I’m honored to be the first ever woman softie and stand by the Show Your Soft Side message. Teaching young men and women compassion for animals is where it MUST start. Teaching children abuse and discrimination is wrong and instilling in them the confidence to stand by those values even if hatred and ignorance surrounds them is what is needed. If we expect to have future generations of intelligent, compassionate and ethical law makers, owners and communities then education has to start at home.
It was amazing to see how many families showed up at the PIBBLE March. How many parents felt it was important to include their children in that historical experience. Seeing kids on their dad’s shoulders listening to the speeches and watching the video’s. Kids marching, carrying signs and banners that read “end abuse” “end discrimination.” It was absolutely incredible and one of the many things that will stick with me looking back on that day.
Growing up, my parents would have never seen the importance in involving their children in a march and rally on Washington DC or understood the value in letting their children witness thousands exercising their first amendment right, speaking out against abuse and discrimination at our nations capital.
But seeing all those amazing fathers and mothers dedicated to raising compassionate humans gives me hope as does this campaign that one woman made happen after two young boys set fire to a baby Pit Bull in Baltimore. People like Sande Riesett and you people who are doing what they can continue to be an inspiration. Doing nothing is not an option if we are going to create safe and humane communities for humans and pets. There is no small effort. All effort matters. I meant what I said on the West Lawn May 3rd, 2014….if people don’t agree with your forward thinking and different way of educating and advocating, then fuck em. Keep moving, changing and doing what you can how you can. It’s about saving dogs.
Now, kiss your hippos and have yourself a great Monday! #showyoursoftside
https://www.facebook.com/ShowYourSoftSide
REBECCA CORRY NEWEST ‘SOFTIE’
