If I could, I would run right out and adopt a pit bull after reading Shelby’s Grace and Oogy, the dog only a family could love.
In Shelby’s Grace, author Joe Dwyer writes: “To the uniformed with just a slithering of knowledge, a person tormented by the ravages of depression is not sick but looking for an excuse to stay under the covers, whereas a pit bull trained to be aggressive or violent is a representative of all pit bulls. The misleading notion that they are vicious animals and must be euthanized cut short the lives of many sweet, productive and loving dogs that would have made wonderful family pets.
However, to the well-informed, every human being and every animal is an individual entity and should be treated as such. No one, man or beast, should be defined or judged according to the reputation of another, for even documented repute has been proven errant. In synthesis, the presumption of innocence of all species must be honored.”
Both used as bait for fighting dogs, both rescued and saved from this brutal, horrendous way of life, and both giving back extraordinary love and kindness to the humans that took them in… despite all they had been through. To think, if both Shelby and Oogy had met the same fate as many pit bulls, this would have been a great sadness to this world. Instead they now lead the pack in changing this awful stigma having been bestowed upon them… and Shelby does it with the utmost Grace and Oogy with utmost courage.
Shelby, used as bait before being brought to the local humane society, where author Joe Dwyer volunteers, cowered in the corner, fearful and giving up on life. But Joe knew she deserved a chance. Little did he know at the time, but Shelby would be his saving grace, as well as help lead him down a path he never expected.
And how lucky for Oogy that author Larry Levin and his boys were at their vet clinic and met a Oogy who they could not resist and knew they had to have.
Both Dwyer and Levin took in these pit bulls knowing medical bills lay ahead to help heal the terrible outside injuries both endured because of being bait dogs, as well as internal scars that only trust and time can cure. Shelby suffered from excruciating pain in her back legs making it extremely difficult to walk. Oogy had half of her face ripped off, losing an ear due the brutal and senseless caring of humans who used her as bait at the age of 4-months and left her to die in a cage, until she was rescued.
If both Dwyer and Levin succumbed to the stigma of pit bulls, these two stories would now not be in our world, helping to change the fate of these dogs, who like other dogs, simply want to love and be loved in return. I applaud both authors for doing the right thing not only in giving Shelby and Oogy a chance at life, but also for sharing their stories in hopes more pit bulls will be given a chance to lead happy, fulfilling lives.
It is my absolute belief that if every human being truly opened their minds to what the animals of the world are trying to teach us, I believe we would achieve world peace… and I believe Dwyer and Levin are helping to change these mindsets, and helping us to see the amazing lessons only our fellow furry friends can teach us.
Shelby is now a certified therapy dog, making the difference in the lives of many… and yet again proving the love and joy only a dog can bring to others. Bravo, sweet Shelby!
Oogy is now adjusting to life without his two human brothers as they are now in college, but he continues to bring joy and profound moments to Larry and his wife, Jennifer. Way to go, Oogy!
Both books a must read for everyone… and a must to forward on the message of these books to help change the fate of these sweet, lovable dogs.