Apology

by oldsalt on Tue Jan 24, 2012 6:26 am

For all those I upset in my feedback post, I apologise.

I'm not to good at expressing myself and got it wrong.

I had no idea about the huge problem of over-breeding in the UK.

This poem explains my concerns about the breed I dearly love:

Just a Staffy Cross.
Today is just another day - to me they're all the same
I have the worst of genes you see, I bear the "Staffy" shame.
The shame is in our numbers, there's thousands with no home.
Thousands just like me you'll find, in kennels all alone.
My mum was "just a Staffy", my father - well who knows?
Mum, too, became unwanted, as the last puppy goes.
And then begins the process, of money-making deals
A life of "moving on" unfolds, who cares how the Staffy feels?
If you have the cash to hand, the Staffy pup is yours
But that pup is getting bigger now, just look at those big paws.
You brought me for your image, thought I'd make you look more tough
But you'll find my boisterous nature has already got too much.
If you had thought to train me, with kindness and with praise
You would have had a faithful friend to share your darkest days.
I would lay down my life for you, but you simply cannot see
You make sure you get your money back on what you paid for me.
And on it goes, until one day, I'm no longer worth a dime
The retail on an adult staff - not worth the waste of time.
So what happens to a Staffy now? Do you really want to know?
Do you care what will become of us, when we leave our final home?
Have you ever thought to wonder, "Where is that Staffy now?"
The "Staffy" has another name; he's become a "stray" somehow.
Me, I was put into a car and driven far away
The door held open, I jumped out, I thought to run and play.
It was with joy and happy heart I turned to look for you
You drove away with all my trust and a piece of my heart too.
I wondered round for many days before I was brought here.
Now I wait with heavy heart, trepidation and with fear.
Seven days is all I have you see, seven days for you to claim
The little dog that you threw out, for which you have no shame.
This is my last goodbye now my seven days are up
If only more thought had gone into the future of that pup
As the needle empties to my veins I lay down with one last sigh
I'm sorry I was born a Staffy, because it means that I must die.

- Author Unknown

I read on the net that they call them "yob Dogs" in the UK?

Ref: http://staffycampaign.org.uk/

Great Staffy song download: http://staffycampaign.org.uk/images/stories/The_Staffie_Song_by_Maria_Daines.mp3

by Guest on Tue Jan 24, 2012 7:12 am

I agree with what you said in your original post OldSalt but I think you will find that most people here arnt to conserned that there dogs are not pure staffs... i think this web site is for dog owners not so much for our dogs.... I come here because we are all into our dogs and having someone to talk to who has been through the same things is very helpfull. At the end of the day it doesnt mater to us but to everyone else our "Staffys" are still looked at with myths and lies about our the breed. I think most of the dogs here are MOSTLY staff some are full some are cross... Im not 100% sure my boys are pure but i dont care i luv em anyway. They look and act like staffs so thats all that maters to me. My boys are nearlly pure whites which from what i can gather is not the prefered color for show dogs. I dont care they still cuddle me when im lonely and make me laugh when im sad... Just like the Cat Steven song says ... "I love my dog as much as he loves me" but dont fret old salt im sure you will fit in allright here as every one is kind and giving just like our mutts. Tongues

by **_julie_** on Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:05 am

i read that on facebook and it brings a tear to your eye. bet you were crying when you read it. Crying or Very sad

Love your dogs name its so scottish Big Grin

post more pictures of him cos i am sure your sunny pictures will look good compared to any i could post at the moment with the wet misserable rainy muddy weather. the dogs might be smiling rolling in the mud but my bath isnt Laughing

by shakespearesdog on Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:06 am

My dogs pure staff and hes still not show standard Tongues

by *Lynne* on Tue Jan 24, 2012 10:58 am

I enjoyed your poem oldsalt. thanks

by **Caryll** on Tue Jan 24, 2012 11:08 am

oldsalt wrote:For all those I upset in my feedback post, I apologise.
I'm not to good at expressing myself and got it wrong.
I had no idea about the huge problem of over-breeding in the UK.

No problem, mate. We all feel very strongly about the breed & the way it is seen throughout the world. It's just that this forum isn't about breeding or pure-bred dogs particularly, just like minded people who love staffs/staff crosses! If we can help with problems or point someone in the right direction to stop another staff being demonised or pts, then we're happy!

_julie_ wrote: post more pictures of him cos i am sure your sunny pictures will look good compared to any i could post at the moment with the wet misserable rainy muddy weather. the dogs might be smiling rolling in the mud but my bath isnt

It's raining cats & dogs here & Dempsey decided to roll in everything this morning. Now, I'm used to that. BUT, because it's also very nippy here, I put his new coat on him. Less than 24 hours he's had that coat & it's already in the wash!

by **Andy** on Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:19 pm

Very touching poem ... got a lump in my throat now Sad

I understood your original argument, but all I can say is thank god for those that will rescue staffy cross's not worthy

by **janey** on Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:31 pm

Having a Heinz dog/mutt myself, (Staffy rescue in my eyes), I found your initial post rather insulting.

I really hope that you have been slightly educated towards the plight and welare that we face here.

by Summerisle on Tue Jan 24, 2012 11:55 pm

Some of the best dogs I've ever owned were "mongrels"

I can't stand snobbery.

by wentzer on Wed Jan 25, 2012 1:45 am

To me it don't matter if Daisy is part staffie or full staffie, I guess I love her the same, also anywhere else I go to talk about my puppers i get turned away er ignored when i mention she is a staffie....