Wednesday, November 28, 2012
The Autumn King
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
It ain't rocket science
A story in today's Star highlights an issue which is overdue for tackling. To wit - what the HELL happened to common sense and teaching children how to behave around dogs??
I feel for the child - it must have been a frightening and painful experience, one which hopefully has not left her with a lifetime aversion to dogs. But seriously!! Not ONE, but TWO parents left young children unsupervised in the backyard with a strange (relatively) dog who the pet-sitter and neighbour (Vanessa Vandenberghe) had been warned was reactive, albeit to strange dogs.
Vandenberghe states:
I feel for the child - it must have been a frightening and painful experience, one which hopefully has not left her with a lifetime aversion to dogs. But seriously!! Not ONE, but TWO parents left young children unsupervised in the backyard with a strange (relatively) dog who the pet-sitter and neighbour (Vanessa Vandenberghe) had been warned was reactive, albeit to strange dogs.
Vandenberghe states:
While the Booths had warned her to watch Panny near other dogs, she said they “absolutely did not tell me to be careful with Panny and unfamiliar children,” or of the need to supervise him around kids.First, this was the first and only offence by Panny; prior exposure to children had been positive. Second, and MORE important, who in the name of GOD needs to "tell someone" to be careful with a dog around children? When did our society stop using their common sense?
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| Kealin and the pups |
I am so tired of the abdication of responsibility that is so prevalent in our society today. Parents seem to point fingers and blame everyone but themselves. Even the Santa Clause parade is banned from throwing CANDIES because some idiot sued them for "pain, injury and suffering" . Throughout the school years of my four children I saw parents refusing responsibility for their childrens' issues, blaming the school, blaming the teacher, blaming the other parents, blaming the other kids instead of standing up and admitting they had dropped the ball. Great role models for our next generations ....
The lack of parental supervision and awareness of even the most basic dog "etiquette" has been brought home to me again and again when out with my own two dogs. Both rescues, both with their own complex set of issues and triggers, I am astounded again and again when kids come running up, often yelling and loud, waving their hands and wanting to throw their arms around their necks. And mum or dad standing complacently yards away, telling me fondly how "much little Johnny loves animals". They are invariably pissed and outraged when I tell them they need to teach their kids how to behave around dogs and just as invariably they put the onus on me and tell me "you shouldn't be out with those dogs if they aren't friendly".
Well, GUESS what, stupid parent! I HAVE taken responsibility. Which is why I don't bring Finn to places where there are a lot of people and chaos. She is fearful and as such, possibly prone to fear biting (she hasn't yet, but I know the possibility exists). So she doesn't get to go to Pet Smart or to rallies or to anywhere I can be sandbagged by stupid people.
Llyr, who was very aggressive when I got him (territorial aggression related to being chained to a doghouse for his first three years in a backyard), CAN be trusted if I am out with him. I know how to read him and how to gauge his reactions. By nature, he loves people and kids, and while his anxiety and bred in the bone reactiveness is still there, he has decent self-discipline and more importantly, looks to me every time for cues.
Which does not excuse the kid who JUMPED on his back in Pet Smart... or the 7 year old that SMACKED him because he "looked scary" when we walked (quietly) by him nor does it exonerate the numerous kids that have thrown themselves at him and tried to ride him (he is very tall and large) but most of all it doesn't excuse the parents who have FAILED abysmally to teach their children even the most basic dog knowledge.
Some things don't change. As a kid, my mother drilled into us a few basic rule when it came to dogs (and we always had them; further, I NEVER saw a dog that my mother couldn't pet or touch - even guard dogs couldn't resist her):
Rule 1: NEVER approach a strange dog without asking permission from the owner - if the owner is NOT there, then leave it alone.
Rule 2: Once you have had permission, NEVER put your face near a dog.
Rule 3: Put your hand out and let the dog sniff it and come to YOU.
I'm sure there were other adages but these three certainly worked and were fairly universal when I was growing up. Dogs ran free then - were seldom spayed or neutered - and pretty well every family had one - but I grew up without knowing ONE kid that ever got bitten.
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| If I were public media - I would use this as an example of nasty dogs - these are my dogs and they're PLAYING!! |
I hope Audrey recovers from her bite. I hope with all my heart that she doesn't scar and that she learns to trust dogs again. But killing Panny is NOT the solution. The myth that if once a dog bites, they'll bite again is just THAT - a myth. We do not know what went on in the backyard that morning - whether the children provoked the dog, whether they stepped on her accidentally and she simply reacted, whether it was fear or indeed, whether it was aggression.
But one bite by a dog should not carry with it a death sentence.
And these parents need to swallow their guilt and step up to the plate and admit it was their irresponsibility which lead to this in the first place.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Absence of Malice
Sometimes, it is the absence of something that brings attention to it.
Captain sits quiet beside me, wrinkly muzzle tipped up, tawny eyes taking in the bustle of Dorval Airport’s Air Canada cargo. His airline crate stands ready and we’re just waiting for my daughter to sort out his ticket. This boy, who I only met yesterday has already stolen my heart.
An Air Canada worker in the distinctive orange vests walks in and her eyes light up. Trotting over, she ignores me and bends, hands outstretched. “Bonne chien! Ma petite chou”... sweet dog she cries, taking his blocky head between her hands and rubbing his ears. Wiggle butt Captain grins and slurps messy pink kisses all over her face, body vibrating with pleasure. Calling to a co-worker, another orange-vested cargo employee walks over, grinning. Greeting me, he compliments me on my “beautiful” dog and bending rubs the excited dog’s flanks.
Captain is in heaven. Muscular body vibrating with pleasure, ears close to his head, eyes squinched shut in ecstasy, he radiates positive energy and affability. These are simply two more of what has been, almost without exception, an incredibly positive response to this beautiful dog.
Walking him outside, before the office opened, I had been approached by at least five people, each of whom wanted to meet “my” dog and ask about him. Without exception, they were shocked to the core when I told them that not only was this friendly, sweet-natured puppy a pariah in Ontario, but based on nothing more than his looks, he would be given a death sentence – like thousands and thousands of dogs like him. So encompassing is this concerted genocide, that Captain could not even be flown out of Pearson with impunity but had to be driven to Quebec.
Oddly, it was not until the innocuous reality of being greeted in a normal manner that I realized just how pervasive and poisoned is the atmosphere and environment in Ontario. It was, in fact, the “absence” of fear, the “absence” of loathing, the “absence” of disgust (against me for having “that” kind of dog) that brought home what a sick society exists in Ontario. Media frenzy, ably abetted by a government not averse to using myth and superstition as a weapon has created in the minds of many Ontarians a skewed and negative belief that the (usually improperly) labelled “pit bulls” are pariahs and to be avoided and despised.
A pervasive plan to demonize thousands of dogs based entirely on their appearance has been spectacularly and tragically, successful – and in its success the Liberals garnered goodwill and votes. The manipulative and sociopathic bastards that spearheaded the annihilation of innocent dogs have admitted that it was done primarily to create sound bites; Michael Bryant himself, the arrogant, alcoholic, cyclist-murdering godfather of BSL admits that he created the legislation more as an “ego” boost than because of any real belief that certain breeds were more dangerous than others. After all, the very experts they called to pass judgment on whether “pit bulls” were inherently unstable and dangerous debunked and undermined their claims.
Reality is not a tangible actuality for those who have espoused and continue to support breed specific legislation. Thus, a dog who “looks” a certain way (wide-set eyes, blocky body, short-haired) is magically transformed into a ravening, bloody-thirsty monster with “locking” jaws. The fact that DNA may indeed show that not a drop of American Staffordshire, American pit bull or bulldog is in the helix is irrelevant – he “looks” therefore he “is”.
It’s time. Kneeling, I hug my sweet boy and he washes my face with slurpy pittie kisses. I feel my eyes tear up and as I gently guide him into his crate, they fall, wetting my cheeks. He looks anxious, frightened. His young life has been uncertain and disrupted this past week. From the safe, loving haven of four months in a foster home, to a chaotic couple of days being health checked to the introduction and stress of meeting me and then journeying from province to province, he is scared.*
My heart aches and I feel rage consume me that the arbitrary and capricious actions of sociopathic politicians condemns him and thousands like him to an undeserved death. I am angry, really, really angry that this boy – greeted so unreservedly and enthusiastically here in Quebec – would be denigrated, despised and feared in Ontario. My daughter and I cry as we watch Captain leave, but I know he goes to a loving home and a place where he will be treated based on who he is, not what he looks like. A place where he will be allowed to live in freedom and without fear.
BSL MUST end. It is arbitrary, grossly inefficient, supremely misguided and has in fact rubberstamped the genocide of thousands of dogs – innocent of anything other than looking a certain way.
Bye Captain. Live free, my friend.
*Not saying where I got him from in case they get in trouble
Captain sits quiet beside me, wrinkly muzzle tipped up, tawny eyes taking in the bustle of Dorval Airport’s Air Canada cargo. His airline crate stands ready and we’re just waiting for my daughter to sort out his ticket. This boy, who I only met yesterday has already stolen my heart.
An Air Canada worker in the distinctive orange vests walks in and her eyes light up. Trotting over, she ignores me and bends, hands outstretched. “Bonne chien! Ma petite chou”... sweet dog she cries, taking his blocky head between her hands and rubbing his ears. Wiggle butt Captain grins and slurps messy pink kisses all over her face, body vibrating with pleasure. Calling to a co-worker, another orange-vested cargo employee walks over, grinning. Greeting me, he compliments me on my “beautiful” dog and bending rubs the excited dog’s flanks.
Captain is in heaven. Muscular body vibrating with pleasure, ears close to his head, eyes squinched shut in ecstasy, he radiates positive energy and affability. These are simply two more of what has been, almost without exception, an incredibly positive response to this beautiful dog.
Walking him outside, before the office opened, I had been approached by at least five people, each of whom wanted to meet “my” dog and ask about him. Without exception, they were shocked to the core when I told them that not only was this friendly, sweet-natured puppy a pariah in Ontario, but based on nothing more than his looks, he would be given a death sentence – like thousands and thousands of dogs like him. So encompassing is this concerted genocide, that Captain could not even be flown out of Pearson with impunity but had to be driven to Quebec.
Oddly, it was not until the innocuous reality of being greeted in a normal manner that I realized just how pervasive and poisoned is the atmosphere and environment in Ontario. It was, in fact, the “absence” of fear, the “absence” of loathing, the “absence” of disgust (against me for having “that” kind of dog) that brought home what a sick society exists in Ontario. Media frenzy, ably abetted by a government not averse to using myth and superstition as a weapon has created in the minds of many Ontarians a skewed and negative belief that the (usually improperly) labelled “pit bulls” are pariahs and to be avoided and despised.
A pervasive plan to demonize thousands of dogs based entirely on their appearance has been spectacularly and tragically, successful – and in its success the Liberals garnered goodwill and votes. The manipulative and sociopathic bastards that spearheaded the annihilation of innocent dogs have admitted that it was done primarily to create sound bites; Michael Bryant himself, the arrogant, alcoholic, cyclist-murdering godfather of BSL admits that he created the legislation more as an “ego” boost than because of any real belief that certain breeds were more dangerous than others. After all, the very experts they called to pass judgment on whether “pit bulls” were inherently unstable and dangerous debunked and undermined their claims.
Reality is not a tangible actuality for those who have espoused and continue to support breed specific legislation. Thus, a dog who “looks” a certain way (wide-set eyes, blocky body, short-haired) is magically transformed into a ravening, bloody-thirsty monster with “locking” jaws. The fact that DNA may indeed show that not a drop of American Staffordshire, American pit bull or bulldog is in the helix is irrelevant – he “looks” therefore he “is”.
It’s time. Kneeling, I hug my sweet boy and he washes my face with slurpy pittie kisses. I feel my eyes tear up and as I gently guide him into his crate, they fall, wetting my cheeks. He looks anxious, frightened. His young life has been uncertain and disrupted this past week. From the safe, loving haven of four months in a foster home, to a chaotic couple of days being health checked to the introduction and stress of meeting me and then journeying from province to province, he is scared.*
My heart aches and I feel rage consume me that the arbitrary and capricious actions of sociopathic politicians condemns him and thousands like him to an undeserved death. I am angry, really, really angry that this boy – greeted so unreservedly and enthusiastically here in Quebec – would be denigrated, despised and feared in Ontario. My daughter and I cry as we watch Captain leave, but I know he goes to a loving home and a place where he will be treated based on who he is, not what he looks like. A place where he will be allowed to live in freedom and without fear.
BSL MUST end. It is arbitrary, grossly inefficient, supremely misguided and has in fact rubberstamped the genocide of thousands of dogs – innocent of anything other than looking a certain way.
Bye Captain. Live free, my friend.
*Not saying where I got him from in case they get in trouble
Monday, November 5, 2012
Off-leash, offhand.. NOPE - But Mallick has a hate on
Heather Mallick of the Star writes a vitriolic diatribe, ostensibly on Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong's somewhat questionable motion to have all parks after 9 p.m. designated off-leash for the unquestionably growing segment of dog owners in the City of Toronto.
On an initial read, I was taken aback but actually agreed with Ms. Mallick as personal experience has taught me that a very large number of off-leash dogs shouldn't be. Unless your dog responds immediately, unless your dog can focus in a potentially volatile situation, unless your dog understands the concept of space, is properly socialized and knows how to interact properly, then PLEASE do other dogs - and owners - a favour and keep your dog leashed.
As the owner of two rescue german shepherds who have their own complex set of hangups - including the necessity of proper introductions to other dogs (and for that matter people) - I have had my much loved hikes severely limited the past few years as the number of unmanageable and untrained dogs off-leash (i.e in non-designated areas) proliferate.
However, the issue here is Ms. Mallick's acid denigration and wholesale condemnation of ALL dogs and their owners is unmistakably rooted in what I would even term hatred for our four legged buddies.
Damned if I am not yet again thrown in to yet another hated sub-group of this City! It already seems like half the city hates the fact I like to cycle, now I'm being hate-bombed because I have dogs?
Seriously Toronto - you really need to understand that the very complexity of this City is part of its reality. That the incredibly workable mix of cultures, sub-cultures, religions, colours, genders and everything else are what makes this City the one it is. Further, there really IS room for all of us here! A simple understanding that we all SHARE what this City offers would go a long way to deflating a lot of bruised egos; a grasp of the concept we all learned in kindergarten would really help make life here in this busy place more pleasant, more grounded for all of us.
I DESPISE overkill in the sense that the majority are punished for the crimes of a very few. I railed against my kids' schools if they punished a class for one child's transgression - and refused to tolerate the same kind of behaviour in my job - so please do not paint myself or the MAJORITY of other responsible dog owners for the crimes of a few. Deal instead with the ones that offend and come down heavy.
So Ms. Mallick - feel free to disagree with Councillor Minnan-Wong's suggestion - you'll find a lot of us "irresponsible" dog owners feel exactly the same. But your hatred (fear?) of dogs shines clearly through the rhetoric and attempted humour. You really need to face your fears and figure out why you have such a dislike of a creature that has stood beside human beings for thousands upon thousands of years.
I could easily come up with hundreds of examples of irresponsible parenting (from screaming kids in stores, unmanageable kids in restaurants, diapers left stinking up benches, etc)- but what's the point? I know very well that most parents are responsible and muddle along the best they can - and frankly, most kids can be fun. So I'm not going to condemn parents or kids for the bad behaviour of a few.
I suggest you get off your high horse, face your obvious fear and dislike of dogs and accept that they are an integral and growing part of the reality not just of this City but of any City. The future brings with it an increasingly urban landscape - and just like drivers are going to have to figure out how to live in peace and share with cyclists - so too will the city dweller learn to accept and live in peace with those who chose to embrace dogs in their lives.
On an initial read, I was taken aback but actually agreed with Ms. Mallick as personal experience has taught me that a very large number of off-leash dogs shouldn't be. Unless your dog responds immediately, unless your dog can focus in a potentially volatile situation, unless your dog understands the concept of space, is properly socialized and knows how to interact properly, then PLEASE do other dogs - and owners - a favour and keep your dog leashed.
As the owner of two rescue german shepherds who have their own complex set of hangups - including the necessity of proper introductions to other dogs (and for that matter people) - I have had my much loved hikes severely limited the past few years as the number of unmanageable and untrained dogs off-leash (i.e in non-designated areas) proliferate.
However, the issue here is Ms. Mallick's acid denigration and wholesale condemnation of ALL dogs and their owners is unmistakably rooted in what I would even term hatred for our four legged buddies.
Damned if I am not yet again thrown in to yet another hated sub-group of this City! It already seems like half the city hates the fact I like to cycle, now I'm being hate-bombed because I have dogs?
Seriously Toronto - you really need to understand that the very complexity of this City is part of its reality. That the incredibly workable mix of cultures, sub-cultures, religions, colours, genders and everything else are what makes this City the one it is. Further, there really IS room for all of us here! A simple understanding that we all SHARE what this City offers would go a long way to deflating a lot of bruised egos; a grasp of the concept we all learned in kindergarten would really help make life here in this busy place more pleasant, more grounded for all of us.
I DESPISE overkill in the sense that the majority are punished for the crimes of a very few. I railed against my kids' schools if they punished a class for one child's transgression - and refused to tolerate the same kind of behaviour in my job - so please do not paint myself or the MAJORITY of other responsible dog owners for the crimes of a few. Deal instead with the ones that offend and come down heavy.
So Ms. Mallick - feel free to disagree with Councillor Minnan-Wong's suggestion - you'll find a lot of us "irresponsible" dog owners feel exactly the same. But your hatred (fear?) of dogs shines clearly through the rhetoric and attempted humour. You really need to face your fears and figure out why you have such a dislike of a creature that has stood beside human beings for thousands upon thousands of years.
I could easily come up with hundreds of examples of irresponsible parenting (from screaming kids in stores, unmanageable kids in restaurants, diapers left stinking up benches, etc)- but what's the point? I know very well that most parents are responsible and muddle along the best they can - and frankly, most kids can be fun. So I'm not going to condemn parents or kids for the bad behaviour of a few.
I suggest you get off your high horse, face your obvious fear and dislike of dogs and accept that they are an integral and growing part of the reality not just of this City but of any City. The future brings with it an increasingly urban landscape - and just like drivers are going to have to figure out how to live in peace and share with cyclists - so too will the city dweller learn to accept and live in peace with those who chose to embrace dogs in their lives.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Pretty needs a forever home of her own
She has not had the easiest of lives and as such, her tolerance of other dogs and reaction to new environments requires a somewhat experienced owner. NOT that she is a problem - you just need to know how to guide and teach her new social skills - and the THS staff are ready, willing and able to help with the transition.
Happy Tails Dog Spa has kindly and generously provided a custom-made muzzle for this girl, who due to the draconian, misguided and STUPID laws enacted by that pathetic excuse for a Liberal government, must remain muzzled in public.
Pretty's energy levels - like most terriers- are high and she loves to play. With a little guidance, Pretty's sweet, affectionate nature, big smile and earnest desire to please would make a wonderful companion and workout buddy!
Please share, far and wide - let's find one of the THS's longest residents her very OWN home in time for Christmas!
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