Jamie M. Downey, Founder/Publisher with Cheyenne, Chester and Cassie
2009 was supposed to bring about change, but ended up being a year of chaos, with jobs lost, homes foreclosed, big businesses and small businesses going out of business, and animals being dumped at shelters in horrifying numbers. Animal advocates and rescues are dog-paddling as hard and fast as they can to save these dogs, now left homeless due to the economic recession that swept our country.
Throughout this tidal wave of pandemonium that crashed in every state, people started to understand the true meaning family and friends; their bank accounts might have been empty, but their relationships were rich with love and trust. As many families faced a personal crisis; loved ones-family and friends-stepped up to support those in need. Families came together to help one another, as siblings or relatives struggled to get back on their feet, and many people realized how lucky they were-not because they had lost their job or home, but because they had a family that loved them and would always be there for them and their beloved pets.
The forecast for 2010 is looking a lot brighter. There's a beacon of hope flashing for people and pets as the economy starts to recover and stability is slowly restored in America. This issue focuses on family and friends for dogs. The American Dog has never wavered in our commitment to people who include their dogs as full family members, bringing dogs into the house and onto the bed! Dogs are family; so much so, that parents are opting to have canine kids and forgo the real children.
The spring issue showcases some great dog parents and the costs involved in taking care of Fido, as well as featuring the infamous Pit Bull-but giving you all the good news fit to print! Pit Bulls have gotten a bad rap for so long that it's time for all media outlets to step up and portray this breed for what it really is: a smart, loving, playful, and loyal dog who acts like a big baby and just wants to be loved! I hope you 're able to open your heart and home to rescue a dog, either by fostering or adopting, please do! There are millions of dogs looking for a home and someone to love.
Jamie M. Downey
Heather Green, Associate Publisher with Bella, Remington and Jaidyn
