Bullying is
something no one wants or needs in their life, whether you are an animal or a
human.
Turtle the
Painting Pit Bull of Respect A Bull, Inc., was the inspiration behind the
ingenious anti-bullying campaign launched by Arlington Animal Services Manager Chris Huff and president and founder of Respect A Bull, Inc., Kristie Miller.
The clever
approach used to engage youth in this program is to tell the story from a Pit
Bull’s perspective…not just any Pit Bull, but
from Turtle’s. Turtle was rescued by Miller, and lovingly nurtured to good
health, to become a renowned pet therapy dog, talented canine artist, and
recovered victim of severe bullying.
The kick-off for the
new Anti-Bullying Program from a Pit Bull’s perspective was held at Arlington
Animal Services in September with five local Girl Scout troops’ participating.
Huff was assisted by
Animal Services Volunteer Sally Amendola, who helped lead this highly
anticipated class, with her over 32 years of experience in professional education.
Amendola was delighted when Huff solicited her help, expressing “the class is
very near and dear to my heart because as a child, I was a victim of bullying”.
The Girl Scouts were
very receptive to the class, sharing profound thoughts about bullying. When
asked how bullying makes us feel, one scout responded by saying, “It makes you
feel like home is the only safe place.”
After a serious
class on bullying, and highlights of Turtle’s story regarding her cruel
treatment. Turtle concluded the class by showing how she has overcome her
struggles and is doing great by painting a purple and yellow colorful picture,
while the girls’ watched in astonishment and delight.
Respect A Bull, Inc.
distributed bracelet’s that read, “Remember Turtle” in hopes that the girls’
will remember Turtle’s story if they ever feel bullied, or ever have thoughts
about bullying someone else.
In a final quote
from Amendola: “My hope is that we give the children we talk to a feeling that
they are not alone, that others, including Turtle, have felt the pain of
injustice, and that we give them techniques for dealing with bullies and
bullying.”
Interested in
learning more about this program? For more information, contact Arlington
Animal Services at 817-459-5898. (City
release)
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