Confessions of a lazy dog blogger...

So, I've discovered that I'm a lazy blogger. "Meh," as my sons might say. It's not that I lack for things to talk about, it's simply that my life is busy with work, 3 dogs, a cat and a 20-year-old  offspring and rediscovering what life is like when I can direct it myself. I'm also reluctant to put myself in a situation wherein I have to write more than once a month. Initially my goal was to put up a weekly post but time is not on my side. :-/

The past few months have been so busy! Summer? Vacation? Huh? What? Right. It's been like that.

The best thing to come out of my summer (outside of 2 weeks of vacation the first part of June)  is getting Pops into BADRAP's beginning obedience class. Definitely worth the wait. The class has forced me to be more consistent in how I handle the leash, dispense treats and attention (NILIF), and the way I correct naughty/undesirable behavior. Pops has responded well to the training I'm receiving. I'm not 100% but it's a vast improvement over how I managed her 6 months ago.

International Outrage

Poppy and CJ, foundling and adoptee, respectively

The plight of Lennox, a bully breed dog residing in Belfast, Northern Ireland and judged (under Belfast City Council's (BCC) breed specific legislation (BSL)) to be offensive and therefore subject to BCC's harshest measures, has elicited international outrage for over two years.

Lennox's fate, as determined by the BCC, was touted on the interwebs as a horrid example of the worst outcome of such misconceived laws. The BCC seemed determined to hold up Lennox as an example of why BSL is in place - to the larger community of Belfast and the world. "Though shalt not suffer a [bully breed] (pit bull type dog) to live." As a result of the law enacted by the BCC a valued life was lost, a family was denied the opportunity to be with their cherished pet as he left this life, mementos of this beloved pet's passing were withheld from his loved ones, and, ultimately, this family was denied the possibility of reclaiming Lennox's remains. Does this strike you as behavior that supports a sincere value for life?

What is it that allows us to call ourselves 'human?' Why, when we create such inhumane laws, do we fool ourselves into thinking that we can act humanely?

I feel terribly sad to know that Lennox passed into the rainbow realm without a nearby kind thought, hand, or word to see him safely across the realms of life and light. I wonder how we dare call ourselves "human" much less "humane."

Fear is nearly always the greatest motivator for enacting such sweeping laws that do not allow for the individual to express his/her/their love for someone/something which does not conform to what is considered a "norm." Lennox was an object of fear. Was he truly as the BCC animal wardens describe? Will we ever know the truth? Does it really matter? Yes, it does. The only cure for fear is education and education only comes when those who are willing share their knowledge and never, ever shut up. Groups like Animal Farm Foundation, Stubby Dog, Sula Foundation and BADRAP are fierce defenders of bully breeds and their voices are being heard in places like Baltimore, Cleveland and Miami. Perhaps one day their words will cross the Atlantic and reach the ears of the BCC.

It was our duty to be fair, impartial, and, ultimately, to act in the best interest of all concerned. Human-kind failed you, Lennox. Please forgive us. Those of us who care about special dogs like you will continue to provide education about bully breeds to those who are ignorant, offering sanctuary, training and loving homes.

Forgive us.