Friday May 18

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Rescue Me!

Steve Moore and Laurel the Staffie

A little over 12 years ago around 1997, I made a decision to get myself a dog. Having read several books on various breeds, I opted for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. At that time the idea of owning a rescued Staffie really appealed to me as I thought I could give a less fortunate little animal a second chance in life. Off I went to the R.S.P.C.A. to have a look around for a staffie, only to be told “ Sorry Sir, there are no staffies here and in fact we very rarely have any brought in” obviously a good thing for the staffies but not for me so I went on to several other animal re-homing organisations near to my home. I was met with the same story everywhere. That was when I made my decision to get a little staffie puppy and Laurel arrived. We have now spent nearly 13 wonderful years together and in that time she has not shown one ounce of real aggression toward anyone, which is why I entitled my book LAUREL – EVERYONE’S BEST FRIEND.

Laurel is not unique in this trait by any means. My attention is often caught whilst out walking, of other staffies and, although I always ask the owners assurance that it is fine to make a fuss of their pet, the staffies all appear to respond in the same way – tail wags, licks, licks and more licks. I have never had one owner warn me not to touch the dog, it’s the usual “ no problem, he/she would put up with that all day”

At the moment the staffie is really having a raw deal all round. They are being over bred and the “ macho hard man” thinks that owning one is a perfect status symbol. Most of them then find out the dog is not “hard” at all, but a loving, faithful and loyal companion so it’s then dumped. The press don’t help on this matter either. With headlines such as “Devil dog savages child” and the familiar picture of a staffie bearing its teeth does nothing for the image. On many occasions the real story is an over excited staffie has jumped up and knocked a child over. Not very pleasant for the child, I agree but hardly a “savage attack” Of course any dog can be vicious but dogs will only attack if there is a reason. This reason could be fear, protection, pain, or any number of reasons that are never looked into after an “attack.” Also owners must come into question in some cases. A good responsible owner will always make sure their pet is well trained, treated with kindness, and always kept under their control when out of the home.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed is now top of the unwanted list in dog homes and animal sanctuaries all over the country – a stark contrast to 12 years ago. People must understand that, although they are a very powerful breed, and “homework” should be done before buying one, they are also loyal, loving and so much fun and this image of the “macho” dogs must be stamped out

This Staffie Campaign has my full backing and if anyone out there wants to but a staffie for the “macho” image I suggest you read my book to find out just how “hard” they really are.

STEVE MOORE (AUTHOR OF LAUREL – EVERYONE’S BEST FRIEND)

You can buy Steve and Laurel's book and raise money for Staffy Rescue by clicking here

 

Mission Statement

MISSION STATEMENT

This campaign’s aims are to:

Publicise widely the plight of The Staffordshire Bull Terrier in terms of the effects of overbreeding; ownership for ‘status symbols’; the high rate of abandonment; and the amount of Bull Terriers being put to sleep in the UK.

Working with all agencies, actively engage in an effective educational campaign to combat the negative press of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and to promote the breed and the need for neutering.

Encourage cooperation and partnership between HM Government, Local Authorities, all major Animal Charities and local Pet Welfare Organisations and Rescue Centers, The Kennel Club, Third Sector Bodies, the Veterinary Association and pet food manufacturers to enable a united and balanced approach to review, rationalise and regulate, by government intervention, the breeding and microchipping of dogs in particular Staffordshire Bull Terriers, by registered breeders and unregistered dog owners.

In partnership with all agencies, in the spirit of the ‘Cleaner Safer Neighbourhoods Bill’, work to promote responsible dog ownership, microchipping and identification of dogs.

Working in partnership with Dog Food manufacturers, veterinary practices and pet shops, to cascade educational materials to local outlets

Born to Die

Just a Staffy Cross.
Today is just another day - to me they're all the same
I have the worst of genes you see, I bear the "Staffy" shame.
The shame is in our numbers, there's thousands with no home.
Thousands just like me you'll find, in kennels all alone.
My mum was "just a Staffy", my father - well who knows?
Mum, too, became unwanted, as the last puppy goes.
And then begins the process, of money-making deals
A life of "moving on" unfolds, who cares how the Staffy feels?
If you have the cash to hand, the Staffy pup is yours
But that pup is getting bigger now, just look at those big paws.
You brought me for your image, thought I'd make you look more tough
But you'll find my boisterous nature has already got too much.
If you had thought to train me, with kindness and with praise
You would have had a faithful friend to share your darkest days.
I would lay down my life for you, but you simply cannot see
You make sure you get your money back on what you paid for me.
And on it goes, until one day, I'm no longer worth a dime
The retail on an adult staff - not worth the waste of time.
So what happens to a Staffy now? Do you really want to know?
Do you care what will become of us, when we leave our final home?
Have you ever thought to wonder, "Where is that Staffy now?"
The "Staffy" has another name; he's become a "stray" somehow.
Me, I was put into a car and driven far away
The door held open, I jumped out, I thought to run and play.
It was with joy and happy heart I turned to look for you
You drove away with all my trust and a piece of my heart too.
I wondered round for many days before I was brought here.
Now I wait with heavy heart, trepidation and with fear.
Seven days is all I have you see, seven days for you to claim
The little dog that you threw out, for which you have no shame.
This is my last goodbye now my seven days are up
If only more thought had gone into the future of that pup
As the needle empties to my veins I lay down with one last sigh
I'm sorry I was born a Staffy, because it means that I must die.

- Author Unknown