I am sure your wondering why a person who is in animal rescue would write a blog that is not just about rescue. Over the course of the last few years any animal rescuer, animal activist or animals lover have seen some really terrible headlines about athletes and the horrible things that they have done. The biggest one of course is Michael Vick and the dogfighting ring. Personally for me it may be something that I may never be 100% over. That is Michael Vick, but what about the countless people that are busted weekly that you never hear about? While the ring that Michael Vick was a part of was one of the largest that was reported there are others that are even bigger. I am an advocate of Pit Bulls and bait dogs. I help to save these dogs that have not asked to be put in the situation that they were forced to be in. I could blog for days on the Michael Vick case but that isn’t what this is about.
I am a mother of two children. My oldest son is 15 and eats and breathes Football, Basketball and track. He admires the professional athletes for their talents. He often questions if all athletes have a dark side. This week Ex-Ravens Orlando Brown was found dead at the age of 40. The cause of death still unknown. Sadly the question of “Did he get murdered” or Did he overdose” came up in conversation while my son and I spoke about this tragedy. When asked why he thought that he said that the media often publishes the negative and not the positive on athletes. I have read over 7 news articles and blogs on Hines Wards being busted for DUI. Should this be published? ABSOLUTELY! My complaint isn’t that they are reporting this information, its the fact that there are many athletes that are doing positive things and should be published not just in the state but nationwide.
BALTIMORE RAVENS Michael Oher has an annual coat drive every year for those less fortunate. He takes time and works with the kids in the off season as well.
DALLAS COWBOYS Jerry Jones every year for 14 years has dedicated the half time show to the Kettle Drive for the Salvation Army.
TAMPA BAY Superbowl MVP winner Doug William, EX-Buc Shelton Quarles and Warrick Dunn have worked with Habitat for Humanity to build houses for people in need.
These are just a few players that are doing great and positive things. I know Jerry Jones is an owner and not a player but I feel if your owner is doing good things he will make sure to try and guide you in the same direction. While speaking to a few “experts” on this topic over the last few weeks I was told that community service is basically “required” and I shouldn’t start handing out medals anytime soon. This is what I do know for sure. Athletes do care about things other then what is required. I am not a celebrity or millionaire but yet athletes have shown me nothing but love in the twitter world. So what that is twitter many may say. How do you know its them and not their manager? I have to have faith that not every human being is cold and callous and does not care about anything except themselves. I hope to work with them in the off season to help spread the word of Spay and Neuter and Adopt don’t shop.
My son admires Dwayne Wade and his life principles. He is a positive role model across the board. They are people not God’s. As a woman who loves her animals and sports, I admit I cheer my team on and often yell at the television during games while I coach from the couch. The end of the day my interest is if they care enough about animals to help. Not the “required” help but the kind they volunteer for out of the kindness of their hearts. EX-Washington Redskin Lavar Arrington and Dallas Cowboys Felix Jones and Alan Ball have shown us love following our cause. We welcome any and all athletes without any judgement that care about animals to come and follow us. You have a voice that reaches many. Help us show that YES …Positive Athletes DO exist. xoxo Lori