As dog owners prepare to try to topple the ill-conceived legislation known as "The Pit bull Ban" in a Supreme Court challenge you don't have to look very hard or very far to find overwhelming evidence of misinformation and fear-mongering in the media. I call it Pit bullshit. As Samuel L Jackson brilliantly stated in Pulp Fiction... allow me to retort.
I was disappointed to read Irwin Silverman's letter (Keep teeth in Pit Bull law, April 18). Mr. Silverman has clearly bought into the myths and paranoia surrounding "pit bull" type dogs. They do not have lock jaw, they are not immune to pain, and the certainly have not had "warning signs" bred out of them. Experts agree that no dog, regardless of breed, attacks without warning. Attacks occur when owners have overlooked or ignored warning signs.
Mr. Silverman speaks to the origins of the "pit bull". There is no denying they were bred to fight other dogs centuries ago, (as were the Boston Terrier and the Sharpei), they were never bred to be aggressive toward people. In fact at the turn of the century the "pit bull" was the most popular family pet in America, prized for its intelligence, loyalty and devotion to its owner. In England, the Staffordshire Terrier is called the "nanny dog" due to its affection for children and tendency to watch over and protect them. Staffordshire Terriers, "nanny dogs", are included in the "pit bull ban".
The OSPCA, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the Ontario Health and Safety Board have all publicly denounced breed specific legislation. All over the world including Europe and some states in the US, breed bans are being scrapped because they don't work. They don't keep people safe.
Pit Bull type dogs have passed the American Temperament Test Society's test with flying colours, scoring higher than Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers and Great Danes, to name a few. "Pit Bulls" are loving, devoted pets in the hands of responsible, devoted owners. It's an owner's responsibility to keep a dog under control at all times. Dogs aren't dangerous, irresponsible owners are. If the Michael Vick case showed us anything, it's that these dogs need our protection. They need us to be vigilant, and keep them safe. If people like Mr. Silverman spent more time fact checking and less time fear mongering these wonderful animals might just have a chance at the great lives they deserve.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Pet Therapy update
Last week Chelsea and I became a certified St. John Ambulance pet therapy team. My Dad kindly took a picture of us "in uniform" to send to Take Me Home, the rescue I adopted Chelsea from. Take a very, very good look at the dog someone brought home before deciding to throw her away. Twice. Chelsea is a wonderful therapy dog. We all have gifts to share, we just have to find them and open our hearts and use them. Have you found yours?
Friday, December 12, 2008
Why I support a Liberal-NDP coalition
Most of the people I've talked to, or seen in an interview on the 6:00 news oppose a Liberal-NDP coalition because they believe it's undemocratic. It's so disheartening because quite frankly nothing could be further from the truth. I wonder when people are going to wake up and stop buying what Stephen Harper is selling because they're buying a lemon and they don't even realize it.
FACT: A coaliton would not overturn the results of the last election because every single elected MP would retain his or her seat in Parliament.
FACT: Contrary to what the Conservatives have said to strike fear in the hearts of Canadians, the Bloc is not part of the coalition, would not have any cabinet seats, and has merely agreed not to topple a coalition government for 12 months.
FACT: Although Stephen Harper has adopted a conciliatory tone over the last week, the reason we had an election in October is because the opposition refused to let him govern as if he had a majority government. He refused to work with an opposition that wouldn't give him carte blance to do whatever he wanted to do, period. Kind of dictator-like, non?
FACT: The Conservatives announced that part of their economic strategy would be to cut the per-vote funding each party receives. Until we have proportional representation the only thing you can be sure your vote is doing is providing just over a dollar to the party of your choice.
Rick Mercer said it best:
"Stephen Harper decided Canada doesn't need a stimulus package; all we needed to do was cancel the subsidy that political parties get.
Which would have saved the government about $26-million. That's about the same amount Harper spends on bodyguards every year when he visits danger zones like Thunder Bay or Nunavut.
But the real upside for Harper, of course, is that the entire opposition would have been crippled or destroyed. It gives me great faith to know that as our economy crumbles Harper is on the case trying to come up with new an innovative ways to cutback the Green Party's office budget and bankrupt the Liberals. And then the world will be a better place.
Maybe he has a point. Maybe that's why Canada keeps refusing to give the man a majority. It's not because he's a mean little man obsessed with revenge, but because we just have too many choices. We go to the voting booth and get confused. Like that first trip to Baskin Robbins. Maybe we'd all just be better off if Conservative was the only flavour on the menu.
Well we almost found out. Because if Stephen Harper got his way on this, democracy would have changed forever. And not a single citizen will have gotten to vote on the matter."
The Liberal-NDP coalition led by Michael Ignatieff may not topple the Conservative government. But no matter who you voted for you should thank the stars they're willing to, if need be, because if the opposition had sat back and done nothing there would be no democracy in this country at all.
FACT: A coaliton would not overturn the results of the last election because every single elected MP would retain his or her seat in Parliament.
FACT: Contrary to what the Conservatives have said to strike fear in the hearts of Canadians, the Bloc is not part of the coalition, would not have any cabinet seats, and has merely agreed not to topple a coalition government for 12 months.
FACT: Although Stephen Harper has adopted a conciliatory tone over the last week, the reason we had an election in October is because the opposition refused to let him govern as if he had a majority government. He refused to work with an opposition that wouldn't give him carte blance to do whatever he wanted to do, period. Kind of dictator-like, non?
FACT: The Conservatives announced that part of their economic strategy would be to cut the per-vote funding each party receives. Until we have proportional representation the only thing you can be sure your vote is doing is providing just over a dollar to the party of your choice.
Rick Mercer said it best:
"Stephen Harper decided Canada doesn't need a stimulus package; all we needed to do was cancel the subsidy that political parties get.
Which would have saved the government about $26-million. That's about the same amount Harper spends on bodyguards every year when he visits danger zones like Thunder Bay or Nunavut.
But the real upside for Harper, of course, is that the entire opposition would have been crippled or destroyed. It gives me great faith to know that as our economy crumbles Harper is on the case trying to come up with new an innovative ways to cutback the Green Party's office budget and bankrupt the Liberals. And then the world will be a better place.
Maybe he has a point. Maybe that's why Canada keeps refusing to give the man a majority. It's not because he's a mean little man obsessed with revenge, but because we just have too many choices. We go to the voting booth and get confused. Like that first trip to Baskin Robbins. Maybe we'd all just be better off if Conservative was the only flavour on the menu.
Well we almost found out. Because if Stephen Harper got his way on this, democracy would have changed forever. And not a single citizen will have gotten to vote on the matter."
The Liberal-NDP coalition led by Michael Ignatieff may not topple the Conservative government. But no matter who you voted for you should thank the stars they're willing to, if need be, because if the opposition had sat back and done nothing there would be no democracy in this country at all.
Monday, September 8, 2008
StyleSense Recon Mission....
Fashionistas, WAGs and Charvas across the GTA rejoiced when StyleSense opened its doors last week. It's been described as Mecca, uptopia, and dangerous to those trying to curb their spending. I agree on all three points. The Oakville Place location is huge - 1600 sq ft I believe, all dedicated to brand name and designer shoes and accessories. Shoes, handbages, scarves, belts, gloves, hats, sunglasses, even luggage.
There was a time I thought I had to turn my back on fashion because keeping current on trends and caring about labels somehow made me less of a person. Wrong. I would only be less of a person if fashion was all I cared about. It isn't. But damn it feels good to step out of my apartment and put my best foot forward. Speaking of feet, here's what I found at StyleSense (keep in mind that like Winners and HomeSense there are frequent deliveries and brands may vary from week to week).
Michael Kors (usually swoon-worthy but the shoes didn't really do it for me)
Kate Spade
Ralph Lauren
Tahari
Steve Madden (always fun, usually fairly comfortable)
Mephisto (comfy)
Guess
Kenneth Cole (always soon-worthy, the shoes did NOT disappoint!)
For the charvas: Jessica Simpson and J LO.
Sadly, no sightings of Manolo Blahniks, Jimmy Choos or Louboutins. Not that I could afford them, I'd just hoped to see them up close and in person. In terms of trends booties and "shooties" are big again this year. Lace-up shooties in particular. Patent leather is also big. Heels are high. I think belts and scarves will continue to be popular for fall/winter and, my new favourite accessory - hats!
In terms of handbags there were a lot of metallics but I have a feelings that metallics are more or less played out. The dresses at the VMAs suggest that I could be wrong, but it's such an over the top, bold look that it can border on obnoxious. If the trend isn't completely over I suspect it will get put away for fall/winter. I think metallic fatigue will set in quickly, and the big colours for fall/winter clothing are jewel tones, blacks, and browns. Think refined, colourful and bold, not garish.
Finally, for those looking for true designer pieces there is a locked display case that contains pricey designer handbags. Versace, Cavalli and Burberry, to name a few. Happy shopping!
There was a time I thought I had to turn my back on fashion because keeping current on trends and caring about labels somehow made me less of a person. Wrong. I would only be less of a person if fashion was all I cared about. It isn't. But damn it feels good to step out of my apartment and put my best foot forward. Speaking of feet, here's what I found at StyleSense (keep in mind that like Winners and HomeSense there are frequent deliveries and brands may vary from week to week).
Michael Kors (usually swoon-worthy but the shoes didn't really do it for me)
Kate Spade
Ralph Lauren
Tahari
Steve Madden (always fun, usually fairly comfortable)
Mephisto (comfy)
Guess
Kenneth Cole (always soon-worthy, the shoes did NOT disappoint!)
For the charvas: Jessica Simpson and J LO.
Sadly, no sightings of Manolo Blahniks, Jimmy Choos or Louboutins. Not that I could afford them, I'd just hoped to see them up close and in person. In terms of trends booties and "shooties" are big again this year. Lace-up shooties in particular. Patent leather is also big. Heels are high. I think belts and scarves will continue to be popular for fall/winter and, my new favourite accessory - hats!
In terms of handbags there were a lot of metallics but I have a feelings that metallics are more or less played out. The dresses at the VMAs suggest that I could be wrong, but it's such an over the top, bold look that it can border on obnoxious. If the trend isn't completely over I suspect it will get put away for fall/winter. I think metallic fatigue will set in quickly, and the big colours for fall/winter clothing are jewel tones, blacks, and browns. Think refined, colourful and bold, not garish.
Finally, for those looking for true designer pieces there is a locked display case that contains pricey designer handbags. Versace, Cavalli and Burberry, to name a few. Happy shopping!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain....
I decided to boycott the Beijing Olympics a few years ago. The oppression of the Tibetan people and the intentional erosion of Tibetan culture will, according to the Dalai Lama, eventually give way to truth and peace. I want to believe that. There are only a few things that have ever made me feel as hopeless and defeated as the tragedy of Tibet, which continues to play out day after day. Those feelings only last a moment - the impact is felt much longer. The idea that defeat may be inevitable, or to put it another way, that restoring Tibet's autonomy may be impossible, is deeply unsettling. I'm usually comforted by my own faith that injstice will be set right. When it comes to Tibet I can't find that faith, so I'm comforted by the Dalai Lama's assurance that injustice is always impermanent.
Interestingly the Dalai Lama would not have us boycott the Beijing Olympics. This is in keeping with the Buddhist principal of non-violence or non-harming. Athletes who have trained and stuggled and sacrificed shouldn't become casualties of the Chinese government, directly or indirectly. Yet I still haven't been able to bring myself to watch the games, and even as I continue to boycott I can't help but hear about the Chinese government's attempts to mislead, deceive and oppress .
China has a fascinating history and when the 2008 Olympics were awareded to Beijing, for better or worse, the Chinese government was given an opportunity to shine and promote its country and showcase its rich culture. Instead it concerned itself with phony fireworks, quieting protesters, and finding a "cute" child to lipsynch at the opening ceremonies. The Chinese government is not content to let its country's merits speak for themselves. And whatever credibility they had has been completely blown out of the water. The government wants to control how it is perceived and it will mislead and deceive in order to maintain that control (suddenly the Chinese government does not sound much different than our own). This certainly isn't a case of style without substance because there is enough "substance" in China's culture and heritage for 10 Olympic games. Yet the government plots and plans and puts on a show designed to convince the world that it is The Great and Powerful Oz , all the while hoping desperately that the world will "pay no attention to that man behind the curtain"... It needn't worry because as usual, nobody calls it out on its bullshit. I mean REALLY calls it out.
So where does that leave it? Where does that leave us? Where does that leave Tibet?
Interestingly the Dalai Lama would not have us boycott the Beijing Olympics. This is in keeping with the Buddhist principal of non-violence or non-harming. Athletes who have trained and stuggled and sacrificed shouldn't become casualties of the Chinese government, directly or indirectly. Yet I still haven't been able to bring myself to watch the games, and even as I continue to boycott I can't help but hear about the Chinese government's attempts to mislead, deceive and oppress .
China has a fascinating history and when the 2008 Olympics were awareded to Beijing, for better or worse, the Chinese government was given an opportunity to shine and promote its country and showcase its rich culture. Instead it concerned itself with phony fireworks, quieting protesters, and finding a "cute" child to lipsynch at the opening ceremonies. The Chinese government is not content to let its country's merits speak for themselves. And whatever credibility they had has been completely blown out of the water. The government wants to control how it is perceived and it will mislead and deceive in order to maintain that control (suddenly the Chinese government does not sound much different than our own). This certainly isn't a case of style without substance because there is enough "substance" in China's culture and heritage for 10 Olympic games. Yet the government plots and plans and puts on a show designed to convince the world that it is The Great and Powerful Oz , all the while hoping desperately that the world will "pay no attention to that man behind the curtain"... It needn't worry because as usual, nobody calls it out on its bullshit. I mean REALLY calls it out.
So where does that leave it? Where does that leave us? Where does that leave Tibet?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Violent protests, violent police
Violent Protests
I've personally seen scars on police horses caused by protesters hitting them with boards they had driven nails through during a protest at Queen's Park during the Mike Harris era. I feel passionately about a great many things - in fact that's probably an understatement - but I can't fathom sitting at home making a weapon I intended to use on an animal. Make no mistake these protesters knew mounted police would be there, and the spike boards were intended for the horses.
As an undergrad I majored in Labour Studies. There was a handful of people in the program who got involved with OCAP and felt violent protest was completely justifed and wouldn't have hesitated to throw rocks (or whatever else happened to be handy) at police officers. It astounded me that such intelligent, articulate people couldn't find a more peaceful, effective way to get a message across. I know that some protesters incite violence because I've met them, sat through lectures with them, studied with them, and drank with them. I wanted the same changes they wanted but I didn't agree that the end always justified the means. I also believe the general public is more likely to get behind a cause if they don't associate it with a bunch of people acting like thugs.
I love the spirit of a peaceful demonstration. Whether it's joining striking workers on a picket line, marching for Burma (Kiera and Chelsea's first protest btw) or demonstrating outside of a courthouse to try to save a pitbull puppy, it's important to me to stand up for what I believe in, and to do so without damaging property or doing any harm. I'm glad that most of the causes I get behind are generally supported by non-violent people. The protests and demonstrations I've attended had such vibe of empowerment, solidarity and hope. It wouldn't have the same if the atmosphere was full of tension and apprehension and hostility. My two cents.
Violent Police
A lot of people don't like police. A LOT. I've met them in university. I've met them through the campaign to save Rambo (pitbull puppy). For a long time I didn't understand it for a number of reasons. The most significant is that my father is a police officer (and fellow graduate of the Labour Studies program). I must also acknowledge that I'm white, female, and middle-class: in a nutshell, not a likely candidate to be bothered by police unless I'm blatantly breaking the law.
Given that my experiences with the police have been fairly positive I'd always figured they'd been given a bad rap. Most police officers aren't violent. Most police officers demonstrate the highest level of restraint and professionalism when dealing with all people while they are on the job. They aren't all fascist, they aren't all racist, they aren't all anything, good or bad.
Funnily enough my brother recently had an experience with police in a different municipality. The officers weren't violent but they absolutely went out of their way to be beligerent and obnoxious. They thought he'd been drinking and driving (he hadn't) and they harassed him, swore at him, called him a liar, tried to entrap him, and didn't lay off until he blew zero on the breathalyzer. My brother is a very soft-spoken, hard working, straight and narrow kind of guy and there is no doubt that he did absolutely nothing to provoke them. After I heard the story I really got it. Some police are unprofessional, behave badly, treat people poorly and leave them with a bad impression. Or worse.
Police officers are mums and daughters and dads and sons and sisters who get up every day and go out and do an unthinkably difficult, often thankless job. How well they do it, and the degree of good or bad judgement they exercise while doing it varies from officer to officer, just as it does in any field, job or profession. They undergo psychiatric evaluations, personality tests and ongoing training, but you can never entirely remove the "x" factor which is being human, and therefore inherently imperfect. Police have greater power than most and therefore a greater responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner that is beyond reproach, and most of them do most of the time. Most of them deserve more praise and recognition than they will ever receive. But then there are the duds. The duds are very much like their "thug-like protester" counterparts. They have an "end" in mind and will use inappropriate, damaging means to achieve it. Thug-like police officers harassment, intimidation and violence can all be justified. Shameful not only because of the damage they do, but because so many others do their jobs so well without resorting to those tactics. Not unlike non-violent protesters.
So protesters have grown wary of the police and the police have grown wary of protesters. Neither side is without blame and I think both sides are guilty of stereotyping the other. All because of a very small, thug-like minority. How sad when the majority of both groups are caring, dedicated people working tirelessly to make the world a little better and a little safer for everyone in it.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Test day!
Whew was I nervous! Heart pounding, shallow breathing, the whole nine yards. Chelsea being the intuitive soul that she is clearly picked up on my nervousness and was not nearly as obedient as usual.
Me: "Chelsea, sit".
Chelsea: "Piss off mummy, ask me again when you're normal".
Nevertheless, WE PASSED! There were four dog/handler pairs tested. Chelsea and I were third in line to get our results, and with a simple "congratulations" all of the tension just melted away and I realized that I hadn't drawn a normal breath for the entire two hour test! I am so, so proud of Chelsea. She's truly got a gift and I am thrilled that we'll have a chance to share it with people who would otherwise have minimal contact with "the outside world", and almost no contact with animals. Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if I couldn't have pets due to illness or age or because I was no longer able to live independently. For me, it's unthinkable. If that day comes (and I somehow manage to refrain from throwing myself off a bridge) a visit from a therapy animal will mean the world to me.
Those who are intimately familiar with my little zoo know that when I got Kiera as a puppy my intention was to mold her in to a dog that could do therapy work. We've worked really, really hard, but as it turns out the most realistic goal we could set was helping her be a happy, confident, friendly dog. Chelsea, on the other hand, came in to my life by chance or fate or both. My only intention in adopting her was to find a great addition to our "family". I haven't put nearly the time or effort in to her training as I did with Kiera's because she's naturally such a well-behaved, well-balanced dog. As it turns out Kiera has other gifts to share, and no amount of training or socialization would have made her a candidate for this type of work. To be honest I really don't think she'd enjoy it either. Chelsea, on the other hand, is such a natural and has such a gift for relating to people that it seems like this is the job she was meant to do. I'm so grateful to be blessed with such a special little zoo. And such amazing friends! I deeply appreciate the words of encouragement and support leading up to the test. Tuesday night we'll be celebrating this milestone so if you're free and in the area pop in for a drink - it will be "Chelsea's passing party" :-)
Me: "Chelsea, sit".
Chelsea: "Piss off mummy, ask me again when you're normal".
Nevertheless, WE PASSED! There were four dog/handler pairs tested. Chelsea and I were third in line to get our results, and with a simple "congratulations" all of the tension just melted away and I realized that I hadn't drawn a normal breath for the entire two hour test! I am so, so proud of Chelsea. She's truly got a gift and I am thrilled that we'll have a chance to share it with people who would otherwise have minimal contact with "the outside world", and almost no contact with animals. Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if I couldn't have pets due to illness or age or because I was no longer able to live independently. For me, it's unthinkable. If that day comes (and I somehow manage to refrain from throwing myself off a bridge) a visit from a therapy animal will mean the world to me.
Those who are intimately familiar with my little zoo know that when I got Kiera as a puppy my intention was to mold her in to a dog that could do therapy work. We've worked really, really hard, but as it turns out the most realistic goal we could set was helping her be a happy, confident, friendly dog. Chelsea, on the other hand, came in to my life by chance or fate or both. My only intention in adopting her was to find a great addition to our "family". I haven't put nearly the time or effort in to her training as I did with Kiera's because she's naturally such a well-behaved, well-balanced dog. As it turns out Kiera has other gifts to share, and no amount of training or socialization would have made her a candidate for this type of work. To be honest I really don't think she'd enjoy it either. Chelsea, on the other hand, is such a natural and has such a gift for relating to people that it seems like this is the job she was meant to do. I'm so grateful to be blessed with such a special little zoo. And such amazing friends! I deeply appreciate the words of encouragement and support leading up to the test. Tuesday night we'll be celebrating this milestone so if you're free and in the area pop in for a drink - it will be "Chelsea's passing party" :-)
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