Dixon - now service dog - shopping with his mom
This is Dixon - just another throw-away dog that had the good fortune of landing at the Marion Animal Shelter. Why was he lucky? Because the Marion Animal Shelter gives all dogs - no matter what the breed - an equal chance of finding a happy ending.
Dixon's journey to a happy ending began when he was pulled from the shelter and transported to our rescue partner in New England.
Our rescue partner had been contacted by a woman named Laurie who was specifically looking for an American Pit Bull Terrier to become her next service dog.
Laurie had researched the breed and knew that Pit Bulls are loyal, smart, and determined to please. As a result, Pit Bulls are wonderful candidates to become therapy and assistance dogs.
Would Dixon be up to the intensive training involved in becoming a Service Dog? You bet!
Today Dixon lives in Maine where he accompanies his mom, Laurie, everywhere. He helps her shop, he goes to the office with her where he brings her files, pushes the button for the elevator - you name it - Dixon can do it:)
Dixon's mom works within the State government - and Dixon even traveled with her recently to Washington DC on business!
Dixon learning how to push a button
Dixon learning how to pull
Dixon napping on the plane back from Washington DC
Dixon enjoying some time off on Maine's coast!
As you most of you know - we are not a breed-specific rescue - and we enjoy many happy tails that involve dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds. But it does make us truly happy and proud when we are able to see an underdog such as an abandoned bully, end up happy, loved and in a successful partnership with a person who needs him as much as he needs her.
We received word this week after Tuesday's City Council Meeting that the City of Marion is considering an ordinance to ban Pit Bull Terriers.
We do not know yet the specifics of the proposed ordinance - but have sent a request to Mayor Fogleman for a copy of the language being considered. We have heard that the existing families with Pit Bull Terriers may be grandfathered - but where does that leave the strays? The abused and neglected dogs? the shelter dogs? the foster dogs? the puppies on the side of the road?
Without going into all of the reasons why Breed Bans are unsuccessful (not to worry -this will be covered in a later post) - what we do know - is that this type of ordinance will take away any chance that the hundreds of "Dixons" that come through our local shelter annually have at a life and loving home.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 28th at 7:00 p.m. at the Marion City Hall. The proposed ordinance to ban Pit Bull terriers in Marion, AR may be voted on at this meeting so we need your help right now to make sure this goes no further.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Write a letter, make a phone call, send an email to Mayor Frank Fogleman and the other City Council members. Have you adopted a Pit Bull from us? Be sure to include pictures and share the happiness that your Pit Bull Terrier brings to your life every day.
Attend the next City Council Meeting - make sure your opinion is known.
Share this story with everyone you know. This is an issue that affects all dog lovers - not just the Pit Bull lovers in Marion, AR. Today it may be Marion and Pit Bull Terriers - tomorrow your town and Doberman Pinchers or German Shepherds or...
Go to the shelter and save a Pit Bull's life!
Mac is waiting at the Marion Animal Shelter for a home...do not let her wait too long
As always - thank you for caring about our dogs!
You can make a difference in a dog's life!
Foster a Dog
Donate
Visit us online
http://www.pawsofmarion.org/
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