The story of
Turtle is both heartbreaking and miraculous. It begins with a two-year-old,
severely mistreated and terribly abused pit bull dog. Weighing only 11 pounds,
she was struggling to survive when she was rescued four years ago. That was
when Turtle met Kristie Miller, the president and founder of Respect A Bull, Inc. Fast forward to the present. Now, Turtle is a thriving
45-pound dog and fully recovered.
Since October
30, 2012, more than a thousand AISD students have been educated in the harmful
effects of bullying. They learned what to do if they were being bullied. And,
they received the strong, clear message: if you partake in bullying … stop.
The program is
taught by Miller, Animal Services Manager Chris Huff and Sally Amendola, a
former school principal and Animal Services volunteer. Amendola shares her
personal stories of being a victim of bullying and ways to conquer it with a
positive outcome.
Students are
captivated by a video of Turtle. They watch as she transforms from an emaciated
image of suffering and pity to the healthy, happy, well-adjusted pit bull she
is today.
Turtle is giving
back to the community by warming the hearts of youth, disabled, and elderly, by
providing pet therapy and entertainment though her creative expressions with
her paw art paintings. Turtle, thanks to Miller, has an exceptional and
courageous success story, which is hopefully making a difference with bullies
and victims of bullying.
And, Turtle,
affectionately referred to as “Turtle, the Painting Pit Bull,” is happy to
share her good fortune. She warms the hearts of youth, the disabled and the
elderly by providing pet therapy and entertainment through her creative
expressions with her paw art paintings.
Special thanks to
Miller with Respect A Bull, Inc. for sharing Turtle’s inspirational story;
Amendola for her partnership and passion for helping youth; Huff for her
unequalled enthusiasm and leadership as a presenter; and AISD for its
partnership in the battle against bullying.
(Release and photo courtesy of Arlington Animal Services)
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