According to the reasoning of the city attorney and the council members of Senath, the "pit bull type dogs" have taken it on themselves to organize chaos in their town. This reasoning is not limited to extreme southeast Missouri, it is a crutch that towns fall back on because it is easier than dealing with human beings. It has become the new wave of administrating.

Again I have to mention these dogs are not abusing themselves, they are not running amuck because of some need to spread terror and they are certainly not organizing dog fights and taking wagers. These dogs are a product and victim of the irresponsible individuals you have now given free rein to thumb their noses at your town and its citizens.

You aren't doing anything to control the people that abuse these dogs because it gets them some pocket change and gives them some warped form of amusement. You haven't done anything to make them accountable for the privilege of being part of your town. All you've done is make them move to some other animal that has no say and inconvenience them a little. All you've done is insure the death numbers of "pit bull type dogs" will rise.

There was mention of confiscated dogs being euthanized or adopted. I have to ask who you intend to allow to adopt these dogs?

You have also made no provision for owners of dogs that haven't caused any problems. You are punishing any responsible owners in your town right along with the criminals. You have fed the movement calling for the genocide of an entire breed of dog simply because it is easier than addressing the real problem.

This is a subject I can preach long and passionately about, but I have a more positive subject to address this week. On September 24, 2009, at 6:30 pm, we will begin the final 2009 session of Canine Good Citizen obedience classes. The Cape Area Family Resource Center will be hosting the classes at 1202 S. Sprigg St. These classes are open to everyone and families are encouraged to attend together.

We will have available dogs from Silverwalk Hound Sanctuary and Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary participating again. Our need at this time is for foster homes and volunteer handlers that would be willing to help us bring at least two dogs from the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri through this session.

My friend Bobbie made a point in her blog last week about saving two dogs when you adopt one. The Cape Girardeau shelter sees such a volume of displaced animals that it is impossible for us to house our CGC dogs there for the entire duration of the session. We must be able to take the dogs out of the shelter and provide housing, as well as training, for the eight weeks it takes to complete training and certification. Then we will need to continue to house them until permanent homes can be found for the dogs.

I'm not going to pretend this is a simple undertaking. Fostering is a temporary arrangement. You are putting your time and your heart into a pet that will eventually leave to be a part of someone else's family. I cry everytime I let a dog go and I've been doing this for years. These aren't tears of regret. The only comparison is that of a parent sending a child into the world for the first time. The term "bitter sweet" will never be more appropriate.

So many of the dogs we see are receiving the best care they've ever had when entering the shelters and the rescues. Once they accept that this care is not going to be taken away, they love you forever and without hesitation. The rewards you receive from fostering and helping these dogs become the best companion they can be, are immeasurable. The more dogs we can move out of the shelters and rescues, the more space becomes available for others and the more wonderful companions will be available for all of the community to enjoy.

If you are interested in taking part in this session, please contact the Humane Society at 573-334-2936 or post a comment to this entry. You are welcome to attend the first night to see if what we are doing will be something you even want to be involved in. I promise this is a program that has benefits beyond just the average obedience class. We invite you to become part of a community program that insures everyone wins.