Wayne you make an excellent point about forgiveness. But that does not change the fact that your protest against PETA is right on the money. They must stop killing dogs at their so called shelter,
and stop supporting breed-specific legislation in cities counties and states. Wayne Johnson PhD
I am a new supporter of DxE, and I applaud you for your compassion, generosity of spirit, and evangelical fervor on behalf of animals. And I agree with your general point about the narcissism of small differences--a term I have not heard since graduate school a million years ago. However, I think that PETA is a monstrous, despicable organization, and I stand with Nathan Winograd in his condemnation of this organization. So, as between PETA and other organizations, we are talking not about small differences, but about huge gulfs. There is a chilling--and credible-- account of what it's like to work for PETA, written by the wife of an American diplomat, no less. And, if I ever get a chance to talk to you--which I hope I do--I will tell you about the misguided and unethical tactics PETA used against an elephant sanctuary in Missouri, of which I have almost first-hand knowledge. I'd also love to swap U of C stories with you--I was there, I think, a couple of generations before you.
Is there a way to communicate with you via email? I have a large scale animal abuse issue that I would like to share with you and your network. Please advise.
As a dog and pitbull lover since childhood (Cooper, one of the most loving animal companions in my life was a purebred pitbull rescued as a puppy in Detroit,) I agree with PETA's stance on breed restrictions. PETA is attempting to end the horrors that these amazing dogs endure. Maybe not your wonderful companion, but thousands upon thousands of OTHER dogs who are suffering right now.
I agree that it can cause inconvenience and harm for some pitbull lovers who may need to find a new place to live, keep their dog's breed a secret, or petition their local government for alternate solutions to dogfighting. I know I would sell my home and relocate for my dog, just as I would move if I had to for my human daughter.
Even though they're starved, beaten, and otherwise kept in a constant state of fear to get them to fight, pitbulls are not the only victims of dog fighting: "bait" animals are also used to train these generally sweet individuals to attack for their life. Feral cats, lost animal companions, stray cats and dogs and even captured wildlife are used as bait for "practice".
Unfortunately and heartbreakingly, many dogs born into fighting rings, or who have been "living" in them for so long that they've lost their minds, are simply unsavable. These individuals will always live in fear of other animals and humans because they know nothing else, and very often, the most humane thing to do is end their suffering.
As someone who has helped euthanize animals (not for PETA), I wish that was not the case. It is not an easy choice to make. I wish we could save them all, but we just can't.
We need to outlaw breeding. We need to fund spay and neutering programs, We need to start animal abuse registries. Please think of the larger picture and bring your own solution to your city council. An animal abuse registry, something like the sexual abuse registry, is a good start. What else?
You know I used to donate $$$$ to A LOT of animal charities, but I am picky about it now BC there are a lot of fakes including the Humane Society which I no longer support and PETA........which I still at times do. I know the stories of them putting down animals and I really do not agree with it. I saw a documentary from them about backyard dogs and they're quick to euthanize any animal that shows aggression or is too neglected and has a long recovery and it makes me sick, BUT, I feel that their outrageous and "illegal" tactics have made progress? IDK I have a love/hate relationship with PETA. I also saw a VICE DXE documentary where they tried to remain "unbiased," but to me they tried to make you out to be a typical animal terrorist which is ok to me lol! I like the "weird, psycho" ones if they are working for a just cause 😁 especially when they're cute 😜. They portrayed the farmer as a victim and trying to be reasonable with your group. It is very hard to tell sometimes who is the good and bad guys. There are things and people that are pure evil, but theres some where its not so black and white. This reminds me of Trump votes. I found out ppl whom I dearly loved were voting 4 this guy. I am not Democratic or Republican. I go by facts and I have views on all sides, but to me it meant you were a blatant racist and sexist. I am still torn about that. I recently got in touch with someone I told that they disgusted me BC of that. But it is very true what you state. I get the angriest and offended with those closest to me. With asshole strangers I don't waste my breath, but with those I care about I do tend to fight a lot. I do not think all opinions should be tolerated like those above, but sometimes it truly is pure ignorance and if we can have a conversation with the opposing view we may learn something or teach something. And sometimes the enemy of my friend is my friend. Ingrid should support you. She should not be offended that you love PitBulls and believe they should get second chances. I do not think you owe anyone an apology. I am glad she was reasonable and put her pride aside to help you. In the end were all still fighting for the animals even if were also hypocrites.
I didnt learn much from this article, but a moderate proportion of vegans would - those who constantly antagonise other vegans and animal rights activists. For me, the equation is rather different: a small difference in ideology could well decide how much time I spend with them, or reading or trying to understand their stuff. I didnt read the entire article on this occasion - I didnt think the effort was warranted. But I am not against people posting exactly what they want to post, if that's their style.
Wayne you make an excellent point about forgiveness. But that does not change the fact that your protest against PETA is right on the money. They must stop killing dogs at their so called shelter,
and stop supporting breed-specific legislation in cities counties and states. Wayne Johnson PhD
Thanks Wayne for always trying different approaches and sharing what you learn. Great post. Ingrid is one of a kind ♥️💙🐇
Great article. Thank you.
I am a new supporter of DxE, and I applaud you for your compassion, generosity of spirit, and evangelical fervor on behalf of animals. And I agree with your general point about the narcissism of small differences--a term I have not heard since graduate school a million years ago. However, I think that PETA is a monstrous, despicable organization, and I stand with Nathan Winograd in his condemnation of this organization. So, as between PETA and other organizations, we are talking not about small differences, but about huge gulfs. There is a chilling--and credible-- account of what it's like to work for PETA, written by the wife of an American diplomat, no less. And, if I ever get a chance to talk to you--which I hope I do--I will tell you about the misguided and unethical tactics PETA used against an elephant sanctuary in Missouri, of which I have almost first-hand knowledge. I'd also love to swap U of C stories with you--I was there, I think, a couple of generations before you.
PeTA wanted dogs to be killed, Hsiung wanted them to live, a matter of life and death.
Hsiung calls it a "small difference".
Is there a way to communicate with you via email? I have a large scale animal abuse issue that I would like to share with you and your network. Please advise.
Wow, what a great story! Thanks for all you do for animals, Wayne. 💚
Thanks for sharing this important lesson!
As a dog and pitbull lover since childhood (Cooper, one of the most loving animal companions in my life was a purebred pitbull rescued as a puppy in Detroit,) I agree with PETA's stance on breed restrictions. PETA is attempting to end the horrors that these amazing dogs endure. Maybe not your wonderful companion, but thousands upon thousands of OTHER dogs who are suffering right now.
I agree that it can cause inconvenience and harm for some pitbull lovers who may need to find a new place to live, keep their dog's breed a secret, or petition their local government for alternate solutions to dogfighting. I know I would sell my home and relocate for my dog, just as I would move if I had to for my human daughter.
Even though they're starved, beaten, and otherwise kept in a constant state of fear to get them to fight, pitbulls are not the only victims of dog fighting: "bait" animals are also used to train these generally sweet individuals to attack for their life. Feral cats, lost animal companions, stray cats and dogs and even captured wildlife are used as bait for "practice".
Unfortunately and heartbreakingly, many dogs born into fighting rings, or who have been "living" in them for so long that they've lost their minds, are simply unsavable. These individuals will always live in fear of other animals and humans because they know nothing else, and very often, the most humane thing to do is end their suffering.
As someone who has helped euthanize animals (not for PETA), I wish that was not the case. It is not an easy choice to make. I wish we could save them all, but we just can't.
We need to outlaw breeding. We need to fund spay and neutering programs, We need to start animal abuse registries. Please think of the larger picture and bring your own solution to your city council. An animal abuse registry, something like the sexual abuse registry, is a good start. What else?
i needed to hear this message today. thanks Wayne 🖤
You know I used to donate $$$$ to A LOT of animal charities, but I am picky about it now BC there are a lot of fakes including the Humane Society which I no longer support and PETA........which I still at times do. I know the stories of them putting down animals and I really do not agree with it. I saw a documentary from them about backyard dogs and they're quick to euthanize any animal that shows aggression or is too neglected and has a long recovery and it makes me sick, BUT, I feel that their outrageous and "illegal" tactics have made progress? IDK I have a love/hate relationship with PETA. I also saw a VICE DXE documentary where they tried to remain "unbiased," but to me they tried to make you out to be a typical animal terrorist which is ok to me lol! I like the "weird, psycho" ones if they are working for a just cause 😁 especially when they're cute 😜. They portrayed the farmer as a victim and trying to be reasonable with your group. It is very hard to tell sometimes who is the good and bad guys. There are things and people that are pure evil, but theres some where its not so black and white. This reminds me of Trump votes. I found out ppl whom I dearly loved were voting 4 this guy. I am not Democratic or Republican. I go by facts and I have views on all sides, but to me it meant you were a blatant racist and sexist. I am still torn about that. I recently got in touch with someone I told that they disgusted me BC of that. But it is very true what you state. I get the angriest and offended with those closest to me. With asshole strangers I don't waste my breath, but with those I care about I do tend to fight a lot. I do not think all opinions should be tolerated like those above, but sometimes it truly is pure ignorance and if we can have a conversation with the opposing view we may learn something or teach something. And sometimes the enemy of my friend is my friend. Ingrid should support you. She should not be offended that you love PitBulls and believe they should get second chances. I do not think you owe anyone an apology. I am glad she was reasonable and put her pride aside to help you. In the end were all still fighting for the animals even if were also hypocrites.
I didnt learn much from this article, but a moderate proportion of vegans would - those who constantly antagonise other vegans and animal rights activists. For me, the equation is rather different: a small difference in ideology could well decide how much time I spend with them, or reading or trying to understand their stuff. I didnt read the entire article on this occasion - I didnt think the effort was warranted. But I am not against people posting exactly what they want to post, if that's their style.