Dog Fighting and Michael Vick: Interesting comments from a dog with a voice?

DOG FIGHTING AND MIKE VICK

Yes…it’s no surprise that the Arlie Rufus is going to comment on this terrible incident. After all, if not for the grace of God and some good hearts, Arlie Rufus would not be here to bring attention to those without a voice. Arlie Rufus is not here to rip Mike Vick apart before his day in court. Despite the dubious way this country’s justice department has been managed for the past few years, Arlie Rufus believes in the system and that all are innocent until proven guilty. Arlie Rufus is here to rip the freaks and psychopaths who revel in the barbaric, so-called “sport” of dog fighting. The events described in the indictment are terrible, as is what Arlie Rufus has discovered about dog fighting – that this “entertainment” is actually about sick, twisted, selfish pleasure, petty bets and chump change “prize” money. In a country where we have an abundance of legal and non-sadistic ways to entertain ourselves, there are some who actually believe the fighting to the death of two terrorized dogs is a premiere form of entertainment. Have these Godless people completely lost touch with their humanity? Have they returned to barbarian days of old when fighting to the death was put in coliseums? Some took a cheap shot at Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia for his speech on the senate floor when he labeled dog fighting barbaric. Those who poked fun at Senator Byrd should also be ashamed of themselves. His term barbaric was on the money! Whoever committed the crimes in Virginia and those engaged in dog fighting are sadistic barbarians who should be strung up in the town square.

Let Arlie Rufus make it clear – football, the Falcons and Vick are a favorite of this Atlanta resident. Sundays (and now Monday nights from time to time thanks to the excitement of Mike) are tremendously exciting thanks to seeing Mike and the birds on the field. Arlie Rufus enjoys kicking back on the couch and pulling the Falcons on to victory. But there is now a cloud – a cloud that sickens so many. Arlie Rufus knows with no uncertainty -- all dogs want and need are love and affection – and to be a part of a pack. And in return, these four-legged friends will give the same back. So Arlie Rufus is asking all of you who read this – and I hope that includes Mike Vick – to take this opportunity to bring attention to our four-legged friends. Support your local Humane Society (http://www.hsus.org/) and the no-kill animal shelters in your community. When you are out shopping near a local pet store or grocery store and you see those wonderful volunteers trying to find a home for the beautiful pets on display – considering adopting one. And if you cannot adopt, donate your time or money to help a homeless pet find a home. We (and this includes you Mike Vick and the Falcons) have a rare opportunity to make great strides in the adoption of pets across this country. This issue gives us light to tell the story about the neglected, abandoned and yes, unfortunately, tortured pets. Let’s not waste this opportunity. Instead of protesting at the Falcons and NFL headquarters, use the time to volunteer at an animal shelter. Instead of spending money to buy poster board and markers to make a sign, donate the dollars to a local humane society or animal shelter (email me if you want the names of shelters in your area…it would be my pleasure to assist arlierufus@yahoo.com). And this plea does not go out to just the protesters of Mike Vick, but to his supporters as well. If you have the time and money to hold a sign for hours in front of a headquarters, you have the time and money to help a pet get care and find a home – think about it!

We have seen our country go through so much pain in recent years. Some pain that could have been avoided (Iraq) and some that we hope taught us all about humanity (Katrina and the Gulf Coast). We are certain to face more challenges, and yes pain, in the years to come. But let us not inflict upon defenseless animals such a tragic fate. Let us instead show compassion to pets of all kinds and allow them to give all of us the love that fills their hearts. Do not let this opportunity pass.

Arlie Rufuswww.myspace.com/arlierufus