Wednesday, December 29, 2010

MAJOR!!!!!!!!!!

I never thought it would happen but Jazzy did it...he got his first major AND it was a 4 point major!!!! SO now Jazz has 7 of the 15 points he needs to be a Champion and one of the two majors...Wow a year ago I thought that he would not get this far...now look!!!!


That lovely lady is Kim Holmes - she handled jazz for me at our Club's Annual Specialty Show - what a show for him to shine...

The first day was an evening show and I'm afraid we kept Jazz up past his bed time. Boy was he a grouch!!! This being his first show in a year plus I thought - well, okay he just does not like it, we are done...Everyone told me I should give it another day, since I had paid for three days. Mike just plain wanted to pull him but I figured I would at least finish out the weekend...I felt so bad for Kim, he was SUCH a brat! Reserve winner's dog was the best he could do.

Day two - as usual - he was different dog! Much better behaved, sprightly, happy to be there and very flashy! Jazz took Winner's Dog over 2 other very nice dogs, and THEN - - BEST OF OPPOSITE! Holy cow he actually beat two of my favorite dogs on the planet. Mellow and Zac - both veterans , but still very fine dogs! I nearly fainted, and I cried like an idiot!!! Everyone was sooo happy for me! I was really humbled by all the hugs and congrats we got.

Day three was a bust but who cares - he had already gotten a MAJOR and was a very good boy that day too...He was actually having FUN...which was even better than the win...Okay almost better than the win...

Saturday, December 4, 2010

RALLY GIRL!!!!

Yes Katsy earned her Rally Novice Title Today - She has worked so hard and has been such a good girl she deserves a million titles!



Kat got her first "leg" (out of three required for a title) back in September, with a very respectable score of 86! We had entered her for three days just in case something went wrong...And it did ME!!! Yup the first day she would have had a 98 if I had not walked right past 2 signs - missed them completely which got her disqualified...I felt like such a heel (pun intended)! So we tried again the next day and wow she got a 96 and third place...Not bad for my little fear girl!

So that was 2 legs completed - the third and final day was sooo long and she was soooo tired - she just not used to being away from home all day and sitting on a cement floor. That said, she earned an 83! Hurray!!! She qualified and earned that third leg - HER TITLE!!!

Kat will now have an RN after name to go with her CGC and TD...wow who would thunk it!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Please Help find these Dogs!



****UPDATE****
All the dogs have been found and returned to Kristina! Hurray for miracles!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Book Buddies!

This is Kat at one of her many visits to the Princeton Public Library - She is participating in their "Book Buddies" Program where kids get to spend a half hour reading to a dog.

Kat has been such a big hit there that not only the kids love her but most adults can't resist the chance to pat such beautiful gentle dog...And of course just about everyone asks the same question - "how much does she weigh?"

Kat has been such a good girl with this new experience - I am so proud of her!





We never get out on time because so many people want to stop and pat her!


This is Gabriel, one of Kat's may buddies - she has a waiting list of kids that want to spend time with her.












There's a butterfly in that little cloth cage - Kat was fascinated with it.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Chicopee Stray



One year old intact male Akita found on Memorial Drive Chicopee MA. He s at TJO, Springfield AC Shelter on a 10 day stray hold.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Rescue Needs Rescue

I have been doing a little fund raising for Akita Rescue lately, our latest endeavor was a raffle. We took it nation wide thanks to the the power of the internet. In just under 3 months we were able to raise enough money to cover all the boarding and vet fees for Midwest Akita Rescue Society for 3 months. They tell us that there were many dogs saved because of our raffle that might not have been.

Let me take a moment to say thank you to all the people on the team who sold tickets, sent emails and cheer lead to help get this done. An even bigger thank you to all the people who opened their hearts and their wallets to help save these wonderful dogs, many of whom were abandoned by their owners because they were old or sick or in the case of Nikko, blind. Life long pets who loved their people, abandoned because it was too hard or too expensive or just because...




Meet Nikko found wondering lost and alone. He walked right up to someone whom he did not know and could not see, and wagged his tail. THIS is what Akitas Rescue is about trust, and love. This dog would have ended his days in a shelter, alone, if not for the wonderful people in rescue. No one came to claim him, no one cared enough to put an ad in the paper or call the shelters looking for their lost, blind dog...no, he was dumped, left because he was getting old and blind and wasn't a fun puppy any more....Thanks to MARS, he will have a home and a warm bed and all the love he can stand.

Yup that was meant to pull on your heart strings and if it did not shame on you.

Well, about the drawing, I had a little help from the Akita Audit Committee - that would be Kat and Jazz - who cheer for all the orphans and send them love and woos.



Be sure to mix those names up good Mom!



Jazz checks to make sure that I am reading the name properly!



Kat supervises the drawing for the winner of the Electronics prizes,


Levity aside, dogs are coming into shelters and rescues at an alarming rate, more and more every day. We can't keep up, it takes money. It also takes volunteers, and foster homes, and boarding, and vets. So if you can find it in your heart or wallet to help out, even if only to go to a shelter and walk a homeless dog, then do it. Give a little, huh, will ya? The reward will be well worth it.

Foster a dog. Save a dog.

Please.

A Beautiful Tribute - Never Forget

This video was played one time only - on the Anniversary of 9/11. Never forget.




Thank you Budweiser.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Wake up and meet the puppy

OH MY GOD this is too funny!!!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Happy Day!!!

Well, we are happy to say that Tally - now Wolfie - has found a new home!!! Here are a few photos of him during his short stay in our home.


Ya we spoiled him a little!



This is Wolfie day one, 60 pounds, so sad.


The Pack on the morning that Wolfie left - a sad and happy day for us all.












Wolfie with a few extra pounds!

I'm not afraid to say that I cried a lot when we left Wolfie at his new home...I will miss him greatly. But, he was happy and comfortable with his new Mom and I could not ask for anything better for him!

Have a wonderful life Wolfie, we love you!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Putting my money where my mouth is...


This, is Tally.

Tally being here is me putting my money where my mouth is..I have been doing some fund raising for Akita rescue for the last 4 months...So far we have raised over $10000 for 2 separate Akita Rescues. I am very proud of this accomplishment...But when the rescue people asked if I could help with Tally, 12 years old his owner dead and stuck in an animal shelter, well first I thought no, that would be too hard

I then told my self to put up or shut, I can't be going around asking people to help with rescue, not just with money, but fostering, if I am not going to do it myself right.

So, Tally came yesterday. He's quite a boy for 12 years old. Very spry, smart and oh so demanding. The rescue folks say that I did not get lucky with Tally, that usually the oldies just kind of hang around and sleep. Well, that does not describe this dog at all...This poor dog is so stressed he can't stand to have me out of his sight. But unlucky? Nah, he's a good boy, and just wants to be loved and feel secure. Who can fault him for that?

Sunday, July 4, 2010



WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA...

Please remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you...

JESUS CHRIST and the AMERICAN SOLDIER.

One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

GOD BLESS THE USA

Friday, July 2, 2010

Mary Wild Gets A "Time Out"

This was posted on an Akita Message Board by Jersey's owner:

They are finished she got 240 days in jail a suspended sentence so no jail time 2 years supervised probation and 80 hrs community service at the Jefferson county animal control and she has 30 days to submit an essay to the judge 750 words on how heat impacts dogs.


I could not breath - I was just stunned at such a travesty.

Jersey's owner is quite a woman, I bleed for her loss and I applaud her strength. Here is a missive that she wrote to the local joke of a news paper...

Dear Editor Post-Dispatch,

The lenient sentencing of Mary Wild by Associate Circuit Judge, Ray Dickhaner, is like that of a school child's punishment by her teacher -- complete with an essay to write! This "sentencing" of 2-year probation (detention), 8 hours of community service (that equals 10 hours per offense), and a 750 word essay, is an insult to all of us that are victims of Mary Wild's criminal neglect. I can just imagine Mary laughing on her way home from court yesterday morning, "I got away with it, Mom! HA!" Yes, Mary did get away with it. This pathetic excuse for justice in crimes against animals is why State of Missouri has earned its less-than stellar reputation across the rest of the country for fair treatment of animals. Keep it up, you are proceeding so well with it.

Hopefully the American Kennel Club will have more intestinal fortitude than Ray Dickhaner, and hand down an appropriate suspension. Then, despite Ray Dickhaner expressing that Mary Wild could go ahead and show dogs (as long as she had a note from her teacher), it simply will not be true. If the AKC does it's job, Mary Wild would not be able to handle dogs at AKC-sanctioned events, nor would she be able to breed AKC registered dogs for the duration of her suspension -- that trumps Ray Dickhaner.

My husband and I owned Jersey, the Akita that suffered and died as result of Mary Wild's criminal neglect. We are disgusted with this sentencing, as are the overwhelming majority of people the world over.

Monica Colvin

Gekko Akitas
www.gekkoakitas.homestead.com

Thursday, June 24, 2010

It's Done

After almost 9 months, Row's fate has been decided. The owner defaulted on everything, didn't pay the fines, never complied with ANY of the orders that could have sent Row home...He never visited the dog in all this time...He dragged it out and dragged it out, and finally the judge signed the order today, Row is now the property of the county. It is done.

I know that Row was a time bomb, there is no doubt that he would have done something worse - that he was not a dog who should be in public. But, the way this was handled, the way this piece of human garbage dragged this out is simply disgusting.

I hope you find peace over the bridge Row.

I hope that Jeff Scott finds no peace - ever.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Row's Time Is Almost Up

Row Scott's owner failed to comply with the court requirements by the June 7 deadline. Row has been declared officially a dangerous dog. He has lost his right to appeal. We now have to wait for the official judgment and time frame set by judge for compliance again.

When I asked a Brevard county official if Row's time was up, they stated that "his days are certainly numbered - unless Scott comes up with a lot of money". We all know that that will never happen. Scott is flat broke and has legal issues beyond the issues he has created for Row.

I do not think that Scott ever really planned to comply with the court, and now Row has sat in the shelter since December 9, 2009, 7 months and 2 days - and for WHAT?!?!?! An innocent comment was made to me that really set me off... "for as long as he's been in there he's adjusted EXTREMELY well.. I'm glad for that much for Row..." Well, I should be glad at least that his time there was not horrible, but knowing how it will end, I can't help but feel frustrated.

There is no helping Row now, there really never was. As we have gone over before perhaps the best thing for him IS to pass over the bridge, but it should not have dragged so long, he should have at least gotten to see the sun one more time.

Friday, June 4, 2010

GUILTY!!!

GUILTY ON ALL 8 COUNTS



Although I am ecstatic to see that Wild has been found guilty, I worry about the sentencing. We can only hope that on July 21 Mary Wild will learn that there ARE consequences for her actions.

We may want to dance in the street because the right and just verdict was handed down let's take a moment to think of the great loss, and of the owners who will see these deaths in their dreams for ever.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Jersey's Day in Court

Well, it has begun, Mary Wild will answer for the crimes she has committed.

The reporter in this story said that there will be no jury - the Missouri State Court website still says it is a jury trial, so maybe there was a change at the pretrial hearing. This may or may not be good with a jury there will be emotion involved, but there are people out there that will say "so, they're just dogs". With just a judge, he will interpret the law, and there will be no emotion, just the law.

Here is the channel 4 view before the trial started this morning:

Trial for Jefferson County woman charged in deaths of 7 dogs underway

I hope you are all watching.

Akita Fetch...



NOT!

New Computer!!!

Okay, I now have a computer that can read my stick from my camera, so here are a bunch of random flix of the kids that been waiting to be uploaded.

Enjoy!!!!

Nothing like a nice cool stream!


Walkies in the woods.


>>Yawn<<


What a face!


Nope, she's not spoiled, not at all.


So that's what the pool cover is REALLY for.





I can always tell when thunder is coming...I get a little friend under my desk.


The Queen and her court...Guess which one in the queen...

Monday, May 31, 2010

This made me cry



Thank you to all the men and women who risk their lives every day to protect mine.

Happy Memorial Day

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Update Row the Akita



Here is Row, May 8, 2010, still waiting. He is blowing his coat and could use a good brushing - that will never happen. He will not feel a brush through his coat while he is at this "shelter".

Row has had his hearing continued to May 20, 2010. He still has not been outside. He still has had NO HUMAN CONTACT beyond a food bowl being put into his kennel.

His owner whined and complained that Row was going to have to be in a metal dungeon. Well what the @$#% is this? At least if he were taken home, his kennel could be outside so he could see the sun, yes, it would need a cover of some kind - but that cover could be made of the same chain link as the fence. He could see the sun, smell fresh air feel a little rain on his coat. He could be confined to his HOME inside a HOUSE with his people - if they gave a rat's ass.

But they don't, so my heart continues to bleed for this dog who is waiting, happy to see people when they pass his kennel...until the day that they stop.

May 20 - 8 more days.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Mary Wild Hearing

I received this email from the state of Missouri today:

This email is to inform you of an upcoming court event involving the defendant MARY WILD and court case number 09JECR02236. A(n) Pre trial Conference has been scheduled for 5/24/2010 at 8:30 AM. This will take place in Jefferson, Division 11 Courtroom located at: 300 Main Street in Hillsboro, MO 63050.

I have not forgotten Jersey and the torture she went through as she lay dying in an overheated van during a heat wave in Mary Wild's yard. Mary slept in air conditioned comfort inside the house, while 8 dogs suffocated in that van with no water, no air...7 died. Jersey was one of them.

Mary Wild is showing again, people have seen her - breeders have paid her - have THEY forgotten?

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Snow Play

I can't believe I forgot to post this - this was about a month ago - the last big storm we had...guess the pups thought it was okay!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Row Waits

Well, Row the Akita still resides in a Brevard County Florida Animal Shelter. He is still waiting for a court date. He is waiting for a visit from his "concerned and loving" owner.

The wheels of the court system grind slowly; mean while Row waits.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

HSUS Fraud?

Nationwide Poll: Seven Out of Ten Americans Wrongly Believe the Humane Society of the United States is a Pet-Shelter "Umbrella Group"


"Consumer Group Reminds Americans that Less than One Percent of Donations to HSUS Benefit Local Pet Shelters
WASHINGTON, March 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Seventy-one percent of Americans questioned in a new opinion poll wrongly believe the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is an "umbrella group" for America's local humane societies. Sixty-three percent incorrectly think their local "humane society" is affiliated with HSUS. And fifty-nine percent falsely believe HSUS "contributes most of its money" to local organizations that care for cats and dogs."

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Row Update

As promised I have spoken to people at the shelter where Row is being held.

They say that he is nervous, but that is common among dogs that are in quarantine - Row sees only the feeder and kennel cleaner during the day - the public is kept away from that part of the shelter. They have 7 dogs there right now. I am told that he is given treats but has no interest in toys.

The person I spoke to works 6 days a week and said that to her knowledge, Mr Scott has not been to visit the dog. Neither has she heard of any incident that the dog has shown aggression towards any handlers. That is not to say that Row is not a dangerous dog, I am just reporting the facts.

I have a little more info about his kennel run. The run seen in the picture is called the front run, he has an additional run behind the door in the back which is larger and he is allowed to move between the two. However, neither run goes outside. Row has not seen the sun since the day he was brought to the shelter. I am also told that he is moved from one run to the other for kennel cleaning - I will find out exactly how that is accomplished once I have spoken to his kennel cleaner. I asked if the kennel was just hosed and was told they only do that of the dog shows aggression to handlers - so far Row has not.

He has a Kuranda bed which is up off the floor and a quilt to sleep on. He is eating and drinking okay, has not lost weight that anyone has noticed.

I am a little dubious about what I was told given the history of this shelter, I don't know, I can't go there to see for myself. The person I spoke with sounded very sincere and was careful to state that she could not discuss the "case" but she seemed okay discussing the dog. If nothing else the spotlight we are putting on Brevard County and the shelter, because of Row, may improve the standard of care that other animals receive now and in the future. At least that will be one good thing to come out of this...Did I really just say that, gad, there is nothing good coming from this nothing good at all...There is no silver lining.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Free-Row.Com Gone!

Okay, here's what happens now when you go to Free-Row.com. So, Mr Scott has been put out of "business", ya yippee skippee - WHAT HAPPENED TO THE DOG!?!?!?!?


Suspended Due to Non-Payment
This website has been suspended due to lack of payment for the website, hosting, internet marketing, and promotional materials for the Free Row Scott campaign from the owner of this site, Mr Billy Jo Scott.

He can be contacted at one of the following numbers: 321-268-2413 OR 321-759-8899

The site will be restored upon payment.
For questions or concerns email contact@swtwebdesign.com.

Okay, I get that this guy is shady, but what happened to the dog? What IS happening to Row? Dangerous he may be but is he still sitting waiting in that kennel?

There's no happy ending here, not for Row and certainly not for the Akita breed...

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Duped

Yup I've been duped along with a lot of other well meaning Akita lovers.

Row Scott, I am shaking my head for a number of reasons.

Reason one, we were all duped into believing that this was just a misunderstood dog who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is not so.

Reason two, people lying for financial gain and to cover their collective a$$es.

Last reason, breeders who irresponsibly breed dogs with questionable temperaments. Not by accident, but with full knowledge that full and part siblings from other litters are dangerously aggressive.

There will be a story in the next issue of The Dog Press that will make all this clear. I did not write the article, but I know that it is based on fact, I have confirmed much of what is written as fact and trust this writer to be telling NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.

Long and short is that Row has been misused and abused into being the dog that he is. He was breed by someone who knew the potential for Row to be an aggressive dangerous dog and set into motion this terrible tableau. Row is now, sadly, everything that Akita breeders are trying to stop. His story, his owners, past and present, have done much to further damage not only the image of this great and regal breed. They have damaged the breed itself by putting dogs out there that should not have been breed at all, by selling them to people who would take advantage of these bad genes and create more of the same. Shame.

I know my breed, I know what they are and what they can be. I know that Akitas are NOT for everyone. They are not big teddy bears, they are strong powerful animals with a will of their own. You either come to terms with that and be responsible; train them, be their leader, allow no abhorrent behaviour - or you buy a lab.

My heart aches for Row, I have shed a few tears for him because truly he cannot help what he is. He did not choose the temperaments of his parents, he did not choose the irresponsible breeder who disregarded history to make a buck. I care what happens to Row, I really do. But now, I am looking at it from a different perspective. I am looking at Row in terms of the damage he can do to the breed.

Read the article - it is passionate, written by a fellow breeder who is outraged and distraught by this entire incident. And, it is true.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

I'm Jazz...Who the Heck Are You?



Happy Birthday Jazz!!!
2 years old today.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Update: Row Gets to Go Home!

Hi Everyone. Here is a further update about Row. A commentor on his blog was able to attend the hearing and has posted a report in the comments section. I have reprinted below.

Long and short, Row will be able to go home. He will be neutered, not SUCH a bad thing - better than a trip over the Rainbow Bridge. He is to be suitably confined - don't know what that really means but I will find out and post.

In a horrific situation like this the outcome - though perhaps not entirely fair (two sides to every story, read below) - could have been worse and fatal for Row.

I still hold that the situation could have been avoided, first by Row's owner, and second by the alleged victims - come on folks use your head! I think the worst offender here was not Mr Scott, nor the lady victim, but the man that was with her. HE attacked Row by his own admission, Row didn't bite him now did he.

We'll really never know, but at least Row will go home and live.


Post to Free-Row.com:

Betty Ann January 12th, 2010 at 18:35
Here is the truth concerning Brevard County vs Row (Scott)
I attended a hearing to determine if the Akita Row (Scott) could be declared a dangerous dog.
On December 9, 2009 there was an encounter between the dog, Row (Ronin), and an elderly couple. Row’s owner was visiting his ex-wife’s house and the dog was tethered with a plastic covered steel cable to a tree in the front yard.The elderly couple approached the house and clearly saw the dog in the yard.The dog barked at the couple but they took no action to avoid the dog and continued forward. The law states that people have every right to remain on the sidewalk. This was a quiet residential street so the ability to cross the street or walk in the street was not limited by traffic. It is completely legal for the couple to remain on the sidewalk and to take no evasive action to avoid the dog.
Unfortunately for Row, his tether was long enough for him to reach the sidewalk. Row was able to leave the property if only by a few feet. He was able to reach the couple and he jumped up on them. At this point testimony and evidence diverge and statements are contradictory. The man states that he punched the dog and grabbed its collar and hit the dog with “the other end of the leash” when it jumped up on the woman who stated that she was behind the man. The woman states that she stumbled backward into the street and injured her arm. She does not believe she was bitten. When the dog jumped up he was face to face with the woman. The only damage shown at the hearing was a photo of the woman’s right arm showing a cut or scrape at the elbow. She refused to allow her medical information to be released to the hearing so there is only one photo taken 7 days after the event available to the hearing committee.
The committee determined that Row did meet the minimum requirement to be declared a dangerous dog because he was able to approach these people on public land and the woman had an injury as a result. It was determined that there was no evidence to support a bite. There were no deep bruises no puncture no opposing bite marks just scratches. It could not be determined if the marks on the woman’s arm were from the fall or from the dog’s feet.Remember she claimed he was looking into her face not clamped onto her arm.
According to law, Row’s owner will have to neuter the dog and keep him in suitable confinement. The dog will be returned to the owner. The owner has the right to appeal.
The decision to declare Row a dangerous dog was made by a committee of 2 volunteers. It was a unanimous decision. In conversations post-hearing it was agreed that Row was not a dangerous or aggressive dog but he had committed an act that met the minimum requirements of the law by leaving the property and there was injury involved.
Row will be allowed to return home and the owner will be required to bring the dog’s accommodations up to what is required by county law.
Now let’s do the math. The tether was 19.5 feet long. The actual tether was displayed at the hearing.
Row’s tether was high up on the limb of a very large oak tree with thick limbs. Lets assume the tree limb is 1 1/5 feet thick based on the photo of the tree. If tree is 7 feet from the sidewalk and the tether was 7 feet up from the ground, we now have all tree sides of the triangle.
If a is Upright side of triangle 7 feet
If b is Horizontal side of triangle 7 feet
Formula for diagonal side c is
a squared + b squared = c squared
so the length of c is square root of c
that value is 9.8995 feet
How much tether was needed to encircle the tree limb?
That value is 3.14159 times the thickness of the limb
3.14159 times 1.5 feet = 4.7124 feet
9.8995 feet plus 4.7124 feet = 14.61 feet
19.5 feet total length of tether minus 14.61 feet = 4.89 feet
If sidewalk is 3 feet wide then the dog can get 1.89 feet past the sidewalk.There is a wide area of grass between the sidewalk and the street. I’m guessing another 7 to 8 feet.
So why didn’t these people just step over into the quiet residential street and save us all a lot of grief? They clearly saw the dog. What is wrong with this picture?
Betty AnnWinter Springs FL

Monday, January 11, 2010

Row Scott Update: It Breaks My Heart

It breaks my heart to report that Row has indeed been declared a dangerous dog and will likely suffer the most horrible consequence. It pains me even more to say that perhaps, the circumstances were not as we thought. There are indeed two sides to every story - and the truth lies someplace in between.

I am not above admitting that I may have been wrong in this case. I may have fallen into the knee jerk reaction of any dog owner - that of defending the animal (and by default it's owner) against what seemed like false accusations.

Do we, any of us know what the real story is? No we do not, I do not. Apparently we were not given the entire picture by the owner on Row's website. There are two sides to every story, the truth lies someplace in between. I cannot blame him, I love my dogs and would be devastated if I were facing the eminent loss of my companion. Even though my head would tell me that Row may have a problem, my heart would be as blind as justice. I hold no fault to Mr Scott for defending Row. I hold him at fault for not protecting this animal in the first place, for not understanding his responsibility to KEEP ROW OUT OF HARM"S WAY.

We will never truly know if Row was acting aggressively or speaking in the way all Akita owners find dear. Row should not have been in the situation, he should not have been tied unattended, it was a mistake, we all make them. A teaching moment, yes, but what is taught, nothing but pain and sadness.

That all being said my heart goes out to Row's owner, I am sure he will forever remember Row and the part he played in Row's life. I hope that he will continue to defend Row and will be successful in bringing him home and getting him the help and training he needs. But, more so my heart goes out to Row, who at one point in his life rode high as a champion.

It is my hope dear Row that you do not go to the bridge, but if you do, run free and happy.

Below is the letter I received from Brevard County regarding Row's case as well as a single photo of the victim's injury. I do not profess to know if this is a bite or not judge for yourself, but does it matter?

Ms. Lynch,



A brief summary of the findings of the Council on the events of that day are as follows;



The victim and her husband were walking down a public sidewalk towards Mr. Scott's house, Mr. Scott had Row aka Ronin tied out to a tree limb of a tree approximately 6 to 7 feet from the sidewalk on a cable that measured 19' 9" long (20 ft cable that had kinks in it from usage). The Council found that the based on the length of the tether, the distances from the tree to the sidewalk that Row was able to at least reach the sidewalk and possibly as far as into the public street. Mr. Scott had given the actual cable used to tie Row out with and it was shown to the Council during the meeting. Photographs of the sidewalk clearly showed paw prints as well as the drag marks made by the victim as she was scrambling to get away from the dog. They did find that the injuries sustained by the victim were made by Row and not caused by "falling" by this I mean her contact with the ground or roadway caused the injuries she had to her right arm/elbow.




The Basis for the Determination of the Council stated that they found that Row aka Ronin did, without provocation, chase or approach a person on a public sidewalk in an aggressive, menacing fashion and apparent attitude of attack and caused injury to a human.



At this point Mr. Scott has 10 business days in which to appeal the council's decision to the County Court or 14 days in which to come into full compliance with the provisions set forth by County ordinance, his third option would be to sign ownership of the dog to the County.



I’ve also attached one of the pictures of the injury sustained by the victim. I also believe the Mr. Scott’s page fails to mention that Ronin had also bit his niece the day prior.



I hope this answers your question.



Sincerely,



Kim Strob

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Please go sign to save Row

PLEASE GO TO THIS SITE RIGHT NOW AND SIGN PETITION TO SAVE ROW FROM AN UNDESERVED DEATH!

WWW.FREE-ROW.COM




“Hello, My name is Row

I am a 3-year-old Akita, who was adopted by my new owner in March 2009. I’m a competitive dog, which participated in many dog shows, both National and International, and I am proud to say I have won many ribbons and awards for my excellent showmanship.

I am a very vocal dog and enjoy singing and talking to myself. Unfortunately, my deep voice and physique have a tendency to scare people who have not met me.

I am currently being held at the Brevard County Animal Shelter, and just want to go home. I am here because the Animal Service and Enforcement Department thinks I am “dangerous”, and my feelings are extremely hurt. They don't know me like everyone else does.

On December 9th 2009, I was visiting my granddad and hanging out in his front yard. He has a special spot next to a tree that I love. It’s special spot because I can watch the neighborhood and relax. After a a while, I noticed some neighbors were walking by and stopped at our house. I wanted to say hello and find out what they wanted. However, as I approached the elderly couple, the woman became frightened. I didn’t want her to be scared, so I decided to talk to her. Unfortunately, as I spoke, she jumped back, lost her balance, and fell. I felt really bad and didn’t know what to do. When her husband helped her up I noticed she had bruises and scrapes. I did not mean to scare her!

After this, I was taken away from my family. I was all alone for Christmas and New Years. I am not sure what my outcome is going to be. ...

I promise! I never touched the couple or caused any harm. I just wanted to say Hi. Unfortunately for me, since the neighbor fell and hurt herself, I’m being blamed for her injuries.

I love my family and miss them very much and I just want to go home. Please help me!”

PLEASE PLEASE show your support for this misunderstood dog.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Snow Pups!

Not the best photos in the world but hey it was SNOWING!!!!!