Wylamena, are you kidding me? You had a Great Dane, Dobie, Boxer, and 3 American Pit Bull Terriers (not counting the pits the guys went home and brought back to show off)and you had 0 dog bites, 0 dog fights, and 0 killings? But we've been told the pit bulls are this vicious dog that would attack any dog or person around it. Looks like a lot of people have fallen into the "I thought" category where pit bulls are concerned.<!--break--> In all seriousness, it is good to hear about what a great day you had. It's so good to hear about the Mom who, when she found out the dog she was curious about was a pit bull, wouldn't let her daughters go around them but, after listening to the owner explain about the pit bull, decided to let the girls pet the dog. When the dog licked the girls faces and the girls were giggling, the Mom decided she'd give a try to petting the pit bull... and when she did received the same treatment. What was this Mom's response? "Where is your petition, I'd like to sign it." Does it get any better than that? Yes, minds were changed and I think the biggest reason for that was being able to actually see the Pits for themselves, and not rely on what they hear from someone (especially the media).

I have been told there's sure to be more Rockwood citizens on the petition once addresses are confirmed (a lot of people only put their street address and left off the city). One question...Wasn't there also a "Senior Golden" who helped oversee the activities then opted for a nice, warm backseat in his "Mom's" car?

Maybe the great thing about this event is there was such a variety of people and dogs; little, big, short, stocky...it didn't matter what the outside package looked like. What was truly important is what's on the inside; what's on the hearts and minds of those we live with. I don't think nature intended for us all to be the same to the exclusion or extinction of one as opposed to another.

Thanks to everyone from RDOT for raising the awareness of the need for responsible ownership. The educational materials handed out, the treats, the candy, the petitions, and most of all, the chance to see the dogs (especially the American Pit Bull Terrier) up close and personal can be nothing but a benefit to the citizens of Roane County. Way to go!!!

Just curious, did the Mayor or any council members attend?

Don't count on good informtion filtering down to them. Give them a call. Let them know how much you appreciate their consideration. This is a controversial issue only because we let it be a controversial issue. Good continuous direct communication takes care of most political ills.

Sounds as if you guys had a great rally. I don't know if I would take a child up to ANY strange dog to be licked in the face though. On a serious note, I think you'all might have two votes against the ordinance as it is written on the second reading. You (or we) need four no votes total, three will send it in the Mayor's lap for the deciding vote. I know now how important this is to all of you and since we councilmen are forbidden by the Sunshine Law to discuss anything amongst ourselves, even by telephone, I again urge you to call the Councilmen. Their telephone numbers are listed on Rockwood's City website. This is the only way to get their attention. While I am online frequently, the internet messages don't do as much good as a phone call, one person can use so many different names and seem like a great number of people, not that anyone would do that. But a real recognizable name carries more weight than a screen name. I will look forward to meeting any of you at the next City Council meeting Feb. 18,2008 at 7:00 and I will do all I can to the best of my ability....Ray Collett