We are a family that is currently fighting the judicial system of Overland Park, Kansas.
January 17, 2004 my twenty-three year old daughter, Erin, was in an automobile accident outside of St. Louis, Mo. She was eight months pregnant with my first grand child, Clayton Parker, and forty-five minutes away from where her baby shower was being held that afternoon. She and Clayton were both tragically killed...
The loss of Erin and Clayton paralyzed my family and me. Every morning I was awakened with the stinging pain of their death and faught to find the will to live. About four months later my younger daughter called telling me she had rescued a dog named Rocky, who had been horribly abused by his previous owner. She said that she thought he would be good for me and that she would be bringing him with her when she came to visit for the memorial of Erin's Birthday. I knew I didn't want a dog. I was having a hard enough time trying to take care of myself.
But Rocky wasn’t just any dog. I spent about one hour alone with him in my back yard and even though he was a playful, energetic, year-old-pup, he had a sensivity and gentleness about him. It's as if the trauma we had both endured connected us somehow. He made me laugh, which was something I didn't feel I would ever do again. Rocky didn't know it, but I was the one being rescued!
Soon he was loved by the whole family. He brought comfort and joy to our lives. He made me smile by the silly things he would do, and in those times when the sadness would overcome me, he would jump up on my lap and lick me, as if he knew what I was feeling and wanted to bring consolation. Our late night walks became a great source of healing for me. Just having a quiet partner to walk with, to help me deal with the loss... the gift was irreplaceable. Believe me, the grief will be there forever I'm sure, but everyday that goes by that I have my new and constant companion, Rocky, makes it a little easier.
Then, just a few months ago, we learned that there was a Pit-Bull ban issued in Overland Park, Kansas, which is where we live. July 29th, we heard a knock at the door. It was the police saying they had received information that we owned a Pit-Bull. They gave us twenty-four hours to remove him and said if we did not comply they would come back with a warrant, seize him, and euthanise him upon retrieval. This news fell on me like a ton of bricks and suddenly this new found friendship was put in jeopardy. Because of the nature of Rocky's adoption into our family, we were without paperwork proving that Rocky was not a pure bread Pit-Bull, but a Lab mix with Pit-Bull characteristics. We were rendered helpless. Since then, Rocky has gone to various homes to be cared for by people who are actively supporting us in our fight to bring Rocky home. Their help and support will never be forgotten.
The city of Overland Park is making an entire breed pay for the crimes of specific dogs. And to say that Pit- Bulls are the only or most commonly violent dogs is a statement made purely out of ignorance. When my daughter was young she was attacked by a Golden Retriever, should they be killed by the thousands as well? Pit-Bulls are being ripped from their homes and families and being killed right now by the thousands. Who will protect them? Who will speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves? It's Pit-Bulls under attack now but what will stop them from bannig German Shepherds, Boxers, or even Labs? Please support us in overturning this ban and ensuring the safety of our dogs.
And to all who are fighting with us, words cannot express the emmense appreciation for all you're doing. Thank you.
WE WON’T STOP UNTIL THE BAN IS STOPPED!!!!
