I'm a graduate student studying the molecular and biochemical evolution of HIV within patients and within populations. I also study epigenetic control of ERVs.
The dog approaches the outstretched hand. Her name is Sweet Jasmine, and she is 35 pounds of twitchy curiosity with a coat the color of fried chicken, a pink nose and brown eyes. She had spent a full 20 seconds studying this five-fingered offering before advancing. Now, as she moves forward, her tail points straight down, her butt is hunched toward the ground, her head is bowed, her ears pinned back. She stands at maybe three quarters of her height.She gets within a foot of the hand and stops. She licks her snout, a sign of nervousness, and looks up at the stranger, seeking assurance. She looks back to the hand, licks her snout again and begins to extend her neck. Her nose is six inches away from the hand, one inch, half an inch. She sniffs once. She sniffs again. At this point almost any other dog in the world would offer up a gentle lick, a sweet hello, an invitation to be scratched or petted. She's come so far. She's so close.
But Jasmine pulls away.
PETA wanted Jasmine dead. Not just Jasmine, and not just PETA. The Humane Society of the U.S., agreeing with PETA, took the position that Michael Vick's pit bulls, like all dogs saved from fight rings, were beyond rehabilitation and that trying to save them was a misappropriation of time and money. "The cruelty they've suffered is such that they can't lead what anyone who loves dogs would consider a normal life," says PETA spokesman Dan Shannon. "We feel it's better that they have their suffering ended once and for all."
PETA and HSUS are two of the very few things in this universe that make this atheist wish for a Hell.
A big thank you to photographers Deanne Fitzmaurice and Simon Bruty, as well-- PUPPIES!!!!!
Comments
Wonderful story, thanks for sharing.
Don't forget to save seats at the table next to HSUS and PETA for Mr. Vick & Co.
Posted by: Dave Gill | December 29, 2008 12:06 PM
A beautiful story. Thanks, Abbie!
Posted by: Optimus Primate | December 29, 2008 1:37 PM
Thank you for sharing. It's good to know some of these dogs will have a happy ending.
I come from a family of big-time dog lovers, and even we believed the pit bull propaganda until a stray pit (later named Ben) wandered into our lives fourteen or fifteen years ago. The differences between myth and reality were quite striking; we've been supporters of the breed ever since.
Posted by: Pocket Nerd | December 29, 2008 5:27 PM
I think we know where WW stands on that issue, as well. I remember he got all sanctimonious when you had the story about Arnie falling ill. Twerp.
Posted by: Paul Lundgren | December 29, 2008 9:25 PM
Read the title and thought,yay,Abbie's in the swimsuit issue !!!
Nice story tho..:-)
Posted by: clinteas | December 30, 2008 8:23 AM
Those are some of the cutest dogs in existence. The story of their rehabilitation is one of the most heart-warming things I've read in a very long time.
Posted by: Joshua Zelinsky | December 31, 2008 12:31 PM
Clinteas @ #5:
If only! :-)
That description of that dog reminds me of my uncle and aunt's cat Itty. They rescued her from an abusive home, and, even though she's been in a loving home for years, she's still very skittish, and hardly allows anyone to touch her. :-(
Posted by: Paper Hand | December 31, 2008 10:04 PM
I bit too much feel good BS for my taste here. Yes they are cute and fuzzy, but these dogs were bred for fighting (so maybe there are alleles more likely to lead to aggressive behavior in these animals) and were raised in an abusive environment (which has significant affects on behavior). Does that mean these dogs cannot be "rehabilitated?" Absolutely not, but no animal is 100% safe all the time. These animals have a significant risk involved with them and too diminish that is dangerous. These animals should never be around children or uninformed adults. If a specific person wants to take a chance on these animals, good for them, but do not put anyone else at risk. With all the animals needing a home in this country, the outpouring for these animals disgusts me. Imagine if you had a young child, would you be comfortable if one of these animals was playing in the same park your child was? (BTW I feel for these animals and am glad Vick and cohorts are serving time, but that does not mean I have to ignore the reality of the potential danger these animals represent.)
Posted by: Lorax | January 5, 2009 9:29 AM
my favorite is the last photo - the kid's name is Johnny Justice?! Total superhero name - and now he's got a sidekick!
Posted by: Jason | January 5, 2009 11:24 AM
How long have pit bulls been considered the dogs from hell?
Seems to me when I was young it was Dobermans.
Posted by: Robert B | January 6, 2009 2:45 PM