Complex Explanation: Dogs

Recently I wrote an article with two other people, H.L and M.D. We were going over the fine points of game dogs, the behavioral and genetic traits. Some of what we have written was a little confusing for many of our advocate friends. Truthfully, most of it was a little confusing to me as well, until H.L explained the complex structure.

The article I wrote with others is here: http://theavocaterforthevoiceless.blogspot.com/2013/05/game-dogs-and-you.html

Along with a recent conversation, I had with a very lovely person who has been fighting 

BSL in the UK area, I concur with him.

Game Dogs are a controversial area of conversation, there has been debate, back and forth with this issue. Is it all genetics or is it training and the people behind the dog?

All three honestly, depending on the situation, the person, and the genetics of a dog.

One must remember that there is Selective breeding, Selective training, and the attitude/mentality of a person.

While studying for the past 3 months going on 4, I concluded that there is a new generation of dog fighters, whom really do not care about the dog’s aggression toward people. What they mainly care for, are if the dogs can last the round, and make the most money for them.

They call this a sport this is not a sport. It is barbaric treatment of a voiceless sentient being. Who wants nothing more than to be all it can be for its owner. That determination will never wither, no matter how many times they selectively breed their dog.

We as humans must push pass this petty greed, and look toward an actual sport we can participate in with our four legged companions. We as humans must learn to respect our dogs and animals, period. We as humans were put here to protect our animal brethren, not put here to destroy what was created.

In addition, even this is a controversial debate; many believe we were not put here to be guardians for these animals. If that is the case, then why do we exist? Humans are a very complex being, many different personalities, ways of thinking and living.

Dog fighters are not that complex anymore, we as advocates can see why they do what they do; Money fame, reputation or should I say street credit?

Anti animal advocates, such as the anti pit bull advocates, only go by half-truths from a person who is not a dog expert, her statistics are flawed, and they are from a 2009-2010 documentation of a flawed test, which was tossed out. She does not factor in the possibilities of dog fighters, or animal abusers, or any other twisted individuals who abuse their companion. She merely blames all dogs, based on breed and flawed news reports that target a specific breed, without knowing what that breed really is.

Because of her, BSL has been pushing forward in most states and countries overseas. Majority of animal control facilities have also been using her methods of determining if a dog is aggressive, basing everything on her stolen statistics.

The truth is, with the seriousness these dog fighter breeders handling these dogs improperly it has led to human aggression. Most of the time the traits do not show until the dog is about 2 to 3 years of age. When this happens, people wind up seriously injured and by that time, the dog can be either with a rescuer or with the dog fighter.

Yet, we all know if the dog bites the fighter/handler, they put them to death. This leads the breeders to breed again and start over. Which is also why a shelter is overfilled with specific dog breeds, and they too wind up put to death. I do not use the word euthanized or sleep this is murder plain and simple.

In certain situations, dogs that experience aggression can be in most cases rehabilitated, depending on their training and what traits been bred into said dog.

Not all fighting dogs are game dogs, most are dogs that became dog napped, bought, or picked up off the streets. In these cases, if this is the case they have the chance of rehabilitation. Example- Mike Vic’s dogs, I use this example because of the fact that these dogs of his are now in proper homes and many are service-trained dogs.

There is so much debate out there between issues that it is colliding together making a mess of controversy.

One advocate states it is how the dogs are raised. This statement is false, as I have stated before, raising and training your dogs are two separate aspects.

Raising- Is the time you spend with your dog, the food you feed your dog, the trips to the vets, parks etc.
Training- is teaching them skills they need to learn, such as doing their business outside, sitting, leave it, fetch, stay, lay down etc commands which equals control.

Raising a dog by spending time with your dog, forms a bond, this allows for the training.

There is no such breed as a “Pit Bull”. True and false, the only true pit bull is the American Pit Bull Terrier or APBT for sort. Yet this Pit Bull title has become a label for today’s Staffordshire terriers, Boxers, Bull Dogs and so on. It is a Label created by the BSL, UKC, and the AKC. This labeled has been used wrongly with Animal Control officers, because they have this sheet with check boxes next to descriptions of what a Pit Bull Type looks like. Oval shaped eyes, block like head, medium built, and so on. Approximately, several bull and terrier breeds match that description.

Blame Game:

The blame lies on the dog fighters, and the irresponsible people not training their dogs properly. All dogs can be a possible danger, in the inappropriate hands. Yet, dogs can be an amazing miracle in the proper hands.

Proper Precautions:

All dog owners should take precautions when out walking their dog. Animal Aggressive, dogs should wear a muzzle, and always be on a lead. Skittish or Fear biting dogs should always be by your side on a lead, with a Yellow or White ribbon on the leash or lead for accessible view, while wearing a dog vest stating, “I’m in training or being rehabilitated.” All dog owners should take a training course with their dog, learning body language. To learn the signs that could stop an attack from happening, to know when your dog is irritated and or scared or unsure of a person. All dog owners should be aware of the surroundings and be aware of people that may be walking up from behind them. This goes for dog walkers and or dog sitters as well. This will save the dog from being spooked, and prevent any agitated attack and prevent a dog from being put to death, because of first time bite offence...

Bettering ourselves by learning these aspects, such as dog body language and vocal commands will help us keep our dogs safe. This will help us also educate those who advocate against our breeds, who think our breed of dogs are nothing but steroid induced monsters, or that only low poverty, gang members and so on, own these certain breeds.

The people, who advocate against our dogs, never had the opportunity in owning one of these delightful breeds for themselves, so they do not know the joy of having a great breed in their life.

Taking and learning these precautions will put an end to this discrimination and stereotyping. 

We either become part of the solution or continue to be part of the problem… My team and I choose to be part of the Solution and educate the public or at least do our best at spreading the word of truth and education...

Rest In Peace Our Dear Chum

It is with a heavy heart and sadden eyes, we report to the world that has shown support and love for Chum and Champ.... Chum has passed away peacefully last night in the arms and paws of her family and Champ her soul mate.

Many of us cannot believe the news, yet unfortunately it is true. She is now on that rainbow bridge back with her human mom Edith. May she always be remembered for how she touched our hearts, and left those brilliant paw prints and for what kind of fur kid she was. We love Chum, even though we never got a chance to meet her in person, just the pictures, the posts the stories. Made us feel close to her. We were part of the group that advocated for her freedom, even though her freedom was short lived, we know deep in our hearts, that she at the end, knew she was loved by all.

At this point and time everyone who was involved with the chum and champ groups will be taking a short break, to mourn the loss of a great fur kid (Chum).

This was the message from Irene Foley Yesturday at 10:58 am
Chum from Irene Foley ~~

As many of you know, it took two months for the CVRD to release only a portion of Chum’s medical records (none of Champ’s have been released to date). On April 12, 2013 I received an email from Rebeka Breder letting me know that the CVRD (Troy Desouza) had finally agreed to share some of Chum’s file including some x-rays. It took another week for the vet holding those documents to forward them to Chum’s new doctor on April 22, 2013. The x-rays caused the new vet to believe Chum may have been misdiagnosed for all of these months during her incarceration. Wednesday, April 24, 2013, Chum was taken to Can West in Vancouver with the intent of having new x-rays, an MRI, a CAT scan and new blood work etc… We were all relieved thinking that once the x-rays confirmed it was a cruciate injury, Chum would have her surgery and be home the next day.
The specialist who examined Chum was suspicious of the cruciate injury diagnoses. He had her x-rayed (without anesthetic to avoid complications). An hour later, the specialist confirmed our worst fears. Chum has bone cancer. The cancer has eaten through her leg bone and fractured it. He said in some cases they are able to amputate to save a dog’s life, but there was more bad news. Chum’s lungs are completely full of cancer. The specialist was flabbergasted that she is still walking/hobbling and couldn’t understand why she wasn’t coughing and struggling for breath. He has said Chum may have two weeks left to live. I was with Chum yesterday, and will see her again today. She is not the same dog that she was 9 days ago during my visit. Although she is now heavily medicated to alleviate her pain, Chum is labouring and I don’t believe she will be with us for more than a few days.
We are all devastated at this news. Chum has been put through so much cruelty this past year and to find out now that she has suffered with the pain of cancer for months and that none of the “three” vets hired by the CVRD found the cancer (or shared their findings if they did know) has added another layer of devastation to an already tragic story. When I think of how she almost died at the SPCA and all of the tests, needles, trial drugs, poking and prodding, and never once did she whimper or complain. I am in awe of Chum’s courage and her gentle nature. I honestly don’t know another dog who would have tolerated so much at the hands of humans without reacting. Everyone who took part in falsely accusing Chum of attacking a dog, all the way down the line to the SPCA and their vet who allowed both dogs to be released in October 2012 with multiple infections, to the Animal Control Officer/Bylaw Officers, the CVRD and the Judge himself should be made aware of the absolute inhumanity of what they have done to both of these dogs. If I were any one of them I would hang my head in shame. None of them are deserving of the job titles they hold or the paycheques they take home.
We all fought for more than a year to save Chum and Champ, first from being destroyed and later, from being sent to inappropriate placements (Spider Lake and the Saskatchewan breeder). On February 22, 2013 when Chum was finally released and reunited with Champ, they were both rehomed with a member of my family. We were so happy to know that both of these Gentle Giants had survived this horrible ordeal and that they would remain in our family to live out their days together in good health and happiness. And now, because the system doesn’t require the CVRD or the SPCA (or their hired vets apparently) to provide adequate health care for dogs who are seized and impounded, Chum has suffered excruciating physical pain without relief. There are no words to express our grief and anger over Chum’s continued suffering and the knowledge that she will be taken from us so quickly.
Chum will soon be at peace and Section 49 will have claimed another victim. The bloated machine of local government spouting public safety will no longer be able to hurt her. Champ will again have to learn to live without his lifetime mate…this time forever. Chum and Champ’s tragedy has cost two lives, Edith’s and very soon Chum’s. I have always erred on the side of asking all of you to write in a respectful and courteous manner but now I am asking you to put your anger and sadness into words. Please contact the media, the CVRD, BC Tourism and the Provincial Government and anyone you may know in BC, to protest against what has happened to these dogs with the intent of preventing it from ever happening again.

And today approximately 6 hours ago a new message from Irene Foley:

So yes, the saddest truth. Chum is on the Rainbow bridge.
We love you Chum and we continue the battle to save all the innocent dogs in the BC area. No one will be silent, no one will give up, we will continue on in your name and other's who were taken away.

Rest in peace, our sweet Chum.