Free to a Bad Home

*This is a 2-part post.  Check back tomorrow for Part 2: Owner Surrenders

When a pet owner no longer wants their family pet, they tend to choose one of 3 options: surrender the pet to the animal shelter, turn them over to an animal rescue group, or give the pet away for free to a "good home." Today, I'd like to discuss the heartbreaking reality behind that last option.

Some surrendering families feel "too guilty" to dump their unwanted pet at the local pound. So instead, they post "Free to a Good Home" ads in the newspaper and on Craigslist. 

In their minds, they see this as a better option --a "more compassionate" option-- than the risk of euthanasia at the animal shelter. But they don't realize... that this is one of the most irresponsible and reckless decisions they could ever make. 

Why so? Well, the truth ain't always pretty, but here goes: Animal abusers and dog fighters scan newspaper ads, Craigslist, and other sites and publications in search of "Free to a Good Home" pets. The "free" component is key here... because these people aren't willing to pay anything for the animals, because the pets have no value. 

Abusers want these animals for sadistic pleasure. Dog fighters want them for bait. So, if you're giving away your pet for free, you're putting them in immense danger... which could very well lead to a lifetime of unimaginable torture.

The most common defense I hear on this topic is: "But I'd only let them go to a 'good home.' I'd never give them to someone who would hurt them!" Well... let me explain why that's easier said than done...

First of all, evil people don't wear shirts that say, "I'm a disgusting human." They're very skilled at presenting themselves as normal, "good" people... because for them, everything hinges on their ability to do just that. 

The best way to commit horrendous crimes without getting caught is to look like someone who would never commit those crimes. Have you ever watched the news and heard, "I just can't believe it! He seemed like such a nice, normal guy! He was a Deacon at our church! I never knew he was capable of something like this..."

Abusers rarely look like abusers. They look however they need to look in order to lure the victim of abuse: children, women, animals. Trust me... they know exactly what they need to say and do to get what they want. And if they want your pet, and you're willing to send that pet off for free based on nothing more than how this person looks, then you'll likely hand them over to a deranged monster in sheep's clothing.

Further, dog fighters don't always look like dog fighters. Believe me... dog fighting is a money sport. I'm talking millions of dollars. These people look like they have money, because they do have money. And in order to make that money, the fighting dogs must be trained to kill. How are they trained? By using bait dogs, cats, and rabbits... that were once your dogs, cats, and rabbits. 

These bait animals are completely disposable... so dog fighters aren't willing to pay good money to obtain them. Yet-- dog fighters need that bait for training. So where do they look? "Free to a Good Home" ads. They may also scan low-fee or no-fee animal shelters... or your backyard.

Dog fighters want your free pet for bait. They need your free pet for bait. And they'll do whatever it takes to get them. So, when they contact you... they won't look like a dog fighter. They'll look very much like a "good home."

Still don't believe me? Still convinced that you could spot a "dog fighter?" Well, consider this: Many respected individuals are involved in dog fighting. Athletes, police officers, and successful businessmen and women. People of every race, every background, and every economic class are involved in this "sport." 

For example, consider Michael Vick. People tend to forget that he wasn't always seen as a dog fighting criminal. Before his crimes were made public, Vick was a highly-respected athlete who was admired by millions of people around the world. Of course, now we all know differently, but ask yourself: Just how many Michael Vicks haven't been caught yet? Trust me... thousands of others --who you currently respect as "good people"-- are involved in this crime. They live in my hometown... and they live in your hometown.

Some of you may still think that "Free to a Good Home" ads are a good alternative. You may say, "Well, I got my pet from Craigslist, and I'm a good home." You may also think that you're capable of distinguishing the good homes from the bad homes. And maybe you're right...

But ask yourself: If there's even a chance that you could be wrong, is it worth the risk?? Because if you're wrong... the consequences are devastating.

Please, please, PLEASE don't give your family pet away for free to a "good home." Please don't use newspaper ads and Craigslist postings as a trustworthy alternative for pet re-homing. Trust me... it's NOT worth the risk.

If you're asking, "But what other option do I have?" Well... one option would be to work your ass off to keep your pet with your family. Most issues can be resolved with just a little effort, and honestly... you owe your pet that much. This option is the most compassionate, responsible, and promising option... the very best option if you truly love your pet.

Or... if you simply must re-home them, you could work with an animal rescue group to re-home your pet. Animal rescues have experience in screening potential families prior to pet adoption. Rescues also charge a pet adoption fee, to ensure that the pet has some value. In addition, pet adoption contracts are used to protect the future for that pet. 

However, it's important to remember that most animal rescue organizations are operating at maximum capacity. So, even if they're willing to help re-home your pet, they may not have space for them. If you truly care about your pet, then you should offer to keep them in your home until the rescue can find another adopter. At the very least... you owe them that much.

*Click below to read Part 2 of this post: Owner Surrenders
http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/owner-surrenders.html

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!

Chance the Bait Dog

Chance's Pet Pardons photo

A few days ago, a dog from the Mobile, Alabama animal shelter was posted on Pet Pardons. 

This wasn't just any shelter dog... this was a severely injured bait dog.

Most people aren't aware that bait dogs even exist. So, I'll provide a brief explanation... for those of you asking: "What is a bait dog?" 

Bait dogs are the most heartbreaking casualty of dog fighting. Basically, the name says it all... these dogs are used as bait... in order to train the fighter dogs how to fight... and kill. 

In the early stages of fight training, bait dogs become the prey. With every defense mechanism stripped away, they're rendered completely helpless. Their mouths are taped shut, their legs are bound, and their bodies are restrained. Then, they're thrown into a ring with another dog... who has been trained to kill them. 

Chance at the vet

What most people don't realize is that the "fighter dogs" are only fighting... because their lives depend on it. If they refuse to fight, or if they lose a fight, there will be consequences. They may be beaten. They may be killed. Or they may... become the bait. 

Many bait dogs are former fighters, who resisted training or lost in battle. Resistance isn't tolerated. Losers are disposable. And so... the fighters fight... to live another day.  

Chance's head

While the bait dogs... can only hope to die today... 

Many bait dogs die in the ring. And those are the lucky ones. Because for as long as a bait dog is able to survive the attacks... they'll be subjected to the same mind-numbing torture, over and over and over again. 

Often, their limbs hang from their bodies. Their ears are torn off. Their entire snouts are ripped from their faces. Do they receive vet care? No. Are they given pain meds? No. What about compassion? No.

So, if they survive the attack, the pain still isn't over. Survivors are often dumped... to later end up on death row at the animal shelter. For the others, their bleeding bodies will be thrown into a tiny cage, or a small dog kennel, or onto a short chain. They're never fed... because they aren't valued. They're attacked, mutilated... and then starved and neglected. It's the saddest existence I can imagine. 

The most heartbreaking part about their reality is this: these precious, tortured souls would gladly endure the unimaginable physical agony... if they could just hear "I love you," when it was over.  

But bait dogs will never hear "I love you." They will never experience compassion. They will never know a life without agonizing pain, immense hunger, and complete and total despair. 

Unless... we save them.

I thought the Vet's name was ironic

Meet Chance.

Chance has lived his entire life as a bait dog... live bait. He's known more pain in his short time here on Earth... than we could ever imagine in our worst nightmares. And honestly, he shouldn't even be alive today. 

His existence has been confined to a chain, within a tiny dog kennel-- a cage of torture. Each day, he was taken from that cage, thrown into a ring of horrors, and viciously mauled. Then... he was thrown back on the chain... and left to bleed to death. They wanted him dead.

But Chance didn't die. He continued to survive...
Only... to end up on death row at the animal shelter. 

Chance & I

That's when Chance was posted on Pet Pardons. Shortly thereafter, I got a call from my friend and fellow Pet Pardons Co-Founder, Chris. He said, "I sent you a link. Severely injured bait dog. Death row. Urgent. He needs you." 

As I opened my mouth to say, "Chris, of course I want to help, but I just don't have room. Maybe we can find someone else to take him..." Chris said, "Just open the link and call me back." Then, he hung up. 

I clicked the link... knowing that my heart was about to break... but I wasn't quite prepared for what I was about to see. Because when the page loaded... I saw Riley. My Riley. My own dog, who was also saved from a dog fighting ring. Of course, it wasn't really Riley, but the dog in the picture could be his twin. Chris had obviously realized that... in sending this particular link to me. 


I stared at my screen... and tears filled my eyes. Right in front of me, was the sad reality... that so easily could've been my Riley's... if he hadn't been saved. I saw what Riley could've been... without me.  

I began to sob, knowing that this dog had survived a lifetime of torture... only to die in an animal shelter. Almost no one would be willing to take a dog in that condition... a former bait dog. No one... but me.

I quickly made a call to an amazing animal rescue friend in the Mobile area, SouthBARK... and with their wonderful help, Chance became a Lucky Dog. Today, he was transported from Alabama to me in Mississippi... to join the ranks of the Lucky. Today... Chance got a second chance.

Love.

I won't lie to you. It won't be an easy road for Chance. The pain of his past is written all over his face, with an unbelievable number of old scars and fresh wounds covering his entire body. He has 2 drainage tubes coming from his head, to reduce the swelling; he's severely emaciated, and he's in constant physical agony.

But I'm more concerned with his heart... with replacing the betrayal and despair with trust and hope. That process started today... and his joy upon arrival was nothing short of incredible.

Because today... for the first time, Chance heard the words, "I love you." And today... for the first time in his life... he got to say, "I love you back."

*Chance will need a lot of vet care on his road to recovery. Please click the link below to help Chance heal.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE FOR CHANCE! 

Chance was saved BECAUSE OF PET PARDONS! We saved another one, y'all!

In My Words

The past few days have been super-crazy. So, as the week (finally) comes to a close, I just wanted to share a few of my thoughts:

*As you search for the strength to fight your own battles, know that you aren't the only one suffering. We are each fighting our own unique war... and sometimes... a few good allies is all we need to win.

*Love is about more than just a feeling. It's about putting that feeling into action.

*Injustice gains strength with each silent voice and every inaction. And so, injustice holds the power... that we refuse to reclaim.

*Complacency stems from indifference. Indifference says, 'Oh well.' Complacency says, 'It is what it is.' Thus, injustice is born... and hope dies. Now you know why... it is what it is.

*When I think I can't go on, I just look at my rescue dog. If he can keep going after all he's been through... then I sure as hell can.

*If you have even one person in your life who believes in you, and I mean truly believes in you, then consider yourself lucky. And if that one person... is you, then everything you believe... is possible. 

*If you care about something, but you won't fight for it... then you don't care.

*We've all had bad things happen to us. All of us. But the outcome of your life isn't about what's happened to you. It's about how you chose to handle it. 

*You will never make everyone happy. But if you can make a few people smile often... then that's all you really need.

*When you're a kid, anything is possible. You think big, you dream bigger, and you know--without a doubt-- that you can do anything. Over time, the world beats us down. The big thoughts are exchanged for conformity. The bigger dreams are traded for stability. The 'can-dos' are replaced with 'can't-dos.' We call that 'growing up.' But really... we didn't grow up at all. We gave up.

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Love, Ash

*All quotes were written by me, Ashley Owen Hill

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!

Become that Someone

Most people are waiting for someone else to change the world. Meanwhile... they waste every opportunity... to actually become that someone.

When your help is needed, have you ever asked: "What's in it for me?" 

Well, I'll be honest with ya: Sometimes, nothing's in it for you. Sometimes, it's not about you. Most of the time, the only thing "in it" for you... is a feeling.

But our society thrives on incentives. If you do this, then you'll receive that. And if there's no "that" ... then you can kiss "this" goodbye. Even if "this" is a helpless, suffering soul... oh well! If there's no super-awesome, mega-tangible reward in it for me... sorry, I'm out.

Meanwhile... there are so many opportunities for each of us to make a difference in this world. Each positive difference leads to change... each positive change leads to a better world. The best part is this: Anyone can contribute. Everyone can contribute. You can be that someone.

But most people are simply waiting for someone else to do something.
It's ironic... because those "someone elses" are waiting for "someone else," too. Well... I know this much for sure: that's a pickle I'd like to crawl my way out of.

Sometimes, people don't act, because they just don't know where to begin. By assuming that change-worthy actions must be massive... they choose to give up on making a difference... before they've even begun. 

But here's the good news: if you're one of those people, this is an easy problem to solve. Just do something. When you witness suffering, do something. When you see sadness, do something. When you see despair... give hope. It's really just that simple.

So, that's one group: the people who want to help, but don't know how to start. Well, problem solved. Now YOU can become that someone.

But then... there are the others... those who are too busy asking: "What's in it for me?" Well... if an answer to that question is required... just for you to care about others... then I've got news for ya: you'll miss out on every meaningful opportunity this life has to offer. And rest assured... you'll never change the world.

The feeling we receive from selfless giving should be the only reward needed for selfless giving to take place. The knowledge that you did something --something you didn't have to do-- and that you actually made a difference by doing so... that should be enough. The joy of others should be enough. The impact made should be enough. The hope given should be enough.

If you need something more than these things in order to contribute... well, that's really sad. Because... it means that your entire life... is only about you. 

If life was just about you... then the rest of us... wouldn't even be here. It's not about you! Honestly, you are here to help them... whoever "them" may be for you. They could be starving children, cancer patients, battered women, wildlife creatures, or shelter dogs. They could be anyone who needs help... other than you.

Sometimes, nothing's in it for you. Nothing more... than a feeling. That feeling alone... is what I live for. 

When I die... I hope I've become one of the someones who changed the world. Maybe I will... maybe I won't. But I know one thing for sure: I never will... if I never try.

And while I'm trying... I'd love to have your company...

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!

Stealing Wonder's Wonder

This is what BSL destroys. 

On January 27, 2011, Wonder was scheduled to die in a Dallas, North Carolina shelter. That was the day I saved her life. 

From the moment I saw her shelter photo on Pet Pardons, I knew what I had to do. Her heart was broken... and so was mine. So I saved her.

Soon thereafter, Wonder was transported to Mississippi to live with me. The day she arrived was one of the best days of my life. It was also the day that Wonder became the unofficial Pet Pardons mascot... as thousands of people, from around the globe, cheered upon her arrival. 

The world united for Wonder, and you all watched... as I made her wish come true. That day, in each of our hearts, a special hope was born... knowing that Wonder would never again have to feel that heartbreaking pain she'd experienced all of her life. 

That was on January 27, 2011.

But here we are 8 months later... on the day that hope died.

Let me explain...
Wonder was a severely broken girl with a heart of gold. As she began to heal with me... I watched her spirit come to life. And that's when I got to meet... my Wonder. 

For me, Wonder represents what it means to be alive. Each day, Wonder lives with an appreciation for everything in this world... with an innocence that makes me cry, a joy that makes me smile, and a curiosity that makes me laugh. She has this indescribable love flowing from her heart, unimaginable forgiveness pouring from her soul, and immense gratitude shining through her eyes. 

For me... Wonder is life. 

On my weakest days, Wonder gave me strength. On my saddest days, Wonder made me laugh. On my exhausted days, Wonder gave me energy. Her energy is contagious. Her love is infectious. Her spirit... it will take your breath away.

Experiencing her love, I wanted more than anything to give Wonder the family she deserved. She was special... extra-special... and she deserved an extra-special future. 

Then, a couple of months later, a friend of mine, Anna, decided to participate in my Weekend Foster Program. I asked, "Could you foster Wonder?" She said, "Yes, yes, YES!"

They had an incredible weekend, and Anna cried when she brought Wonder back to me on Sunday. That's when Anna said: "Ash, I'd like to adopt Wonder one day soon." 

I smiled; I laughed; I cried. Are you serious?! Really?! My Wonder?!?! It was just too good to be true. Anna and Wonder were absolutely perfect for each other. They're both super-fun, hilarious, outgoing, high-energy, happy-go-lucky girls, with a serious cuteness to match. I couldn't wait for that day to come. 

And finally... it was here. Wonder was going home. That day, she was so excited to see Anna that she jumped right on-top of my desk. We laughed, we cried, and then, we said goodbye. It was heart wrenching. It was heartwarming. It was everything to me. 

After her adoption, Wonder and I still saw each other all the time. We had several special playdates together, and Anna sent pictures and videos of her every week. She was the happiest I'd ever seen her. It was truly Wonder-ful.

On the days when I wanted to quit, a special Wonder-text from Anna would keep me going. On my best days, Wonder's story played like a movie in my mind. Honestly, her story is the epitome of what I do... and why I do it. For me, Wonder represents more than just life. Wonder's story gives me hope. 

Well... welcome to the day... hope died.  

This week, I found out that Wonder will be returning to me. Not because it didn't work out. Not because Anna doesn't love her. Not because she isn't wanted.

Wonder is coming back to me because of Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). In an instant, BSL will take away everything I worked so hard to give to Wonder... the family, the home, and the love. BSL will steal Wonder's future. BSL will crush Wonder's dreams. BSL will shatter the hope I fought to give her.  

BSL will steal the "wonder" from Wonder. 

It's so difficult to explain how I'm feeling right now. I'm angry. I'm livid. I'm heartbroken. I'm devastated. But that's nothing compared to what Wonder will soon feel. She will not understand this... 

Each day, she'll wait for Anna to come back for her. With each look, she'll beg me to take her home. And each night, she'll cry herself to sleep... thinking she did something wrong.

I'll have to witness that pain, of a mended heart re-broken. I'll have to say I'm sorry, for things I didn't do. I'll have to watch her wait, for a mom who won't return...

When Wonder sits by the window, she'll be hoping to see Anna. When she stares into the distance, she'll be watching out for her. When any car pulls up, she'll be certain it's her family. When we head out the door, she'll think that's where we're going. And when Wonder dreams at night, she'll be dreaming she's back home...

Every minute, Wonder will wonder about Anna. So how am I supposed to tell her... that she's never coming back?? 

BSL stole my Wonder's wonder. 
She can never go home again... 


If you'd like to adopt my Wonder, please fill out the online Adoption Application: http://www.petpardons.com/adoption

CLICK TO DONATE FOR WONDER!