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Passion. What happens when it crashes?

People are often admired for their passion to a cause, a belief, an idea; respected even.

But what of the passions that fail, falling short of their mark, their goal. Where does that energy go?

I am in the throes of just such a failure (though my friend Viktor would tell me it is not a failure, but an outcome).

dreamstime 6122775 200x300 Passion. What happens when it crashes?I compare it to a car traveling down the road at a high rate of speed heading straight for a tree. At this point, the front end of the car has already wrapped itself around the tree and its momentum has gone from 90 to nothing in an instant. However, the back end of the car is still moving forward, still anticipating the crash but unable to do much about the inevitable.

Looking at it from that perspective, I can better see that my continued efforts to prevent a very bad crash are long past. Best to make what I can of what I have left.

Being the optimist that I am — a “utopian” as a friend used to call me — I am hoping that perhaps the rear of the car will survive the collision so that all the momentum to this point will not have been in vain.

Those screeching brakes so often heard just before a big crash? That is my passion and my energy screaming to not be stopped in it’s tracks, to not die. Perhaps I can separate the back of the car from the rest of the car and it can be useful somewhere else.

Passion is powerful and passion is addictive. It is sometimes blind. It is the round peg in the square hole that pushes the envelope of what is often complacent normalcy. We owe a debt of gratitude for the minds that think with passion.

dreamstime 11513584 150x150 Passion. What happens when it crashes?It need not always crash into nothingness. And it need not be viewed as failure… it is simply an “outcome.”

I shall live to fight another day, and I shall continue to act with passion, bruised as it is right now, but intact.

I have not lost everything in this crash.

Posted on March 11th, 2010 by isak
Filed under: Observations, Thoughts | No Comments »

Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels…

Here’s to the crazy ones.

The misfits.
The rebels.
The troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes.

The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo.

You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them.
Because they change things.

They invent.
They imagine.
They heal.
They explore.
They create.
They inspire.
They push the human race forward.

Maybe they have to be crazy.
How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art?
Or sit in silence and hear a song that’s never been written?
Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels?

While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.

[The original "Long version" appeared on posters made by Apple. Apple folklore has it that Steve Jobs was the author of the original piece.]
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Hug a rescuer. Donate to animal advocacy. Join Let’s Adopt!

Let’s Adopt (USA): http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=205025950458

http://us.myletsadopt.com/

Let’s Adopt! (Canada): http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=101251555667

http://canada.myletsadopt.com/

Let’s Adopt! (France): http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=199271522813

http://france.myletsadopt.com/

Posted on March 11th, 2010 by isak
Filed under: Activism, General | No Comments »

Day 13. What to do with myself?

Every morning for two weeks, I have jumped on the computer first thing to see what needs to be done to roll out the message for the day’s campaign. It gets written, translated, passed along the appropriate paths, messaged, posted, tweeted… a process of some hours and certainly a tad more complicated than just suggested.

So it’s Day 13…. nothing to do right now but wait to hear what the judge says at the end of the day.

Ever seen a photo of monarch butterflies at the end of their migration? Their wings are torn and tattered; they are pretty beat up. That’s how I feel.

Martin Luther King said: Never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.

In this case, I think both a person and an animal are in need; for me, I could not look away.

I am so grateful for all the people that felt the same.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with such great people. I live to fight another day… hopefully with you all by my side!

Un besos all! Ciao.

The judge has granted an adjournment so Francesca Rogier can have Brindi assessed by a dog behavioralist. Court resumes April 16, 2010.

Posted on March 9th, 2010 by isak
Filed under: Activism, Animal Stories, Dogs | No Comments »

Day 12. Time is up for Brindi.

Picture 1 300x139 Day 12. Time is up for Brindi.Tomorrow the judge will decide her fate.

The only thing we can do now is to spread this post as far and wide as possible using all means necessary. ” Awareness that leads to action” has been the tone of this campaign.

Make Brindi’s voice heard today.

Share it on Facebook, Twitter, email… whichever network you are a member of.
…………………………………..
reprinted from Let’s Adopt! Canada

There’s still time — Please help us send Brindi home to Francesca. One way to do more is write the Province’s Premier — leave a comment on the Premier’s webpage (mid way down) at http://www.gov.ns.ca/premier/.

Also email the Province’s Ombudsman (ombudsman@gov.ns.ca )

 

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Posted on March 8th, 2010 by isak
Filed under: Activism, Dogs | No Comments »

Day 11. True Justice

justice 199x300 Day 11. True JusticeThe judge will take a decision on Brindi’s life on Tuesday, March 9 at 9.30 hrs.

She has three options:
1. Ordering the Killing of Brindi.
2. Leaving Brindi at the SPCA forever or rehome her to a third party.
3. Brindi returns home to her owner, Francesca Rogier.

It is our firm belief that the only decision that will serve true justice is the sparing of Brindi’s life and her return to Francesca Rogier.

The killing of Brindi or handing her to a third person would serve nobody’s interests and obviously, Brindi’s even less.

Either of those outcomes will do nothing other than irreparably damage the image of Halifax and destroy Mayor’s Kelly reputation forever in the eyes of hundreds of thousands of people.

It would also cast a serious doubt over the judiciary system of Nova Scotia.

Imparting true justice is a very difficult task and this is why judges are held in such high regard in democratic societies. This authority is not God-given; it is granted by all of us as individuals.

Judges are there to deliver true justice, whether it serves the interest of the minority or the majority, the rich or the poor, the locals or the naturalized citizens or, in this case…

… a dog.

Viktor Larkhill

Let’s Adopt
…………………………….
reprinted from Let’s Adopt! Canada

Posted on March 7th, 2010 by isak
Filed under: Activism, Animal Law, Dogs | No Comments »

Day 10. City of Halifax red-faced on tape

Here you will hear the conversation between one of the members of Let’s Adopt! (South Africa), calling from Johannesburg and Miss Mary Ellen Donovan, Legal Advisor to Mayor Peter Kelly of the city of Halifax.

This will help you understand the problems Brindi and Francesca Rogier have been suffering during the last 19 months.

This recording is for entertainment purposes only and cannot be used for any purposes in any legal proceedings.

Pls share this post on your profiles.

It is time for Brindi to go home and to be reunited with her owner, Francesca Rogier.

If you are in Canada please CALL Mayor Peter J. Kelly, Mayor of Halifax on ph: 902-490-4010 and tell him that Brindi must be spared AND returned to her owner.

If you are abroad please email kellyp@halifax.ca and express the same… We have 4 days.…

For Brindi

For the Animals

Viktor Larkhill
Let’s Adopt!
………………………………………………………
reprinted from Let’s Adopt! Canada

Posted on March 6th, 2010 by isak
Filed under: Activism, Animal Cruelty, Animal Stories, Dogs | No Comments »

Day 9. Brindi. The Naked Truth

Brindi 5small 150x150 Day 9. Brindi. The Naked TruthIn five days, Brindi’s owner will go before the judge for sentencing in her case. The city of Halifax wants to euthanize Brindi, having found Francesca Rogier guilty in early February, 2010 of owning a dog that: ran at large, was not muzzled and attacked another dog (along her property line).

Wow! Death for being a dog — and there were no injuries to either dog. The city contends that two previous attacks (also along the property line and also short-lived scuffles) classify Brindi as a “dangerous dog.” Yet in the 586 days they have illegally held Brindi in impoundment, they have never registered her as dangerous or required Francesca to license her as such.

Illegally held? Yes. The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) cited various reasons and legislative provisions as the grounds and purpose for holding Brindi, none of which could be verified by Rogier’s counsel. Time limits set out in the Summary Proceedings Act are initiated upon the “day of seizure.” The Act states that “nothing shall be detained … for a period of more than three months … or for any longer period that ends when an application made under clause …”. HRM has made no applications.

Let’s Adopt! Canada has created a wonderful campaign to reach out to people with the message that Brindi should be returned to her owner. And the people of Halifax, Canada and around the world are voicing their outrage at this injustice.

We have been given homework to do this weekend: During the weekend speak to at least 10 people in your community about Brindi’s case. Share the facts, spread the absurdity of it all, and ask them to spread the news in their own personal circles. Discuss it with your friends, with the shopkeeper, at the gym, with your mates whilst out drinking… have the truth about Brindi and the Halifax City Government spread like a virus worldwide.

I hope you will join us. Make a phone call, send an email, be heard!

It is time for Brindi to go home and to be reunited with her owner, Francesca Rogier.

If you are in Canada please CALL Mayor Peter J. Kelly, Mayor of Halifax on ph: 902-490-4010 and tell him that Brindi must be spared AND returned to her owner.

If you are abroad please email kellyp@halifax.ca and express the same… We have 5 days.…

Our sincere thanks to Let’s Adopt! Canada for their generous support.

And remember: “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead

Posted on March 5th, 2010 by isak
Filed under: Activism, Animal Law, Dogs | No Comments »

Day 8. Brindi. Social Media Saves Lives

Day6 213x300 Day 8. Brindi. Social Media Saves LivesWe are all people of this world. In light of how many people there really are, many of us are nobody important outside our circle of friends and our family. Maybe nobody important outside our community.

But when we join together for a common reason, we can affect change. Just look at the recent efforts to raise money for catastrophes half a world away. A dollar here and a dollar there. Your dollar, my dollar, a neighbor’s dollar, a stranger’s dollar.

It adds up.

And social media brings it closer to us. It allows all of us to participate and be a part of something bigger than us. We can be part of the change.

freeBrindi adopt 150x150 Day 8. Brindi. Social Media Saves LivesI hope you will join us as we continue to save lives. Because it will not stop with just one. It will go on to one more and one more until there are no more in need.

You can follow along as we worked to save Brindi from the injustice being dealt her by the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Let’s help all the animals in their jurisdiction one-by-one — starting with this one.

Let’s save Brindi! And return her to her owner, Francesca Rogier.

On Facebook: Save Brindi Group 1 | Group 2

Posted on March 4th, 2010 by isak
Filed under: Activism, Animal Law, Dogs | No Comments »

Day 7. Brindi: A wrong proposition

At the end of this brief post there is a link to a video. It is extremely thought provoking and I want you to watch it.

But first reflect on these wrong propositions.

Pitbull kids Day 7. Brindi: A wrong proposition

A wrong proposition: Humans own animals as property.

Companion animals are much more than that. They are a part of your family, they are a part of your life. Their value is not measured by cash. Society needs to rethink its stance as a whole.

A wrong proposition: You make a mistake, your animal pays for it. (pounded, killed).

You make a mistake, it is you who should pay. It is never the animal, it is the human, who makes things go wrong. The payment should be in proportion to the crime.

Letting your dog run without a muzzle CANNOT constitute a crime.

Wrong proposition: Breed Specific Legislation

A dog cannot be executed based on his looks. Breed Specific Legislation is a monstrosity and needs to be fought by all.

Your dog is right now at the merci of whomever decides to report him based purely on the way he looks. This leads to absurdities like the case of Rambo and Brittany.

A wrong proposition: If there is a law, even if unjust, we must obey.

If there is an unjust law, we must fight to change it. We must fight not only for ourselves but for those who follow, for those who might suffer, for those who believe in us.

And now pls watch this video because this is the very basic proposition we are trying to change.

It is time for Brindi to go home and to be reunited with her owner, Francesca Rogier.

If you are in Canada please CALL Mayor Peter J. Kelly, Mayor of Halifax on ph: 902-490-4010 and tell him that Brindi must be spared AND returned to her owner.

If you are abroad please email kellyp@halifax.ca and express the same… We have 7 days.…

For Brindi

For the Animals

Viktor Larkhill

Let’s Adopt!
………………………………
reprinted from Let’s Adopt! Canada

Posted on March 3rd, 2010 by isak
Filed under: Activism, Animal Cruelty, Dogs | No Comments »

Day 6. SPCA: Dirty games, Lost contracts and Spin Doctors

spca 300x180 Day 6. SPCA: Dirty games, Lost contracts and Spin Doctors Many of you are asking us what has been the role of the SPCA (Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) since the Brindi Affair began.

Most of you hold the SPCA in high regard. So did I. Not any longer.

Sean Kelly 300x225 Day 6. SPCA: Dirty games, Lost contracts and Spin Doctors It would be fair to say that the SPCA is a pawn in the middle of this situation. They had a contract with the city of Halifax to house animals seized by animal control — such as Brindi. The contract was worth some $414,000. In addition to this contract, they operate a non-profit SPCA where strays and drop-offs and such are offered for adoption (just as any other SPCA). The city has opted to not renew the contract, that has since been awarded to a third party, a woman who runs a wildlife rehab center.

The SPCA is designed to house animals for no more than 30 days. Brindi has been in there for more than 570 days.

Since confinement, Brindi’s teeth have become infected. She has twice in the last maybe 5-6 months been treated for pancreatitis. So it’s safe to guess it may now be chronic.

brindiYard1 300x225 Day 6. SPCA: Dirty games, Lost contracts and Spin Doctors

Brindi is a mascot of sorts, her days are spent under a staffer’s desk.

Francesca had to FIGHT to be allowed to see Brindi. The first time she was allowed to see her was in January, 2009 (she was seized in July, 2008). She was not allowed inside the building and was confined to a fenced area – the temperature was in the teens (or -0 celsius as we measure in Canada). She was given a ridiculous list of conditions to follow — come alone, no camera/video, no treats, 30 minutes to be determined by the SPCA, supervised visits only, and a few more. The terms changed at the whim of Halifax Regional Municipality/SPCA.

Her visits have been started and stopped throughout the year. The continuous change of rules prompted complains and the loss of her visitations rights.

Whenever Francesca wanted Brindi to be seen by her own vet a lengthy process of negotiation had to take place to everybody’s desperation.

In most cases the requests were denied.

Case law in Canada generally favors allowing an owner to see their animal during confinement when there is a case before the courts. Not Halifax. Case law also supports remediation between the owner and the SPCA. Not Halifax.

spca building 300x225 Day 6. SPCA: Dirty games, Lost contracts and Spin Doctors The SPCA could have stood up and said Brindi is not dangerous or mean, she sleeps under a staffer’s desk after all. In an attitude that betrays their lack of principles they decided not to challenge the city and risk their contract, a contract that was eventually lost.

In a recent letter signed by Kristen Williams, a spin doctor, the SPCA advocates an “alternative” to killing Brindi. This letter is nothing but a carefully crafted attempt by Halifax Municipality and the SPCA to cover themselves for their inadequate handling of the entire case.

A desperate attempt to save face after a number of recent scandals.

It’s too late for that. The SPCA has, in the handling of Brindi’s case betrayed its very founding principles, and the community has taken note. The SPCA will never be regarded in the same way by the Canadian Community.

It is time for Brindi to go home and to be reunited with her owner, Francesca Rogier.

If you are in Canada please CALL Mayor Peter J. Kelly, Mayor of Halifax on ph: 902-490-4010 and tell him that Brindi must be spared AND returned to her owner.

If you are abroad please email kellyp@halifax.ca and express the same… We have 8 days.…

For the Animals…
For Brindi…

Viktor Larkhill

Let’s Adopt!
…………………………………….
reprinted from Let’s Adopt! Canada

Posted on March 2nd, 2010 by isak
Filed under: Activism, Dogs | No Comments »

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