My email to MD State Sen. Brian Frosh on his irresponsible comments about "dangerous" pit bulls

My email to Brian Frosh (cc'd Md Sens & Reps Lisa Gladden, Nathaniel T. Oaks, Samuel Rosenberg, Jill P. Carter+ Heather Mizeur, Doug Gansler, and my Balt City Council Rep Nick Mosby:

Senator Frosh,

I was very upset and disappointed to read of your comments in the Daily Record [“Frosh: It’s a ‘to-die-for job,’” Jan. 2, 2013]. 

As a person who researches information for a living, I find it truly appalling that you would make such a rash and unsupported statement such as “These dogs are more dangerous than other dogs.” I have been a volunteer at BARCS Animal Shelter for a number of years now and have worked with THOUSANDS of what you refer to as “these dogs” and know what you say is not the case as I have never been harmed or in danger from any “pit bull” type dog. Not only that, there have been numerous studies showing that breed is not only incredibly difficult to determine but also not a determinant of aggression- by well-respected groups such as the CDC, the American Veterinary Association, the American Temperament Test Society, and Maddie’s Fund.

I quote the local 501c3 B-More Dog here when I say: All dog owners should be held to the same standard, regardless of breed. All dog bite victims should have equal legal recourse. To single out "pit bulls" is unfair to other victims. There is still a problem of identifying IF a dog is a "pit bull" since there is no dog breed called "pit bull" and no reliable way to make the determination. Fear and hysteria are not a sound basis for making public policy.

I ask you visit my personal blog and read a piece I wrote last a little over a year ago responding to fear, hysteria and misinformation about dog attacks. I think you will find it well-sourced and based on facts. Please note I wrote it long before you had to deal with this issue: Let Me Tell You About The NCRC. I’ve attached a PDF for your convenience as well.

I hope you will reconsider your statement and your stance before further damage is done to Maryland families.

Sincerely,

Ann R. Coleman

B-More Dog’s Community Pit Bull Days Fundraiser- CrowdRise

This is something I have dedicated a lot of time, love and energy to so I hope you will read this and share it.

Last year B-More Dog vaccinated 365 dogs and have signed up more than 125 dogs for spay/neuter. But they can't keep doing it without your help. 

B-More Dog’s Community Pit Bull Days Fundraiser helps dogs like Achilles (left), a 4-month old pit bull/mastiff mix starting out in life and Nina Brown (right), a dog who has already given birth to 44 puppies but is now getting spayed for free through our programs.

Achilles gets some loving from me on the left.
Nina Brown on the right has a future with NO more babies!

We work to make sure dogs in underserved neighborhoods get the attention they deserve and have a chance at a better life with their owners. The goal is to keep them OUT of shelters and happy in their homes. 

Dr. Johnny Slaughter administering DAPPv to a litter of puppies with assistance from volunteer Tavon Blackwell

We provide free rabies vaccines, free distemper combo vaccines, free sturdy leashes and collars and sign up for free spay/neuter. We also provide basic education and information about animal care and resources.

The relinquished ropes, leashes, belts and chains traded in for sturdy leashes.
The one chain weighed at least 10 lbs.

B-More Dog targets neighborhoods in Baltimore City that have the highest intake according to animal control statistics.

Please consider helping us with this effort- we try to do 4 or 5 clinics a year and are a very small 501(c)3 nonprofit.

You can always email b_moredog@yahoo.com for more information. 

Thank you!!

Tired but happy volunteers, members, medical team, and mascot.

Department of Veterans Affairs: Reverse the Policy: Help our Veterans heal with Service Dogs!

PLEASE HELP.

Change.org|Free Online Petitions

SO MUCH going on in Baltimore to help pit bulls this weekend. We need your help more than ever.

B-More Dog's latest newsletter is- A MUST READ! All about our family bowling event Saturday night, our huge rally (with well-behaved dogs encouraged to attend!) on Sunday, the first chance to get our TWO new "Stop Breed Discrimination Laws in Maryland" shirts, news about last Tuesday's protest in Annapolis, and a new and improved video of B-More Dog's "Message to Maryland" PLUS how you can join in the video.

Check it all out here!

Losing a friend.

I didn't know Knox well, but I knew him, and I'm so glad I can say that. I've heard of too many people losing beloved pets in the last week or so, and while even one is too many, this is getting overwhelming. I am still going to go out on a limb and say that Knox was special. I think most would agree with me.

Always calm and cool, even in costume!

Knox was a big, beautiful, black, pit bull type dog. That pretty much hits every weak spot in my heart when it comes to dogs. But his personality was so awesome, he was so calm and sweet and fun and friendly. He just shone. B-More Dog loved it when he came to our monthly Pit Bulls on Parade event- I'm sharing some pictures from some of them here. And you only have to read about him at Pittieful Love to know that he was a fantastic foster brother and all-around great breed ambassador.

Knox plays with Ruby-Doo

Playing with Nick and Rocko

More than all this, Knox was a life-changer for Jess and Brian. I think this is why his loss seems so painful and unfair. In the less than two years they had Knox, they went from a young couple who wanted a dog to true, dedicated pit bull advocates. Their work with Mid-Atlantic Bully Buddies, BARCS, and B-More Dog is well known around Baltimore and beyond, and I've watched Jess's blog reach so many this year. I am proud to know her and see all they've accomplished. And I just can't imagine what they are going through.

Picture-perfect with Jess.

This is a loss to so many. After hearing he was gone, I went to search for this quotation I'd read, it so reminded me of that sweet block-headed boy.

"To call him a dog hardly seems to do him justice, though inasmuch as he had four legs, a tail, and barked, I admit he was, to all outward appearances. But to those who knew him, he was a perfect gentleman." 

-Hermione Gingold-

Submitted by Jess to B-More Dog on 7/27/2010: "I think this one is my favorite."