Heartfelt appreciation for everyone who rallied for Maryland's dogs!

Thanks to everyone who showed up today on behalf of Maryland’s dogs at Lawyer’s Mall at the foot of the Capitol, including the terrific organizers of the event, Dara Crystal and Kat Homan-Soul.   It was an impressive crowd.  One of the legislators said it was a bigger turnout than for the anti-tax rally on Monday night!  And even the rain held off for us. 

Five of the wonderful Delegates who have sponsored legislation to respond to the Court of Appeals ruling on pit bulls addressed the crowd.  Thank you Delegates Eric Bromwell, Jon Cardin, Herb McMillan, Heather Mizeur, and Michael Smigiel.  

As legislators walked to the Capitol for a session, animal advocates  lined both sides of the walkway from the House and Senate buildings to the Capitol.  

There were so many incredibly beautiful and heartwarming tributes to pit bulls on the signs carried by animal advocates.

Here is just one from the series of beautiful posters created by the Animal Farm Foundation:

MY NAME IS HELEN.
I AM A CERTIFIED THERAPY DOG AND I AM DEAF.

Animal Farm Foundation knows that each and every dog is an individual and has needs, preferences, and behaviors specific to hi/her personality.  Helen was a stray in Troy, NY before coming to AFF, earning her the name Helen of Troy.  Helen earned her AKC Canine Good Citizen certification and is also a certified therapy dog through Therapy Dogs Inc.  Helen is also deaf.  Her owners communicate with her through a series of hand gestures.  Helen lives with her canine brother, Chester, and counts among her friends a lab and beagle who live next door. 

I AM AN INDIVIDUAL.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Dara Crystal for organizing this impressive rally in just a few days.