karmadogs.org Blog

I used to joke often that the only solution for Ernie, my blind newfie-mix, to get him to stop chewing on all of my shoes, was to have him de-toothed. See, I love Ernie. He is cute and fluffy and cocks his head and smiles at you. He has no clue that my nightshirt or brand new shoes are not meant for him to chew on. I figured my shoes smelled like me and he wanted to, well, I guess chew on me. He has eaten so many pairs of shoes that my husband started buying identical shoes and saving the “leftover” on the off chance that Ernie would eat the opposite shoe and leave him with a working pair. And it even actually happened. He has easily destroyed more than 10 pairs of shoes and slippers. I have even discovered him eating my shoes, leisurely, one day when I arrived home from work. I was on the phone with a good friend, a friend who would not hurt a fly, when I started screaming horrible things about my dog. I am sure I threatened him with terrible punishments. My friend was most likely scared by my sudden change in personality, but knows me well enough to know I was not seriously considering selling Ernie for spare parts. However, I did tell people on several occasions that the only solution to make him stop chewing was to have him de-toothed. Never, ever, in my wildest dreams, did I ever suspect that PEOPLE ACTUALLY DO THIS TO PIT BULLS TO STOP THEM FROM TRYING TO BITE WHILE BEING FORCED TO BREED. One of the most horrifying parts of that thought is that no reputable dentist would do this. Thanks goes to my Father-In-Law who brought this article to my attention. Just when I think people have sunk as low as they can go, where dogs are concerned, I am proven wrong. But what can I, a nobody, do to help stop dog fighting? In Maryland, dog fighting is a felony, punishable by three years in jail. If you see anything suspect, call Animal Control or 311. Animal Control officers can not make arrests, so if you suspect a dog fight in progress, call 911. And don’t think it does not happen where you live. Last year, Animal Control broke up a dog fight in Severna Park. I have heard dogs fighting (years ago) in an apartment in White Marsh. It happens everywhere. And where dog fighting happens, other illegal activity is going on. If you see or hear anything suspect, call 311 or 911. Information leading to an arrest will get you a $4000 reward, which is double what the normal Crime Stoppers reward will get you. The dogs don’t deserve it and the people should be punished. What goes around comes around- make it happen a little faster if you can.

For more information on dog fighting in Baltimore and how to stop it, check out this article from Baltimore Dog magazine.

(photo courtesy of The NY Times)