Mariah's promise is "All that we can, we will" for the animals.
By Toni Phillips Co-Founder of Mariah's Promise
My name is Toni Phillips. My husband, Mike, and I have been rescuing dogs since 1990. We started Mariah's Promise Animal Sanctuary, in 2003, as an all breed rescue & sanctuary for over-flow from local shelters. In May 2005, Denver re-enacted its ban against "Pit Bulls." We were stunned to hear about Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) and as families were forced to find homes for their beloved pets, now villanized, the focus of Mariah's Promise expanded. This was our introduction to BSL, the horrific practice of profiling a breed of dog, banishing or killing them based on looks! How is this happening here in America?
Mariah's Promise was suddenly thrust into the midst of a controversial cause. As word spread that we offered refuge to the banished bully breeds, dogs have flooded in.
As concerns from the neighbors grew, we went from being a 'noble cause' to a potential 'hazard', practically overnight. Most of what people "know" about bully breeds is from headlines. Positive news isn't usually reported. "Local children adored by Pit Bull" doesn't seem to make the editorial cut. Educating those motivated by fear and ignorance is difficult"”this added an entirely new and unexpected dynamic to the sanctuary's work and survival.
Anyone who works with dogs knows there is certainly no breed that is entirely good or entirely bad. The 'credit' for 'bad' dogs goes to their humans for lack of training and socializing. This is the case with the bully breeds. In our experience, when taken from a bad situation, (such as the Michael Vick dogs), the bully breeds are more willing to trust again. This 'challenges' the thinking that, it's all in how a dog is raised theory. Given time and patience many who work with the bullys have seen these transformations.
At Mariah's Promise the dogs we receive range from beloved pets to abused and neglected animals that have suffered terribly. We've seen hundreds of these dogs open up into trusting, loving, confident dogs that move on to loving families!! We give credit to our existing dogs as they help newcomers to feel welcome and to transition into their new lives as they make a rest-stop on their journey to their forever homes.
Mariah's Promise has devoted a lot of time, money and compassion into helping over 400 bullys since 2005. It has been a privilege to give these dogs a voice, to speak for them and show those who'll see their positive side. BSL needs to disappear and dogs need to be measured by their behavior, not their breed or looks. Until then, Mariah's Promise will do all we can for these amazing dogs with the help from those who share our passion! For more information or to make a donation: Mariah's Promise Animal Sanctuary Located in Divide, Colorado (719) 687-4568 www.mariahspromise.com
