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Hundreds attend Vigil For Samson and Epic

Ocala's Town Square was filled with people who expressed their support for the prosecution of the shooter of Epic and Samson, two Great Danes who were shot by a neighborhood gunman.  Their outrage was expressed peacefully, with several people recounting their fond remembrances of the two gentle giants.  Fred Kray opened the Vigil, thanking those in attendance for coming, and asking that they sign the Petition For Prosecution of the Shooter if they had not already done so. The crowd broke into applause when it was announced that over 4,000 people had already signed the petition, which sent emails to the State Attorney requesting the shooter be charged. He also appealed to the supporters for a calm response to the killing of the two Danes, pointing out that death threats had been received by the shooter, and that such actions were not condoned nor supportive of the cause to have the shooter prosecuted. Lauren Ford followed, outlining all of the training Epic and Samson had (quite a lot by the way), along with all of the fund raising activities they had participated in. The owner's son also spoke, telling the audience how close he was to the two dogs, and what they had meant to him.  Holly, the owner of the dog, then read a statement in which she described the two loved dogs, and some of her memories of them. In the end, there was sorrow that they had to meet such a brutal and unnecessary end.

Others followed.  But the real feeling I got from this Vigil, was the quiet, dignified presence of all the Great Danes in attendance.  As they silently witnessed the proceedings, there was a palpable presence of the majesty and peace of these great animals.  There were all different sizes and colors of Danes, and they all got along. The Vigil illustrated what all Great Dane owners already know. Great Danes are not aggressive attack dogs, because they don't have to be.  Their size allows them to be at peace with the world. There were no aggressive outburst amongst the Danes.  No growling, domination, or menacing behavior.  Just an optimistic curiosity of all things new. If only the shooter had understood this. 

 There were jolly Harlequins.

There were beautiful fawns.

There were, just Danes.

At the end, when the glow sticks were waving in the air in remembrance of Epic and Samson, one couldn't help but think what a waste their deaths would be if something good didn't come out of it. As I stood there, thinking of Samson bleeding out in the woods, alone and confused, I made a promise to him. And I will keep it.   

Sign Our Petition to Change Florida's Dangerous Dog Law

Sign our Petition to Change Florida's Dangerous Dog Law.  It is the first step in showing Florida Legislators that there are votes to be gained from support of this issue.  We need thousands of signatures from Florida residents.  If you have any pet or companion animal, this issue effects you.  You just won't know it until animal control shows up at your door and seizes your pet.  The two dogs above illustrate the absurdity of the law as it now exists.  Brandie and Gigi are on death row in Broward for an offense that would not even get them classifed "dangerous" in neighboring Dade County. Never in trouble before. We can't let this go on. Act now!  Solicit your friends.  Talk to your friends, co-workers and anyone who has an interest. Educate them.  We live in a democracy.  Let's use it for something that matters to us.

Think about ways that we can start a grassroots movement. I can write the law, and I can talk to the legislators.  But it won't make any difference if they don't see it's important. Give me whatever ideas you have and let's get started.