Game Dog Guardian

Our very own alumni Ernie is in a contest to be on a Lawrence Beer Company crowler all Summer long. $5 = 5 votes! The best part is your donation for Ernie helps support our local Lawrence Humane Society and it’s lifesaving programs! 🐶

Although Ernie passed away, this is a way to make sure his memory lives on for all cruelty survivors and those who loved Ernie so much 🌈

Vote for Ernie in the Lawrence Humane + Lawrence Beer Co. Cutest Crowler Contest. Show your support for Lawrence County Humane Society by voting for Ernie in the Lawrence Humane + Lawrence Beer Co. Cutest Crowler Contest

Can you believe this case is happening in our own backyard?! Lucy didn’t do anything wrong and yet the City of Leawood, KS, is prosecuting her family. This family is appealing this case not just for Lucy, but for the many mixed breed dogs that could be impacted by the “pit bull” ban in Leawood.

Help share Lucy’s story 💜

Help Lucy stay with her family, organized by Kristi Bond This is Lucy and her person, Esmae. At 5-months old, Lucy came to us from a local shelter.… Kristi Bond needs your support for Help Lucy stay with her family

GDG family, we have a special ask. Ernie, aka Big Ern, aka Big Perm, was always one of our favorites. He waited several years with us before finding his mama a few years ago, where he plays and bounces around the house. Ernie bounced a little too hard today and broke his leg. Any contribution would help him and his amazing mama. 💜

https://gf.me/u/y5j7xy

Surgery for Big Ernie, organized by Alisa Farinelli My sweet man is famous for his "4 off the floor" vertical jumps. Well, last night was his last. … Alisa Farinelli needs your support for Surgery for Big Ernie

That dog is wearing a muzzle..... Why ?

As most of my friends know i wear my muzzle as its one of the conditions i have to abide by to live my life as an exempted Dog , but When you see a dog wearing a muzzle, the most common thought as to why the dog you see is doing so, may not be the right one.

There are many reasons for a dog to wear a muzzle...

* dogs that are prone to picking up stones or other objects that they may swallow.

* dogs that eat poo, their own or other animals.

* the owner may be acclimatising the dog to wear a muzzle incase needed for a veterinary visit or grooming appointment.

* to stop dogs worrying wildlife, particularly those with a high prey drive.

* some rehoming centres stipulate that their dogs wear muzzles in public, eg. ex - racing dogs.

* when working to combat anxiety issues around strangers and other dogs.

* dogs that have just had surgery and can negotiate their way around a Buster collar or similar with ease, a muzzle may help to prevent them from getting to their wound, dressings or stitches.

*the dog may become over excitable with other dogs or humans.

* for dogs that need more space or don't like being pestered by other dogs, wearing a muzzle often deters people.

Wearing a muzzle does not naturally mean....

*the dog is dangerous and will attack you at any given opportunity.

* the dog shouldn't be allowed to attend training classes, socialisation classes and outdoor walks that we enjoy with our dogs.

If you see a dog wearing a muzzle....

* do not make a point of trying to interact with the dog unless you have previously been asked or have asked, the owner first.

* give consideration to the fact that the owner is doing their best with the situation they are trying to resolve.

* give the dog space, put your dog on a lead and keep them under control until you have passed the dog.

* give them space, and keep excitable children and possibly unpredictable small children at a distance to ease any anxiety to the dog and owner.

Most of all.... BE KIND, you never know due to unforeseen circumstances or events, you may find yourself with a dog that needs to wear a muzzle at some point, too.

We all want the best for our dogs 💛

There are 20 cities in Johnson County, KS, and one time nearly all of them had a ban on pit bull looking dogs. Today, two cities remain: Leawood and Overland Park. Many of us know the history of Overland Park, but take a moment to dive into what happened the night Leawood banned dogs that may look like “pit bulls.”

Change has come to Kansas City! Let’s help them find the right person to lead the new Animal
Services Division! Share share share! 💙

KC Pet Project is now hiring for the right candidate for our new position of Director of Animal Services. Recently, the City Council voted on the contract for KC Pet Project to operate the animal control services for Kansas City, MO. Our newly formed Animal Services Division will begin to take shape over the next several months with a transition period starting with current KCMO officers in September. KC Pet Project will officially take on the contract for these services on December 1, 2020.

We are searching for an experienced candidate from a progressive, lifesaving organization who will embrace our "Solutions - Not Excuses" motto. One who will work in collaboration with the President/CEO and KC Pet Project staff to ensure the Animal Services Division provides modern, humane, and professional animal services to the residents of Kansas City as outlined in the contract with the City. The Director of Animal Services is responsible for managing all areas of the Animal Services Division including overseeing animal service officers and ensuring their successful performance of their daily duties, as well as business functions, strategic planning, and case management.

The Director is also responsible for establishing community relationships and working with relevant municipal departments, including police and emergency services, with the goal of making the KC Pet Project’s Animal Services Division a regional and national leader in this field. And as a Tier 1 pilot shelter of Human Animal Support Services (HASS), the HASS model will be a incorporated into all aspects of our new division.

To learn more about this position, please go to http://kcpetproject.org/careers.

This is an incredibly interesting and an important read. The dogs were always the connection in the study, but the *people* maintained the racial barriers.

“The dogs didn’t create the in*******al boundaries at the bakery, which caters to a primarily white, middle-class clientele. In fact, the dogs presented an avenue to connect black and white neighbors. But they gave bakery staff a reason to intervene, to maintain in*******al boundaries.”

How dogs help keep multiracial neighborhoods socially segregated American cities are getting more diverse, but neighbors of different races don't necessarily socialize with each other. A sociologist in North Carolina discovered one surprising reason why.

GDG alums and very good girls Eve and Electra say stay safe and have a good weekend!! 🗽🎉❤️🤍💙

Douglas County Kansas - looks like you have a District Attorney candidate who is interested in animal issues! We're tuning in today at 12:00 noon so we can be informed voters (link below)

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Seven years ago we had an idea...what if we, as animal advocates, started to care about people instead of just their animals...

"There is a reason the worst places for dogs to live are the worst places for people to live. Game Dog Guardian was born from the thoughtlessness we felt as we tried to talk to people in under-served communities about how to better care for their dogs. We should ensure the basic needs of our neighbors, especially their children, are met if we want to have a lasting impact on the human-canine bond. If you really care about dogs, and particularly the dogs in the worst conditions, start with the people who also live in those conditions. When we care about people, work to improve their quality of life, increase the opportunities afforded to them and work to give them a voice, the quality of life for the pets in those neighborhoods will also improve. A rising tide lifts all boats."
- Anthony, founder

To everyone missing someone today...

Denver City Council circulating pictures of a pit bull that possessed a man and tried to usher in the apocalypse. They're just different.

Weta Workshop reveal new Terror Dog figure - Ghostbusters News Our friends over at The Rad Years Podcast snagged these photos of some of the new Ghostbusters offerings that Weta Workshop had on display at this weekend's Toy Fair New York!

Me: “Zoey, point to the right.” 😏😂
Zoey: “I’m not your circus clown.” 😑

Adopt our girl Zoey from The Pet Connection (Official), she has great party tricks!

This is funny and sad in so many ways. Mostly that it is a reminder that breed specific legislation is rooted in racism and classism. This is Colorado’s Governor and on state property (CO has a state law prohibiting most cities from regulating dogs based on breed) - but really, any white-upperclass Denver resident could’ve posted this with a big middle finger to animal control, because a recent University of Denver study found that Denver’s pit bull ban “is primarily enforced in communities of color.”* (no real surprise to anyone else who has studied the issue)

So regardless of the shade the Governor is rightly throwing, and the comic relief it gave us, it shines a sad reality on the continued deprivation of property rights and the breaking up of families in the communities of color, that Mayor Hancock quickly endorsed by vetoing the repeal of Denver’s pit bull ban.

*https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/next/pit-bull-ban-denver-repeal-financial-impact-university-du/73-45ea8198-251e-407b-9c20-b67c10fc4612

😎 tell ‘em

h/t ColoRADogs

Raise your hand if you’re a local group who will offer resources and training to Denver area pit bulls!!

The city council members are still engaged. We need two more votes to override the veto.

A question being raised is about what support and training is available to Denver pit bulls if the ban is removed.

So now is the time! If you are a local group or trainer, we need to know if you’re on board to offer services and help Denver pit bull owners succeed! Shout out!

Go on over to Replace Denver BSL and let them know!

Call em out ColoRADogs

We are so saddened! Even in the light of science, Mayor Hancock has VETOED the pit bull repeal according to the Denver Post.

This is why the strong mayoral system in Denver has to end.

This is why a new mayor is needed.

This is why last minute reactions from large scale groups do damage to local advocates.

We thank Replace Denver BSL for all their hard work.

We're going to have much more to say in a couple of days after we gather our thoughts. In the meantime, hug your blockheads tightly.

Y’all thought you were in love with Capone...meet his bouncy twin sister (from another mister) Chessa at KCK Animal Services 💜 😮

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/chessa-47202688/ks/olathe/kansas-city-kansas-animal-control-ks140/

Adopt Chessa on Petfinder Chessa is an adoptable Dog - Pit Bull Terrier Mix searching for a forever family near Olathe, KS. Use Petfinder to find adoptable pets in your area.

Zoey came back to us because apartment life just wasn't her thing. You can't throw 20 tennis balls inside obviously.

She is in boarding right now because we have no available foster homes, and the boarding bill is starting to add up. Can you help Zoey by donating to the Pet Connection for Zoey's care? www.thepetconnection.net

DENVER RESIDENTS:

Attention Denver Residents!

Back to the business at hand and we need you!

Mayor Hancock has until Friday to keep the ordinance or veto it. So we NEED you to reach out and let him know you are a Denver resident and you support the repeal. Ask your local friends in Denver to do the same.

"Why are you harping about locals, ColoRADogs.?"

Because the people who vote are the ones whose voices have power. We didn't make the rules. We just know the game.

So here's your handy guide...

You can call at 720-865-9000 (Option 3)

You can post on the Michael B. Hancock, Mayor of Denver's page. Make it simple. For example, "I am a resident of Denver and ask you to please support and sign to repeal the ban on pit bulls."

You can email him at: [email protected]
Keep it courteous, not personal, NO insults. Keep to science and facts. You can find all of that on Replace Denver BSL.

We've seen you people at work and when you advocate for our dogs, you ROCK!

*Please remember not to feed the trolls. Do not engage with oppositional groups. It does no good to fight with them when we know they are not fact based nor forward thinking"

Go get 'em!

From Replace Denver BSL

“*Denver Residents* We Are Not Done!

We were just informed that Mayor Hancock is "on the fence" about signing off on this bill! He has until THIS Friday. Let him know how the residents of Denver feel!
Phone: 720-865-9000

**Please remember to be respectful, well spoken and armed with the FACTS!”

The horrible opposition group is all over his page-comment there too.

Michael B. Hancock Former Mayor of the City and County of Denver

Contact Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock Contact Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock

UPDATE! This baby boy was adopted! 👏👏👏

Capone is looking for love this Valentines Day. 💙He has a polite handshake and is a great storyteller. Capone is a dog you can take home to meet your parents and your parents’ dog. He’s just the social butterfly you didn’t know you needed in your life. 🦋 He is middle-aged, so he’s not partying at the bars, he’s more of a grown ass adult dinner party dog.

Capone is 5 years old, social with people and other dogs, and is available at the Lawrence Humane Society.

Denver is no longer behind the times. The breed ban is lifted thanks to the hard work of Replace Denver BSL. We cannot thank them enough. Local voices are da' bomb!

So what now? Some things to know.

There are provisions in the new law.They will go away in two years. Head on over to Replace Denver BSL to check it out.

The law goes into affect in 90 days. Keep your lovely blockheads out of the city until then.

If you're an advocacy group, offer help and resources to promote and hold up responsible ownership. Together we can make this a success.

Remember responsible ownership is not breed specific.

Let's show them what responsible owners look like!

The world has tragically lost a zealous advocate with a heart of gold. Georgia volunteered with us from inception and would help us with every event from roller derby bouts, to our annual rock n rally, to literally running dogs down Mass. Street to showcase them for adoption. That's just the kind of wonderful person she was. After our programs slowed down, Georgia continued her advocacy for the most vulnerable animals and people in the Kansas City community through The Rescue Project as their Outreach Coordinator.

We have no other words for this horrific tragedy. Georgia, you are loved, and will be missed greatly.

Goodbye to our founding member, man behind the merch, and the one and only Landshark, Bruce Wayne. You were the best boy. 💕

Before this, working with fighting dogs was difficult, lonely, rare work. We are very grateful for the changes this - at the time - herculean, almost defiant effort brought about.

Michael Vick’s dogs could have been euthanized. They became adoption ambassadors. Twelve years ago, 47 dogs were rescued from quarterback Michael Vick’s dogfighting operation and given the opportunity to be family pets.

Drop what you’re doing and get to Clear the Shelter Day at the Lawrence Humane Society on Saturday, August 17th! This perfect little sugar plum, Nala, is waiting for you to take her home 💜

Nala is 3 years old, has done really well with other dogs, and hasn’t seemed reactive to cats. She is medium energy level and maximum cuddle muffin. Playful and perky, smart and snuggly.

President Bush (41) advanced the benefits of the human-canine bond to what we have today. Thank you.

Many of you may have seen this viral photo of President George HW Bush's service dog, Sully, laying in front of the President's casket. President Bush (41) was the President who pushed for and signed the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 - the law that protects peoples' rights to have their service dogs in public places. Here is a story about Pres Bush41 and the ADA:

https://www.npr.org/2018/12/03/672817727/remembering-george-h-w-bush-a-champion-for-people-with-disabilities

The depth and quality of work the civilian community puts in to welcome home and reintegrate veterans can make a huge difference for them as they transition back and acclimate. As we wind down Veterans Day weekend, here are some lessons we have learned over the years on how we (civilians) can be better.

The 3 P’s: A Note to My Fellow Civilians, Veterans Day 2018 Over the last 9 years, I have spent a lot of time volunteering with various veteran organizations, socializing with veteran friends, visiting the VA Hospital with my therapy dogs Liam and Leonidas, as well as teaching a Canine Connections class at that same VA. I have learned a lot about the individ...