Wag the Dog

 

 

Recently, a London
woman kindly took in a dog down on its luck. The dog in the picture above
(Faith), along with another dog, belonged to neighbors. The dogs were
disposable items and left behind when they moved away. The woman, I’ll call her Jane which is not her real
name, along with her 13 year old son willingly gave Faith a permanent home.

 

Here is an excerpt from her letter:

 

Faith has had her vaccinations, spayed
and chipped. When I got her she was starving for attention and pretty thin, she
had bonded instantly with my son who is thirteen. I loved her right from the
beginning, she is an awesome dog.

 

I have been laid off since Oct. so in the
morning I will be watching the news and she curls right up and sleeps for about
two hours. At around 12pm she will wait by the door for my son coming home for
lunch and also around 3:30 when he comes homes from school.

 

London animal
control got a tip from someone saying there was a “pitbull” at a certain
address. When AC showed up, they deemed her a “pitbull” and said Jane had 14 days to get Faith out of
province or Faith would be killed. Unfortunately the previous owners had her
micro chipped, and chip identified her as a “pitbull” and listed her age at approx
1 1/2 yrs old.

 

With choices running low, Jane contacted ANML RESQ.
The rescue has safely moved Faith out of the province where she has a chance to
find a loving forever home and second chance at life.

 

Here is
another excerpt from Jane’s letter:

 

All I ask and wish for is that someone
protects her and loves her.  She did not
deserve to be taken away from a home with people who could find no fault with
her.  Faith is so deserving of a good
wholesome family that will keep her and cherish her forever. 

 

It is extremely difficult for me to let
go however it was this option or she was to be destroyed by those that are
enforcing a law with no merit.  Faith did
nothing wrong other than being born a ‘type’ of dog.  This law has destroyed many lives I am
certain, as my son and I are grieving this loss.  I am uncertain if we will ever completely
heal.

 

Another dog has been ripped from its loving owner
for no reason other than how it looks. Thanks McGuinty Liberals for bringing
heartbreak to thousands of Ontario
dog owners for no reason other than political optics.

 

Here is
an excerpt from a volunteer at Gerdy’s
Rescue and Adoptions, who are the receiving rescue for Faith:

 

 This has been an emotional roller coaster
for all involved I am certain.  Even though I have been actively moving
animals in and out of both Quebec and Ontario – I never was
touched by this on a personal level.  I have a strong feeling that no one
really does understand the magnitude of this ban until there is a loved one or
acquaintance that has been affected.
 
I am a personal friend of Faith’s owner. London
Animal Control (London
Animal Care Centre) arrived at her home.  Faith was not involved in an
incident such as free at large, an attack or excessive barking.  Faith was
outside on the balcony and someone said she was using this as her
bathroom.  Animal control investigated and found no evidence – therefore
unfounded.  When he was at the door Faith came to him and was licking his
hand and was being her friendly self. That's when he
said Faith was a pit bull. The owner said “no she is boxer mix”. 
He looked at her teeth and said she was only approx. 1 year
old and Faith was to leave the province unless there was proof Faith
was 3.5 years of age.
 
I read the checklist from London
Animal Care Centre; which clearly indicates the 'proof dog is not a pit bull'
and 'proof dog is a 'restricted' pit bull.  In reading this “checklist”
you can clearly see that it is impossible to keep any short haired mutt within London if there is no documents
almost from birth dated 2005.  
 
On a side note from the personal friend/rescue worker: The owner who rescued
Faith has recently suffered tremendous tragic personal loss. 
She only wanted to hold onto what is left and Faith played a huge part. She
suffers silently.  She is a strong woman however this is one blow that she
could have done without. This is not only about a dog; but it is also
about a human being. Hopefully something good can come out of this. 
Hopefully there is hope.  I
have 'Faith'.
  
I would like to
remind dog owners to please not register your dog with your vet or license her as
a “pitbull”, “pitbull terrier” “stafford cross” or any similar term.
There is no such breed and you are only giving ammunition to those choosing to
enforce this law (which there is no obligation to enforce).

Remember:

 

Do not let Animal Control officers
enter your home or take your dog. Demand to see a warrant.

Know your rights and contact a
lawyer if you are in need of legal assistance.

Do not volunteer information. This
may be used against you!

For more information about what to
do if Animal Control comes to your door click here.