WLYM

Check out links on right if you`re looking for some helpful info on "Pit Bulls" and BSL

WLYM

Petition to the Legislature on Dec 22.1987

by

Dalton McGuinty II

[quote]Ontario Hansard - 22-December1987

Mr. McGuinty: I have a petition dated December 22, 1987.

"To the Honourable the Lieutenant Governor and the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"We, the undersigned, beg leave to petition the parliament of Ontario as follows:

"Whereas the Christmas-Hanukkah season is traditionally a time for family;

"And whereas members of this Legislature who are from distant places are subject to the vagaries of travel which could occasion considerable time;

"And whereas the legislative support staff are subject to the same;

"And whereas the following people are particularly anxious to see the Legislature adjourn, namely, the following constituents of Ottawa South:

"Elizabeth McGuinty, Mrs. Dalton McGuinty I, Jocelyn Mary McGuinty, Liseanne Mary McGuinty, Dalton J. Patrick McGuinty, Jr., Dylan Charles McGuinty, Patrick John McGuinty XXIII, David Joseph McGuinty, Michael Terence Thomas Moore McGuinty, Brendan Paul McGuinty VI, Anne Marie McGuinty, Teresa McGuinty, Marie Angela McGuinty, Noralyn McGuinty, Connor Joseph McGuinty, Carleen Mary McGuinty, Dalton J. P. McGuinty III; Liam Brendan McGuinty, Matthew Carlos McGuinty, Caroline Nicole McGuinty, Gordon Patrick McGuinty, Lucille Mary McGuinty, Michael J. McGuinty-McKee,"
all of whom have duly signed.
There is also a paw print on this paper of one Tory McGuinty,

who is the McGuinty family pit bull terrier.

I am also posing this petition on behalf of the family of the member for Algoma-Manitoulin (Mr. Brown): Mrs. Lynn Brown, Micki Brown, Amy Brown, Paula Brown and Jennifer Brown, all of whom are with us in the gallery.

"We, the undersigned, petition all members of the Legislature of Ontario to expedite adjournment of the Legislature at the earliest possible time."[/quote]

WLYM

NOTE:

Our Gov`t passed legislation that states that these 3 Pure Breed dogs are "illegal" if they were born after Nov 27,2005.

They are

1)Staffordshire Bull Terrier
SBT Club of Canada

2)American Staffordshire Terrier
AmStaff Club of Canada

3)APBT
Golden Horseshoe APBT Club

They also state that "substantially similar" dogs born after Nov 27,2005 are "illegal"
(Note "pit bull terrier" has been severed from the legislation.)

From Judge Herman`s Decision

[quote][185] Given these problems of definition and identification, it is my opinion that the phrases “pit bull includes” and “pit bull terriers” are problematic in so far as they appear to include an undefined number of dogs that fall beyond the three specified breeds and dogs substantially similar to those three breeds.
In so far as these terms go beyond the three breeds, they do not, in my opinion, provide sufficient guidance to courts or to those who have to enforce the legislation.
They also do not define an “area of risk” for dog owners.

[186]I conclude that insofar as the legislature has used the phrases “pit bull includes” and “pit bull terriers” to define “pit bull”, there is insufficient guidance provided to individuals who have to comply with the law, to those who have to enforce it and to courts that have to interpret it.
These provisions are, therefore, unconstitutionally vague.[/quote]

The look of a puppy can change a bit or drastically when it becomes a dog.

Don`t judge people that own mix breed dogs born after Nov 27,2005 that you think look like "Pit Bulls" or look "substantially similar" to the 3 banned Pure Breeds.

There`s a very good chance that you have never laid eyes on those 3 Pure Breeds.

Don`t assume they are knowingly breaking any law.

They would only be knowingly breaking the law if they own one of those 3 named Pure Breed dogs born after Nov 27,2005!

Let`s quit blaming other dog owners for just giving existing puppies and dogs homes.

There are at least 24 other Pure breed dogs commonly mistaken for "Pit Bulls" and then there are all the mix breed pups.

There is no way for anyone to determine the lineage of a mix breed puppy.

If I was looking for a dog and came across an existing mix breed puppy,I wouldn`t think twice about adopting it and giving it a good home.

Gov`t should be shutting down Puppy Mills,backyard breeders(for profit) and pet stores that sell dogs(These are coming from puppy mills).

They should not be slaughtering existing puppies because of what they might be.

---

To a mix breed puppy or a dog born after Nov 30,2005

You are not "illegal"

There are no "illegal" puppies and dogs
(How can you possibly be "illegal" if no one knows what you are or where you came from
and no one has designated you "SS" before you were seized?)

WLYM

When his head started to grow,I started to receive some strange looks and some rather odd comments from a few people about him.

Prior to the head growth spurt,I was getting a lot of cooing and ahhs and oohs and isn`t he cute and adorable.

I was still getting that from most people.

But there were people saying that he was a Pit Bull.
(We didn`t use quotes around "Pit Bull" back then,it wasn`t a dirty word and it didn`t result in a death sentence)

I was quite taken aback that I might have a Pit Bull.

Remember, this was back in 1996.

I had heard a few stories about Pit Bulls.

None of which would make me run out and look for one to adopt.

So I though it`s time to CALL THE VET.


Mac had an interesting start in life.

He was going to blog his story.

Quite a few people around the world had taken a fancy to Mac and had written to him asking for more info.

Mac became ill before he was able to finish and post that entry.

So I have edited it and finished it for him

I walked into a local Veterinary Clinic one day to say hi.

I used to do that,I knew the Vet well and the receptionist even better.

She had this cute little puppy on her lap.

It was obvious that she was trying to type while holding him and I wondered what was going on.

So she proceeded to tell me his story.

He had been in with Parvo virus.

Is he better I asked?

Yes he`s fine.

Is he going home today?

No,he`s just sitting on my lap because he won`t stop barking when I put him back in his kennel and he`s driving us crazy!

She proceeded to tell me that he was now also being held for an unpaid Vet Bill which was quite high at that point.

I wasn`t told any other details of his case.

His name wasn`t Mac back then,it was Blue.

I doubt that people can see via the Internet but he had a beautiful brown eye and an equally beautiful blue eye.

He had a very distinct look for that reason.

So Blue became my best little buddy.

I would drop in and visit him back in his kennel so the receptionist could get some work done and I would take him out in their yard.

I was already falling in love with him.

I was glad he wasn`t going home quite yet.

But I never ran in to his family.

Where were they?

Were they trying to get the money?

What was going on?

This had been going on for a couple of weeks.

Finally I was filled in.

There was a little more to the story.

Yes he had Parvo(recovered) and yes there was an unpaid Vet Bill but the owner had claimed that the Police had accidentally left the door open when they paid him a visit(Raided his place) and Blue had gotten out and had been hit by a car.

Hit by a car.....sick with Parvo......I could see where there might be some confusion.

Owner wanted the Police to pay the Vet Bill.

The Police are brighter than that.

Before signing the cheque,they thought they should verify this claim.

Quick visit to the Vet should clear up the confusion.

"Has this dog been hit by a car?"

We have really smart Vets here also.

"No,he had Parvo Virus,he was not hit by a vehicle"

I must try that next time when I`m handed a Veterinary Bill.

Many phone calls between Vet,owner,some "Breeder" offering to take the dog and pay 1/2 the Bill.

Naturally the Vet wants to be paid and it`s looking like this might not be the best home or "breeder" to have this dog.

Meanwhile Blue(Mac) is driving everyone crazy with his barking.

He absolutely does not want to be in his kennel.

He doesn`t even want to be on the floor.

He wants to be in someone`s lap while she`s trying to type,answer phones,keep her job.

So I offer a solution.

I`ll take him home as a favor to everyone.

When the Bill is paid,Blue will go back.

Everybody will be happy.

So we stuff Blue(Mac) in my cat carrier and I take him home.

My Doberman and my cats aren`t too sure about him but I assure them it`s only temporary.

Well he has a great old time,running through the fields,chasing cats and annoying the Dobe

He even stops barking.

I keep checking to see if the Vet Bill is being paid down.

Nothing is happening.

Well this can`t go on for ever.

Enter Lawyers.

I told you Blue(Mac)had an interesting beginning.

Lawyer`s advice to Vet

Post notices in all local Newspapers,telling the owner that he has a fixed amount of time to pay this Bill,after which time, ownership ceases.

I`m sure that is not exactly the legal jargon used but you get my drift.

I wasn`t exactly sure what the plan was for Blue(Mac)if the Bill wasn`t paid.

I had to ask.

I`m told he`ll more than likely be put down.

Now I`m both worried that the Bill will be paid(he goes back to this "good" owner) and I`m worried that the Bill won`t be paid.(He`ll die)

So I pipe up with "Well even if the owner can pay your Bill,who is going to pay my Bill for boarding him?"

There really is no "Boarding Bill" but I don`t want this dog to go back to this owner.

I then add "If the owner doesn`t pay,I would be willing to cancel my Bill and just keep the dog but I`m not willing to pay the Veterinary Bill,it will save you the additional cost of euthanizing him."

The deadline passes.

The Owner cannot pay the Bill.

The Vet will not give the dog to the "breeder" for 1/2 the Bill.

The Vet likes me,likes the dog,doesn`t really want to euthanize him,MAC IS NOW A PERMANENT RESIDENT and the Doberman and cats aren`t thrilled but they learn to love him.


Fast forward a month or 2 to the ever expanding head and comments by people and MY CALL TO THE VET

"What is this dog and what is going on with the head and why are people calling him a Pit Bull?"

Vet says that`s what he is and actually calls him an American Staffordshire Terrier(which I had never heard of and now I`m pretty sure that Mac would not be identified as an AmStaff,not even an unregistered one bred by this "breeder" that contacted the Vet).

PANIC(sort of) SETS IN

Can you imagine if this had happened today.

I had only heard a couple of stories back then.

I didn`t know what to think when I heard them.

I didn`t bother do any research.

I didn`t know if Pit Bull was a breed,didn`t really care,this really didn`t concern me.

I didn`t know anyone that owned one,the Gov`t wasn`t killing them(at least not in Ontario),I didn`t know they were being abused all over the world.

Well I was smitten by that point,so he was staying.

My own brother was warning me about him.

He had heard even more stories than I had.

He lived near Toronto.

He was sure that I would wake up and this dog would have me by the throat.

He came to visit.

His kids weren`t allowed out of the car and he certainly wasn`t going to stay at my place with them.

That`s ok,that`s why we have Motels.

I have to admit I slept with one eye open for a couple of nights.

I watched him like I have NEVER watched another dog.

I watched for those "warning signs" that he was about to turn.

Funny thing is, that I have since learned this "fact" from the Media and the BSL Politicians.

"THEY ATTACK WITHOUT GIVING OFF ANY WARNING SIGNS"

Hahahahaha

He would race around at breakneck speeds.

I learned the hard way not to try and outguess him.

One day while playing out in the front field, he stopped and zoomed in on me with a very eerie determined look.

Oh oh,I was still "watching" him,just in case.

Was this it?

Was I enjoying my final moments on earth before he took me down.

As he barreled towards me,I had to make some quick decisions,run or stay put.

I decided to stay put(sort of).

As he approached,I thought he`s going to kill me just by running into me at that speed

I made a last minute bad decision.

I decided to zig,so did he.

Unfortunately we both zigged in the same direction.

We collided and he was on top of me.

I could hardly stand the licking,slobbering and the kisses.

I almost forgot about my injuries from the collision.

I learned that day that I didn`t have to "watch" him,didn`t have to sleep with one eye open and he didn`t want to kill the cats.

Hell-o,I wasn`t able to encourage him to kill groundhogs.

He wanted to play with them.

We went on to have many,many great years together.





My education on "Pit Bulls" really kicked into high gear when Bill 132 was introduced and you know the rest of the story!

"Mac`s Gang" fights on in memory of our special little guy.

There are days I wish that Blue`s owner had just paid that Vet Bill
because once you have loved a "Pit Bull" or you have taken the time to know the truth,
you can NEVER again turn your back on these dogs but then the fog of fatigue and discouragement lifts and the fighting spirit returns and I`m very happy that he couldn`t pay his Bill.

WLYM

Update-Jan 26

News just received from Diane Jessup of LawDogs

[quote] Great dog, but just not quite enough interest in the ball when challenged with other distractions. He is a lovely, non dog aggressive dog who has someone who loves him very much waiting for him, which sure makes it easier for me! I want to thank very much all those who helped me test Bandit out... Here's hoping we do get another Ontario dog in the program some day.[/quote]

I would like to thank Diane for giving Bandit this great opportunity as a LawDog Prospect.

This is a great program people.Please support LawDogs.

Update-Jan 25/08

We just got some potentially really good news re LawDogs Recruit Bandit

Straight from Diane Jessup(LawDogs)

[quote]BIG THANK YOU to Ledy VanKavage (ASPCA) and Jane Berkey (AFF) who set up an opportunity for me and Steve to fly back to Illinois and meet with the annual Chiefs of Police meeting.
Some VERY GOOD stuff has come from this meeting, and I just got the official word that a very exciting opportunity has opened up for at least one LawDog with a prestigious department.
I have Bandit in mind for this placement as the dog will have to live in a multidog household and he's the dude for that.
So, I'm frantically working on the old boy!
THANKS TO EVERYONE who helped get Bandit to this point - keep your fingers crossed! [/quote]

We`re keeping our fingers,toes and paws crossed in this household Bandit!

Update-Jan 17/08

Bandit`s first photo from LawDogs

Note:NO MUZZLE!



[quote] And this is "Bandit" from Ontario, Canada.
Bandit is so busy running and playing with Receuit Tonka, this is the only shot I could get of him!
Bandit's foster parents for the past few months
(while I was waiting for funds to start back up)
were Sabina DelGobbo and Shawn Liscombe.
The shelter worker who spotted Bandit was Angie Closs, Georgina Shelter, Ontario, Canada.
Thanks to Sharon Hewitt who coordinated the whole "Team Bandit"..[/quote]


Update-Jan 14/08

Just to let folks know,Bandit has arrived Safely in Washington and has been picked up by Diane Jessup.He is hunkered down for the night and there will be more news tomorrow.
As I`m sure everyone can understand,this has been a long day for Bandit and a difficult day for his Foster family.

Update-Jan 13/08

"CRIMINAL" GETS SET TO MORPH INTO K9 COP!

Well tomorrow is the big day.

Bandit gets to stop looking like a criminal and starts to train to catch criminals.

Bandit &Omen(It`s Omen,I was mistaken-Amber is Bandit`s other housemate)
(muzzled due to Ontario`s Law)
with Foster mom Sabina and Foster Dad Shawn
(Amber was taking the pictures,we told you these were smart dogs!)





Update from Bandit
Jan 10/08

[quote] So it's finally time for me to go apparently. My Mommy says my flight is booked and she is bustling around trying to get everything ready for me to go. I am not really sure yet where I am going but Mommy says there is tons of balls, lots of ropes, and plenty of treats so I am sure I will like it there.
I can remember a long time ago, Mommy was on the phone telling her friend about how crazy I am with my ball. That's when the lady told her about lawdogs. I went to her friends place and we played ball for a long time. When we were done she said I was absolutely Lawdog material, whatever that means. Shortly after we spent the whole day in the country while someone video taped me and Mommy playing. It was the best day ever. Everyone was paying attention to me and everyone wanted to play the funnest games with me. I got to play with my ball all day! It was so great. Well Mommy told me I was accepted and one day I would get to go there and about how much fun it was there but now I am going so soon!!! I really hope they like me there and I really hope they do have lots of balls there. I only got 12 balls for Christmas and I have destroyed most of them. I think I might have one left. Well I gotta go eat my dinner and then go for my walk. I will update in a few days but the excitement is the air already!

Oh,before I go I want to thank a few people: There was a wonderful lady at the shelter who saw something special in me and she went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure I was safe from harm and she helped to get me out of the shelter to safety.

Her name was ANGIE CLOSS from the GEORGINA SHELTER.
I think I overheard that she`s going to come to see me before I leave.I`ll be thrilled to see her.

Next I really want to thank
 my foster mom SABINA DelGOBBO and my foster dad SHAWN LISCOMBE.

They took me in,provided for me,gave me tons of love,toys and treats.
I`m a really well behaved dog because of them.
I wasn`t always an angel(who is?) but I did my best.

Next I would like to thank
 my canine buddies Amber and Omen.



Some people call Omen,OWEN(not mentioning any names)
They welcomed me into their space and shared their parents with me.
I wish I could explain to them where I`m going but I`m not quite clear on that myself,yet.
I`ll miss them.

Next I`d like to thank the supporters who joined my Facebook group and threw their support behind me,(It`s not too late to join!-It send`s a message to the Gov`t that you`re proud of me)

I`d like to thank Diane Jessup and her fine organization LawDogsUSA for giving me a chance to become a K9.
I promise I will work hard and try my best to learn everything I need to know to earn my LawDogs vest and badge(Do we get a badge?).

And last but not least I would like to thank Zak George
(Extreme Dog Trainer and YouTube videographer)
for featuring my video "Destined to Die in Ontario" on his channel for a # of days.
Zak has brought a lot of attention to me,LawDogs and the Ontario Legal Challenge.
Please show your support for Zak.
He donates all proceeds as a YouTube partner to Animal rescue.

Anyway,I`m getting tired so I`m off,I may update again before I leave and there definitely will be pictures of me taken at the airport as I embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
Please follow my career and please donate to LawDogsUSA so they can continue to show the world the truth.
And there are a lot of dogs that look like us that just want to be family pets,so please don`t forget the Ontario Legal Challenge.

Talk to you later.

Bandit

Psst
Are you in the market for a bumper sticker?



This is K9 Neville(from Ontario),but someday I hope I`ll have my own bumper sticker! [/quote]

Update

Bandit must be at the airport at 7am Jan 14/08.

A "threat" in Ontario will now leave Ontario,Canada and try out to be a Bomb or Narcotics Detection K9 for LawDogsUSA

Warning!
There are a couple of graphic images in the LawDogs video(1st one)
But if you can`t stomach them,how do you think the dogs feel?

Support LawDogsUSA

It`s going to put our dogs back in the headlines as heroes also!

WLYM

After viewing this video,I wrote to Wallace and Roo.

[quote]Dear Roo and Wallace,
I left a comment on the video but I wanted to drop you a line also.
This video is beautiful and I`ve posted it.
I`ve always thought the American Anthem was beautiful but it has never brought tears to my eyes before.
Your rendition with Wallace has done that.
Congratulations to both of you!
It`s absolutely incredible what you are accomplishing with him.
Keep up the great work.
Would you do the Canadian Anthem for us some day?[/quote]

Today I got a nice email from Roo and Wallace

[quote]Thanks Jamie.
I'll see about learning your anthem so if I'm ever in Canada and you need it sung,I'll be ready.
Thanks for posting the video and helping spread the message.
Roo[/quote]

WLYM

Pennies From Heaven
by Charles Mashburn
Copyright © 1998

I found a penny today laying on the ground,

but it is not just a penny this little coin I have found.

Found pennies come from Heaven.

That's what my Grandpa, told me.

He said, Angels toss them down.

Oh, how I love that story.

He said when an Angel misses you they toss a penny down,

sometimes just to cheer you up,

to make a smile from your frown.

So don't pass by that penny when you are feeling blue,

it may be a Penny from Heaven that an Angel tossed to you.


"You`re my Angel, MAC"

WLYM

WE`LL SEE YOU AT THE BRIDGE,MAC

Let Them be our HEROES & our BEST FRIENDS

DEDICATED TO MAC
(My best friend)
and all the BSL warriors who strive to protect these wonderful dogs from the ill-informed.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MAC
(We will always love you Mac and the "Gang" will continue in your memory)

Feb 14,1996-Aug 14,2007

MAC and his dear little friend Rory,that he loved so much.

BEST FRIENDS

Love from Jamie

and


Angus(Your special little buddy)

CANDLE FOR MAC

and

Tupper,

Dewar and Garfie

and his many friends
(both human and animal)

We know Mac is pain free and gone to play with the following dogs
that filled my parents home and my home with love,laughter and joy over the years.
Brownie
Ginger
TOASTY
Skipper
SHAMUS
CORK
Prince
Vladamir
TASHA
and many,many wonderful cats.

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO MAC`S BEST HUMAN FRIENDS
(& Mac`s little buddy Rory)

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO
ALTA VISTA ANIMAL HOSPITAL IN OTTAWA
AND ALL THE WONDERFUL STAFF.

Thank you Dr Liptak and Dr Bravo,
Donna,
(Mac`s AVAH girlfriend),
Paige and Mandy,
(Who ate a lot of donuts)
and all the wonderful people
(whose names escape me at the moment)
that treated MAC with such care and kindness
and put up with me hanging around.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU ALSO TO WILLIAMSTOWN VETERINARY CLINIC

Thank you Dr Allyson Simpson,Dr Brian MacNaughton,Yvette,Angie and Elizabeth.

Thank you to Cindy for making Fridays special for both Mac & Tupper

PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING THE FIGHT TO HELP ALL THE WONDERFUL DOGS LIKE MAC

There are many ways to help out.
Fostering,Adopting,Sponsoring,Financial Donations or just spreading some truths to help combat the stereotypes and the myths.

Here are just a few ideas.

Foster,Sponsor or Adopt through these Ontario Rescues

SOAR

Ador-a-bull

Advocates for the underdog

or help those who are doing a great job of both rescuing & educating.

Three of my personal favorites are below
(These 3 are American Rescues but Remember Dogs don`t have Borders)

BadRap, MABBR and Animal Farm Foundation

Another great one is out in B.C called Hug-A-Bull

Or perhaps you would like to make a donation to the Ontario Legal Challenge in honor or in memory of a "Pit Bull" or another dog you love or have loved,you can do so at Bannedaid.

CANDLE LIT (By Liz)-AUG 22/07

WLYM

Signatures appended to the letter(as requested)
ONTARIO
Jamie MacDonald
Sarah,Paul & Amber Boileau
& Terrier-ists Annie,Brogan & Jenny.
Selma Mulvey
Diane Singer
Janet Chernin & the Casbah crew
Lori Gray
Elaine Tessier
Coleen,Clive & Bryn Wilkinson
Christine,Ken,Carys,Jack & Sophie Hernden
Anita,Gem & Zoey Trott
Donna Savage
Fran Coughlin
Jayne Groves
Gail Gallant
New Brunswick
Lori Craft/Inspector for the New Brunswick SPCA -St John