You have to know the facts to change the facts

January 9, 12:22 PMPhoenix Pet Welfare ExaminerLinda Francis

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Recently my dear friend and animal angel Toni found new homes for 8 of the dogs from her rescue group, Benji’s Buddies, and all in one weekend. Since she had room to save more dogs she called the County shelter only to learn that all of the dogs on the "E" list are Pit Bulls.  Though Toni's specialty is saving and placing Pits, her group has a limit on how many they will take, so today she cannot save a single dog, and tomorrow they will all die.

Animals die every single day in Maricopa County...and across this country. Still, it's always hard for me to hear.  I think all animals should be inside, curled up with their people, eating good food, and experiencing unconditional love.

Another Pit rescued recently was found wandering the streets.  She was so emaciated she could barely stand and it was apparent that she had been used as an ashtray...there were cigarette burns all over her body.   Toni named her Taylor. She is being fed, is in a warm place, and is sleeping on one of my Rosie's beds so she has some padding between her bones and the floor.  Once healthy enough, Toni will work her magic and this loving girl will enjoy her own forever home. Taylor is one of the very lucky ones.

219 dogs are killed every day, 365 days a year in Maricopa County.  Thirty percent of all dogs turned into the county shelter are Pit Bulls, and 73% of those are killed.  Three of every ten Pit Bull puppies won't reach their second birthday.

Education is sorely needed.  All animal owners need to know that breeding is the cause of these staggering statistics for Pit Bulls:  some will learn and others will thumb their noses and mate their breeding bitch yet another time.  Toni recently saved a female Pit who had been used to breed and deliver so many puppies that she was so emaciated she could no longer carry a litter to term.  She was tossed out on the street, so sick she nearly died.  Today she shares a warm and loving home with a family and another canine friend.

Some of this issue is cultural.  Phoenix is in close proximity to Mexico where dog fighting is considered a “sport.”  But this issue isn't just ethnic...the desire to own a fighting dog crosses all socio-economic and cultural boundaries, making it difficult to affect change.  Right now a Pit Bull is a status symbol, especially for young boys and men who want to appear tough.

Many animal rescuers concentrate on neighborhoods where animals are considered property in the hope that they can teach the people to get their animals spayed and neutered (for free if they're Pits); how to properly care for their animals; and they watch for signs of fighting and game dogs.  The children are our best hope though, but since they're taken to fights at an early age, the problem continues generation after generation.

My hope for 2009 is that that fewer animals will be born; fewer animals will know abuse; that more people will know that animals are not property; that more people will know that animals are sentient beings with feelings; and that more animals will find loving, forever homes; and that fewer animals will be killed due to overpopulation.

Happy New Year everyone!  Here's to 2009 being the best year ever for all animals in Phoenix, and around the world!!

Taylor, just after rescue