Jul
26

Keeping Faith

If you were in a life-or-death situation and someone came to your rescue, would you turn them away because of how they looked? Or would you be grateful for the kindness of a stranger to risk their life to save yours? And what if you could help them in return? Maybe your lives were meant to collide.

Saturday, July 23 at around 11pm, I was crossing the street on my way home from Tim Horton’s. I have a rare heart condition which branches off other medical issues. I was three houses away from my home when, according to bystanders who watched in amazement (but never helped me), I passed out on the road. This street is very busy.

Bystanders say a dog appeared almost out of nowhere and stood over me barking at cars as they honked their horns and drove around this dog.

My husband, wondering what the commotion outside was all about, came outside to see a Pit Bull cross standing over me risking her own life to save me. He lifted me into the house giving me my medication and I was fine. The pup followed. She stayed by my side for 3 hours getting alone fine with my other two dogs and when she went to walk past my 7 pound cat, he swapped at her. She ran in the corner with her tail between her legs. The dog was horrified of my cat.

Due to the Breed Specific Legislation that Ontario ridiculously clings to, this 10-month old heroine is not allowed in the town, much less the province… even though she is essentially a mutt, a Pit Bull mix. I wonder why she is not called a Lab mixed with Pit Bull. Seems as legitimate a claim as labeling her a “Pit Bull mix.”

But she is also a whole lot more. Faith, as Kalena started calling her, is little more than a puppy yet had the wherewithal to recognize that Kalena was in distress and needed help. Bystanders saw her fall, yet they did not leave the sidewalk. However, this dog not only left the sidewalk, but stood over her barking at the cars coming down the street!

Facing a minimum $5000 fine and a minimum of 30 days in jail because Pit Bull cross’s are illegal in Brantford and Ontario unless they were born before 2007, my husband called the emergency line to the SPCA who told him they don’t deal with strays at night; to call the police.

I wanted to keep her so bad as she cuddled with me on our couch. I named her Faith.

A really nice Brantford police officer came out. At first, he was leery of her but then she jumped up on him and licked his face. He was so gentle with her and talking to her as he put her in the car. I cried as he left with my Hero who saved my life and risked her own.

I believe the powers that be can create an exception to the rule regarding BSL and I believe this dog has shown that she deserves to be that exception.

I ask everyone reading this to email the Brantford SPCA and the Mayor of Brantford and ask them to pardon Faith. And let her go home to Kalena and her family. I also ask everyone to please share this story with all your friends and family and ask them to email the Brantford SPCA and the Mayor.

Brant County SPCA

539 Mohawk Street
P.O. Box 163
Brantford, ON
N3T 5M8

Telephone: 519.756.6620
Fax: 519. 756.6910

Email Robin Kuchma,
Branch Manager

Brantford Mayor

Mayor Chris Friel
100 Wellington Square,
P.O. Box 818,
Brantford, ON
N3T 5R7

Telephone: 519 759-4150
Fax: 519 751-7109

Email Mayor Chris Friel

Local Media – ask them to write a story about Faith
The Expositor Brant News

 

I am doing everything I can because I want my baby back. She saved my life and is my Hero. It was Love at First Sight. If not for her, the cars would have not seen me at night and I would not be typing this (in tears). The SPCA changed her name to Casidy and she is only allowed to be adopted out of Ontario. If not she will be….. I can’t even type it.

All I know is Faith, as I still call her, is a Hero and to her I owe my life. I am trying to get the Brantford government to make a exception for her because she saved my life. If anyone you know lives outside Ontario and can temporarily take her until I have gone through all this red tape, please contact me through here or at our new email: Saving-Faith@hotmail.com

PLEASE HELP ME SAVE FAITH! I will pay any cost involved with traveling and getting her out of the SPCA, as well as her expenses for food, etc. I just need about a month. PLEASE HELP US!

Together, we can save this dog. And together, perhaps we can get her placed with the woman whose life she saved. Please step up and be a voice for Faith.

Ciao, Holly

ps… the photo at the top of the page is NOT Faith. I have requested one from the SPCA but have not received it yet.

And let me close with at least 12 reasons to oppose BSL or BDL (Breed-Discrimination Legislation).

July 26, 2011   //   Posts by Holly   //   28 Comments   //   Tags: , , ,

28 Comments to “Keeping Faith”

  • July 26, 2011 at 7:17 pm
    Colleen says:

    Damn, Damn, Damn BSL….

    Holly, I will suggest you contact Bullies in Need. They may be able to find a foster for her inside Ontario even if she needs to be adopted outside of Ontario. At least this may buy her some time ! I belive they are allowed to find fosters within Ontario due to their Rescue Status !

    Here is their contact information bullies_in_need@hotmail.com

    I see that two people have already posted her info on their page, but it would be worth a shot at the least, I know they are looking for fosters also.

    I will say some prayers and send some e mails for you and for Faith !

    • July 26, 2011 at 7:22 pm
      Holly says:

      Many thanks. I will contact them.

  • July 26, 2011 at 9:25 pm
    Barb says:

    Definatly contact Bullies in Need. Maybe if you fill in a foster application they would let you foster the dog so the two of you would be together. There has to be some hope.
    This dog saved your live, but the government doesnt care. Lets face it, the BSL is the stupidest law they have come up with. Its not the breed its the owners that cause the problems.
    Good luck with your fight, stay safe and stay healthy.

  • July 26, 2011 at 10:18 pm
    Wakandda says:

    Ridiculous! this Pitt thing!…absolutely ridiculous!
    I saved a Shepard last week, who is aggressive as can be with all!…lolll even goes after cars while on lead…Will take heaven nows how much work with this guy before he can go with a family……And he is allowed in Ontario…
    Transported a rescued Pitt, oh a month ago…a sweet sweet heart…as strong guy…but gentle with all!!! kids dogs cats..He is in a familly with kids , and other animals the family is gaga! ….And he is not allowed in Ontario..
    .FIND THE LOGIC IN THIS STUPID STUPID LAW.

  • July 26, 2011 at 10:25 pm
    Wakandda says:

    They have this stupid stupid law, and all the petition in the world will not help cause,
    If they bend the law in this case, they will have to bend it to all …sa unless the law is abolished completley…I do not think it will make a difference…..So a back option should be in place…. looking for a foster or adopter..here in quebec..or a rescue to pull her out of there…surely a rescue will stand up for her!.

  • July 26, 2011 at 11:09 pm
    Wakandda says:

    Sorry for the above…did not see they were looking for a rescue…

  • July 27, 2011 at 12:11 am
    keli says:

    Hmmm this is an interesting thought for me to ponder over.I am one of those people petrified of pit bulls,however I am trying to get over my fear of them.As Caeser Milan says”its not the dog its the person”.SO I am trying to change my attitude about this breed.However the ones I come across when walking my dogs are mean and viscious,but I will continue to work on this.I hope this person gets to keep Faith!!!I’m sure they will treat her well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • July 27, 2011 at 12:30 am
      Holly says:

      Keep up the pondering. There truly are many very good Pit Bulls.

  • July 27, 2011 at 3:12 am
    Sherry says:

    I shared your story on Facebook as soon as I saw it. I’m happy to report, I’ve seen it reposted numerous times. We’ll all work real hard to get Faith to a safe spot.

  • July 27, 2011 at 11:33 am
    kerstin says:

    Have written to major and spca….really hope the dog gets what she deserves, this is sad.

  • July 27, 2011 at 12:03 pm
    Sarah says:

    It may be helpful to post a template for a letter! It would make it really fast for ppl to help :)

  • July 27, 2011 at 12:26 pm
    rob says:

    I am the husband who found my wife outside with the faith the dog standing over her. It was truly an amazing sight. Now this dog needs your help. Brant SPCA has renamed her casidy. She needs a home outside of Ontario. Kalena and I would like to thank the 100′s of emails we have recieved. But kalena and I agree it’s not about us, its about saving this wonderful dog faith.

  • July 27, 2011 at 1:23 pm
    Adrienne says:

    I just emailed you with some links to Bully specific rescue groups, a rescue group who successfully saved a pitty from Animal Control in Thunder Bay a few weeks back, and I have reached out to a Journalist friend that does some great coverage. With the Provincial Election right around the corner, I would really like to see this be an in your face success story all over the news! Enough is enough, end BSL!

  • July 27, 2011 at 1:44 pm
    Jacqueline Davidson says:

    UPDATE the dog is in the BAC.
    They are having a meeting this afternoon and will be calling me after the meeting or tomorrow AM. This tells me they are trying to decide if they can PTS this dog or give her up to me.
    I have been unable to reach Kalena but her husband stated on FB last night that she was resting due to her health. MY thoughts are we need to get a crate ready, someone to transport to Hamilton airport and $$ to pay for her flight ASAP.

    I think we can get her out if done fast and quiet.

    • July 27, 2011 at 4:35 pm
      Holly says:

      We have a foster home, maybe permanent home in BC. Can you help us get her there?

  • July 27, 2011 at 2:19 pm
    Deanna Bliuvas says:

    Hello, we have been working very hard to save Faith and have a few options available to you. Please check your emails from me … we have experienced pit bull rescues on standby, here in Canada. As well, several fosters from Quebec have stepped up to the plate … we have possible transport from Brantford to Ottawa and then on to an approved foster this coming weekend.
    A chip-in has been created to raise funds for any transport or other costs which might be necessary to save Faith (Cassidy). We are a group of animal advocates that have saved dogs from all over North America. I have personally been involved in some large scale rescues and placements. We are here to help you .

    • July 27, 2011 at 3:26 pm
      Holly says:

      I just emailed you. I have not received your emails.

  • July 27, 2011 at 3:09 pm
    Jacqueline Davidson says:

    http://jeneaneruscheinsky4downey.chipin.com/keep-the-faith

    They have agreed to release FAITH to REBA’S PIBBLE RESCUE.
    All of her paperwork and shots will be in order tomorrow. If anyone can help with crate, transport or a donation towards her costs Thank You. If anyone has questions or can help they may call me at 587-333-0590

    I am also asking for people to please stop calling BAC about FAITH as they are allowing her to leave Onscareio to safety. In a perfect world FAITH would not have to leave, but at this time the best we will get is her freedom and not a needle. Thank DOG for guiding us to SAVE FAITH

  • July 27, 2011 at 4:14 pm
    Holly says:

    We have a foster in BC, but we need help pulling her from the Brantford SPCA and transporting her to BC or Calgary.

  • July 27, 2011 at 4:55 pm
    Lauren Turner says:

    I emailed the mayor and shared story. :) We have the same thing with Pit bulls in my city except they are deemed “restricted” and must be muzzled at all times off private property as well as the owner must have insurance in case of a dog bite. :( I’ve been chomped by mean chihuahuas and other little dogs but never a big dog. Its like racism but for dogs. Breedism! :P

    • July 27, 2011 at 7:15 pm
      Holly says:

      I read on Kalena’s page that she had an interview with a newspaper. I am so excited that a POSITIVE story is being told about a Pit Bull, especially in the heart of BSL-land! This little heroine has no idea how many hearts she has touched nor would she understand why. What a special baby!

  • July 27, 2011 at 9:34 pm
    Jen says:

    While it would be great if Brantford city would remove their city by-law banning pitbulls (http://www.brantford.ca/residents/family/Pages/AnimalServicesLicensing.aspx) and I think it is a VERY worthwhile effort for people to work towards this goal, in the end, Faith still falls under the PROVINCIAL ban. Writing to the Mayor, which is something I intend to do, is not enough. I pray that Faith is safe in BC soon enough, but I don’t think the fight should end there.
    What about the next puppy who will be PTS for his/her looks?

    Please stop by MPP Cheri Dinovo’s website to learn about her efforts to repeal Ontario’s BSL. She has a Bill she has put forth but without public support this will die on the table.

    http://www.cheridinovo.ca/blog/bill-60-breed-specific-legislation/

  • July 28, 2011 at 8:41 am
    Phil Leadbeater says:

    What I cannot understand is how you can find two dogs as you have two different stories and call them both Faith…liar, liar…pants on fire! SHAME

  • July 28, 2011 at 2:16 pm
    Sherry says:

    Is it possible to get a DNA for Faith? If she’s mixed, would Kalena be able to keep her.

    • July 28, 2011 at 3:18 pm
      Holly says:

      I don’t know what the specific law is in Brantford. Because the term “pit bull” applies to a type of dog rather than a breed, where is the line drawn? Is a Boxer a Pit Bull? How about a Bull Mastiff mix? Who is qualified to make that determination? Especially based on visual inspection alone? Can you spot a Pit Bull? I can’t with certainty and I work with dogs everyday.

      Here’s a good article about misjudging mixed breed.

      News as of a few minutes ago is that Faith has been added to a new home!

  • July 28, 2011 at 11:29 pm
    Kathleen says:

    I’ve e-mailed. and praying.

  • July 30, 2011 at 10:57 am
    Anna says:

    I would like to inform everyone that this dog is actually in NO DANGER and WILL BE TRANSPORTED OUT WEST as soon as travel arrangements have been made. THIS STORY IS CASING THE SPCA TOO MUCH TROUBLE OVER INTERNET RUMORS. Please do not give such good people at the shelter more trouble replying to e-mails than they need.

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