Sunday, March 29, 2009

Dog Fights

Some of the most vicious dog fights haven't been organized by Michael Vick and his crew (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyLY599eA_c). The battles take place in cyberspace where folks who love animals just can't seem to get along. Spay/neuter enforcement, breeding, pet adoption fees, shelter fundraising, training techniques... on both sides of each of those arguments are people who love pets. Oh, but when they don't see eye-to-eye it gets nasty, VERY nasty. Animal lovers can you handle tough love? If not, don't read any further... We run the risk of being dismissed as a bunch of wackos and that hurts the cause, no matter which side of the argument you're on.

Any comment, event or interview about animals can be a scary situation. My dog, Henri, is my number one stress reliever. Tops on the list of stress enhancers? Disagreeing with other dog lovers. Sometimes even when you agree, if you don't agree the right way, it gets nasty, VERY NASTY. While I don't think that discussions about animal control and rescue should be limited to news stories about the latest PETA stunts, it is imperative that supporters educate and leave the attacking to expertly trained police dogs. Let's approach animal rescue with equal parts passion and compassion for the victims of abuse and neglect AND the folks trying to save them.

Dozens of dog owners came together for the Perfect Pooch Pageant last weekend and it was FUN and PEACEFUL! It was organized by June Ross, a Matt and Ramona Show listener (http://mattandramona.1079thelink.com/page.cfm?ID=226) who worked her tail off to benefit the Humane Society. Despite complaints about which rescue organization should get the money raised and whether pure bred dogs and puppies should be able to compete in the "cute" category (not kidding about that, somebody thought it wouldn't be fair for a full grown mutt to have to compete with an adorable little Yorkie-poo puppy) it was a soggy, tail-wagging good time. Thanks to all of the sponsors, dogs and their owners who participated. Special thanks to SouthPoint Pet Hospital (http://www.southpointvet.com/) for providing the location and Party Reflections (http://www.partyreflections.com/) for donating the tent that kept us dry. The judges had their work cut out for them. Much love to the folks who made the tough decision to pick the showgirl wiener dog over the Elvis spaniel in the fashion competition. Judges, on behalf of pets everywhere, you earned our gratitude by spending your Saturday afternoon helping out. If it were appropriate I'd scratch all of you behind the ears and then rub your bellies. Sarah Crosland from Charlotte Magazine (http://www.charlottemagazine.com/); my mom Wheezy (self proclaimed America's Favorite Cougar); Maddisson Shepard, Miss Mecklenburg Outstanding Teen and Candy from the Candy and Potter Show (http://candyandpotter.1079thelink.com/index.cfm?) THANK YOU. Henri would have thanked you himself but he was a bit embarrassed about clawing Sarah's dress and pooping in the judging area.

In the end, there were no sore losers... just lots of dogs dressed better than me and over $1500.00 raised to help the animals. See what can happen when there's no dog fighting?

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