What happens when assumptions override truth?
What happens when fear trumps compassion?
Unfortunately, the combination of fear and assumptions, especially assumptions formed with prejudice, can lead to cruelty - sometimes, death.
In the case of a gentle giant named "Alex," a dog whose appearance might be perceived as intimidating, the result of fear and assumptions did result in death.
Alex, an Italian Mastiff, is dead today - shot after slipping from his back yard outside of Houston, Texas, during a windstorm in early March.
According to My Fox Houston, Alex's owner, Mali Chi, along with friends and family, immediately set out to find the missing dog.
Tragically, not long after he disappeared, Mali received an anonymous call which let her know that Alex would never be coming back home again. Someone had shot her beloved dog, a dog whom she considered to be a soul mate.
The tipster told Mali that shooter had dragged the "giant black pit bull" into the woods.
Today, Mali is not only grieving the loss of her treasured companion, she is trying to raise awareness that size, and breed, does not equate to vicious and dangerous.
In an effort to educate the general public, a Facebook page in honor of Alex has been created - the title is simple, "I AM ALEX."
Currently there are nearly 8,000 fans of the page - people coming together to help end breed prejudice.
The following is shared on the I AM ALEX page:
My ALEX was killed March 2, 2013 by someone who misunderstood him because of his appearance. If he were a Golden Retriever he may still be safe at home with his head on my lap.
Alex was a large, black dog who was in need of help from strangers to get back home. Rather than finding kindness and compassion, he encountered fear and prejudice.
The beautiful, black dog with the soulful eyes, the dog who slept with a four-year-old child and called all animals and people friend, is gone forever.
If you would like to continue receiving the latest dog related news, tips and advice, please click the "Subscribe" icon which is located at the top of this column. It is free and anonymous to sign up
For updates and further discussion, follow the National Dog News Examiner on Facebook and Twitter!
I am human, if you see a typo, please let me know. Questions, comments or story ideas can be emailed to Eims1@live.com.
Comments