Hello Celebritys

Rescue efforts are beginning to wrap up in the midwest. We were warmed by this news piece written with so much care and compassion. Thank you Debbie Hill and writer Cheryl Wittenauer. Happy tales for some former fighting dogs (...and again, with video)

"They are not a vicious animal. They are the victims of abuse," said Debbie Hill, vice president of operations for the Humane Society of Missouri. "That face and their eyes tell the story. They only want to be in someone's home, on a couch, or sleeping at someone's feet, maybe chew up a rug or two for entertainment. They're learning for the first time how to be a dog."

While many of the dogs are leaving for new lives, even more are being put to sleep. It's a bittersweet time for all the folks who've been caring for the dogs...our volunteers who committed to holding bust dogs during their passing, kennel workers like Karen at the Des Moines Iowa shelter who rightfully fell in love with every dog in her care, and of course the workers in the large Missouri shelter and elsewhere.

The ASPCA will be providing grief counseling for the folks in Missouri as a way to help them heal. Here at home, we've got each other and a good bottle of tequila (thanks Bob) to take some of the sting out of the job of saying good-bye. To be honest, I wish we were closer to the midwest so we could help more of the dogs that have unworkable behavior issues. It's important that none of the dogs are blamed for their fate and every last one be shown the dignity they deserve.

Rest in peace, Violet. You were loved. Photo: Sara Scott