog's behavioral potential. I have seen it too many times before. I know there must be two families out there for whom the love and affection of just one dog will be plenty. And I assure you, these two have plenty of love and affection for the entire family.

Change for Change

mis·an·thro·py, \mi-ˈsan(t)-thrə-pē\, noun: a hatred or distrust of humankind

I often worry about my growing allegiance to misanthropy. This is no way to live and I truly do not want to feel this way. Experience informs, and I have certainly witnessed repeated displays of shameful human behavior that challenge my ability to find the goodness in mankind. My outreach efforts on behalf of Sallie and Ellie have done much to pull me away from such negative perceptions. People I know, people I do not know, people I did not know but now feel that I do, have reached out to support the rescue of these two dogs, whom they may never see.

Their support has been immense. Not only for my ability to provide the significant costs of care that have accrued in this rescue, but also to remind me that the nucleus of humanity, as I wish it to be, is still very much in tact. It is just shrouded, oftentimes, by apathy, ignorance, abuse and the reactions of humans who themselves express their lives through the sieve of apathy, ignorance and abuse.

On June 8, 2009, I put out a plea for donations and we met our goal in days! Lori, Cheryl, Ariel, Stafford (all four near and dear to me) and an unknown donor from across the Atlantic contributed to make this happen.

On June 28, 2009, out went another plea and again, the outpouring of support was astounding. This time Lori and Cheryl made a second donation, joined by my old high school buddy Tyson (sometimes Facebook has it merits), dear friend Kat from NYC (and this isn't the first time this amazing woman has helped me out in a hard time--will never forget her outpouring of love after Katrina), Robert (the most generous misanthrope I know), and two generous donations from folks I don't believe I have ever met. The kindness of strangers is certainly affirming.

On July 15, 2009, the third installment went out and, again, donors showed their support for these two. This time, I did not personally know any of the donors, though one turns out to be the Kym, the incredible woman in Oregon who will foster Sallie come October.

Also, one anonymous donor sent in a generous donation in loving memory of her recently departed companion of many years. An active tribute that has certainly made a difference in the lives of Sallie and Ellie.

I chronicle all of this as evidence for my own faulty logic about humanity. People are generally good. It is the exceptions to this rule that I have been focusing on and I now make a conscious effort to look first at the positive and remember that the negative is the exception.

In addition to the direct contributions of these kind-hearted individuals, the Pit Bull Rescue Central organization donated $250 toward the cost of Sallie & Ellie's heartworm treatment. And Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue paid to have the girls spayed.

The current fundraiser will hopefully be the last. Here is a break-down of costs, donations and expenditures to date. We only need to raise $648 more to completely cover the costs of care, which have included boarding, shots, skin treatments, spays, and the oh-so-expensive treatment for heartworm disease (of which both girls have been cleared!).


(Click on the Chart to View it In Full!)

Thank you sincerely to each and every person and organization that has contributed to this effort. Your generosity has made the rescue of Sallie and Ellie possible and it has gone a long way in reminding this girl that there is a goodness in people, and it is worthy my while to look for that goodness.

Ellie Waits

My sister Lori and I made a visit to see Ellie, who is boarding at the Burke County Animal Hospital in Waynesboro, GA. Ellie has been at the vet's office since June 9, 2009. Her caregivers at the vet's have grown very fond of Ellie, watching her belly and coat fill out and her joy come in. She craves love and is grateful when love is given.

While spending time with Ellie, me and Lori pondered out loud the unfair burdens shouldered by those of her breed, a burden and stigma incident to the culture of abuse that targets her kind. Just this week, a child in our county was bitten by an American Staffordshire Terrier, the larger cousin of Ellie's breed. The paper sensationalized the incident with a looming headline and full and front page spread. The evening news gave the story top billing.

I am happy to report the child's injuries were minor, with wounds to her arm and hand. Although she will make a full physical recovery, the lasting emotional impact on this little human being is unclear. Will she grow up to fear and loathe all dogs? Will that little girl be too frightened to allow herself to know the incredible affections of a companion animal?

I am not happy to report, however, the failure of the media to explain why a two year old was wandering alone in a wooded area and why a dog was tied to a tree in that wooded area, nowhere near a home and on city property. It is irresponsible for the media to blare the effect and exclude the cause. People deserve full disclosure, free of the distorting effects of spin and hype.

This child was lucky indeed. But once again, the community has missed an opportunity to explore the root cause of dog bites such as this (and this county is rife with such occurrences). Chaining a dog to a tree in the woods, with no shelter but the pine needle canopy and, likely no food or water, would be damaging to any breed of dog.

The media, it seems, thrives on maligning the "Pit Bull," a loaded descriptor that excitedly pops off their telecasting tongues. I suppose only the irrational "animal people" are able to see all of the factors in play and rationalize the why. The people, in general, certainly do not seem capable or willing to attempt this exercise. I do not doubt 99% of the people place 100% of blame on the dog...nevermind the obvious human violations of Georgia animal cruelty and child endangerment laws.

Back to Ellie....she was also chained in place in a field. she also had no shelter, food or water. but she was saved. and in this community so eager to discriminate against her kind, she is lucky. And she has already made the world better for her bully breed brethren--winning the love and admiration of Officer Petitt, her rescuer who professed to dislike her breed until he met her. Ellie helped him see that human neglect, abuse and cruel obsession with the bully breeds by that criminal subset of the people is ruining the lives of thousands of wonderful dogs. Those unfortunate to fall into the hands of morally bankrupt thugs. And those passed over by true animal lovers for the fear that such a weighty stigma makes.

I have every confidence Ellie will make the perfect companion for someone out there that understands the heightened responsibility of bully breed owners; to protect these dogs from becoming kindling on that raging fire of prejudice against their breed. Ellie has a small but dedicated group of people who will see her to that happily ever after. For some of us down here in Georgia, Ellie is a symbol of hope that people will shed their ignorance of this breed and become enlightened to the cause and effect of animal cruelty.

If only the great-grandmother of that child could begin to understand that to blame a dog is illogical when a human tied that dog to the tree in the woods and a human let that two year old child wander alone in those woods. Dogs do bark, afterall.

If you are interested in fostering or adopting Ellie, or have any questions about her, please email me.

jenkins.kelly@gmail.com

In the Beginning...

I actually couldn't really say, though I do have an idea. Sallie is one of two, the other being Ellie. Yes, they are dogs. And this is their story, as it unfolds. "Last Minute Rescue Request." That was the subject of the email. It came in at 12:50 AM on June 2, 2009. As I set about this chronicle of my impressions, which are sure to be indulgent and long-winded, I decided to go back and read that first email that caused my paths to cross with the dog splayed out at my feet. I searched "URGENT" and at least a dozen hits came back. A sad realization about the uncertain, or rather, certain fate of so many forsaken among the ranks of man's best friend. But no where among the hits was that first announcement of the heroic act of a man who truly understands his mission to protect and serve.


So then I searched "Wadley" and wadded back through screen after screen of messages from people all over this country who, like me, refuse to look away, because it is just a dog. Wadley is a town in Georgia, just up the road from where I call home. Wadley is poor and rural. Folks gather every Sunday after church at the Waffle King before picking up groceries at the IGA. Dilapidated houses sag with the strain of decades of wet heat and slow times passing. And somewhere, in a field, in the heat or the rain or whatever condition the forces might cast, lay Sallie and Ellie.

A police officer discovered the dogs chained to stakes in that open field. Grave conditions. It is rare to see an old dog in this part of the country. And had that police officer not intervened, Sallie and Ellie would have been no exception. I couldn't describe the story of their rescue any better than Jillian, so I defer to her account. Chain Reaction.

So back in June, Sallie and Ellie were delivered to Dr. Sarah Ford at the Burke County Animal Hospital and there they stayed for three months. There was plenty to do. Shots, skin dips, spays and heartworm treatment. But three months in a kennel at the vet's is a life on hold. We have been searching for their tomorrow all the while.

And at least for Sallie, a huge step to tomorrow stands before us. She has been accepted into foster with a kind soul in Oregon. Yes, Oregon. Sallie and her foster mom are as far apart as the continental states allows. And I have often been asked, why so far away. Because it is what it is. There are rare opportunities in Georgia for a dog such as Sallie. Where the Pit Bull is concerned, the South is inundated with fear, stigma, irresponsibility, reckless disregard, neglect, cruelty, and malice.

Tonight I stood in the front yard, cleaning out a van full of kennels, used to transport animals to and from spay-neuter clinics for a local animal rescue. A man passing by demanded to know what I was doing with so many cages. I explained. He was perplexed. So I asked if he has a dog, could he use assistance to have that dog see a vet and get fixed. Yes, he has seven. Seven Pit Bulls. But he'd think about it. Was unsure he wanted them fixed.

There is a "culture" that has "adopted" this breed. And the things they do, or don't, perplex me to perhaps the same degree my mission to rescue did him. I guess we always think we are right when we see a problem for its moral dimensions.

Yesterday Sallie came home with me. Her present accommodations are not much. I have three other dogs and two cats and have decided to keep her away from the others unless and until I know there are no demons in her head. Sallie is living in my office. We walk in the morning and twice at night. She is grateful and at ease. Perhaps she never lost her faith in humanity. Perhaps I need to work on recapturing mine.