My Dearest Matthew;

I’m not really sure how to start this, so I’ll just come out and say it.

Things between us have changed, our lives are moving in different directions. It’s been happening for some time now, I just wasn’t willing or ready to face it. I wanted to believe that you were still very much the man for me as you’ve been for so many years. I thought I was able to accept your relationship with her.

I didn’t think she would change things. I thought it was a relationship similar to those of the past but I’d be naive to believe that was still a possibility. I can’t be the other woman.

Not anymore.

Especially not when there’s a child involved.

I’ve moved on Matthew and it’s time you did too.

I know this may come as a shock, but over time you will see that this is truly what’s right. I want nothing but the best for you and I know in my heart that I can’t give you that.

It’s not you, it’s me. I just want more. I want what we used to have, and I’ve been kidding myself into believing that was still a possibility.

I will always have a special place for you in my heart.

I’m sorry Matthew, but this is goodbye.

Always and Forever,

Samantha

SO YUM! But I’m so over it (I think.)

Dogfighting is a sadistic “contest” in which two dogs—specifically bred, conditioned, and trained to fight—are placed in an enclosed “ring” to fight each other for human entertainment as well as gambling. Fights can range anywhere from an hour in length to often lasting more than two hours and usually end when one of the dogs will not or cannot continue - or die.

The “losing” dog who survives the match will usually suffer severe consequences at the hand of the owner. Consequences for losing can include: being beaten with bats, chains, have battery acid thrown on their flesh and open wounds as well as being shot, hanged and drowned.

Pit bulls are the dog of choice when it comes to dogfights due to their tenacious loyalty to humans; they will fight to the death and suffer gravely in order to satisfy their human.

Thanks to Michael Vick’s notoriety, the underground world of dogfighting has enlightened many that would otherwise have had no idea what fate these animals have been suffering at the hands of these unconscionable people.

Thank you Michael Vick.

God, that pains me to write. Thank you to such a vile and inexcusable monster.

But without his celebrity, this story would have been brushed under the rug as so many others have and it’s time for people to know. To be educated about the pit bull breed and to stop living in fear of their portrayal in the media.

Saving Michael Vick’s Dogs is a fantastic article written by Brigid Schulte for the Washington Post. A definite must read that provides insight into the world of dogfighting and the pit bull breed.

Typically when a dogfighting ring is busted, the dogs are executed without question, but these 50 pit bulls resuced from Vick’s property have been given a fighting chance - at life. Many of the dogs have undergone extensive rehabilitation and training due to mostly to fear, anxiety and lack of socialization. A number of the dogs were terrified to move let alone be touched by a human hand, where few showed aggressive tendencies towards humans.

A widespread misconception about pit bulls is that they are aggressive to humans because they are aggressive to dogs. Just like any other breed of dog, a pill bull responsibly owned, raised, as well as socialized, is no more likely to be human aggressive then any other dog.

Classic fighting pit bulls, part bulldog and part terrier, were bred to be friendly to people and aggressive with other dogs. Their ability to withstand great pain and keep fighting is a quality prized as “gameness.”

But with an explosion in urban street fighting, some pit bulls are being trained to go after animals and people.

Myths of pit bulls being unpredictable, vicious and dangerous have long fueled the fear of this breed. Because of their rough appearance, pit bulls - as well as rottweilers, dobermans, etc. - have been targeted by such groups as gangs, dogfighters, and thugs to be used as an accessory to their menacing appearance which in turn has sensationalized their “bad dog” image. These breeds are no more likely to be harmful then a shitzu, golder retriever, or cocker spaniel provided they are raised in a loving environment, by a responsible person. Many instances of dog attacks or bites are traced back to improper care, lack of socialization and supervision.

Vick’s dogs have been a few of the lucky ones rescued from fighting. These dogs have been given a second lease on life, a chance to love and be loved. About half the dogs have been introduced into loving, caring and experienced foster homes while those whom shown little tolerance to other dogs are living out their days at Best Friends Animal Society’s 3,700-acre sanctuary in Kanab, Utah called Dogtown. One special dog - Leo - now visits cancer patients as a therapy dog!

Tim Racer, one of the founders of Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit bulls (BAD RAP), has said:

Yes, there are pit bulls who have fought, attacked and mauled other animals and people. But so have other breeds. And incidents almost always have been traced to negligent or abusive owners…

… it is not surprising that many of the dogs get along so well with other dogs. Just as the urge to fight is in their blood, so, too, is the need to get along. “You have 150 years of man trying to produce an aggressive dog. But you have tens of thousands of years of Mother Nature preceding that,” he said. “Dogs are pack animals. They survived because of their pack. . . . It’s hard-wired into their genes that they do no harm to each other.”

Briggs & Carter

The only way we can save these animals from the prejudice and hate is to get educated. Given the proper treatment, these dogs are unique and wonderful with tons of love to give.

Great sites to debunk myths and learn more about pit bulls:

BAD RAP (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pitbulls)

Working Pitbull

Advocates for the Underdog

Just google Michael Vick and pitbulls and you’ll see the amazing stories of the dogs’ survival.

A couple of those stories:

Vick’s Pitbulls Up For Adoption

Beaten-down dog from Vick Case Has It’s Day

Leo at work:

Sweet Pea:

Sick again. Still, actually. Wednesday I came down with something, unable to even keep water down, I’ve slept through 28 of the past 48 hours. Thank God for daycare and Mike otherwise I think Carter would have been been locked in a closet. I’ve been stricken with the sick bug practically this entire pregnancy. I don’t know if it’s just that my immune system is compromised or I’m just a gluten for punishment. I’m really over it though. I don’t wanna be sick anymore. *pout*

Since Tuesday evening I’ve also been in a little more of a funk after hearing of the passing of Heath Ledger. I can’t even explain why I’ve been so profoundly impacted by this loss. Sure, I was a fan of his movies, I thought he was cute, but there was nothing really beyond that. Yet, I find myself sobbing at every photo I see. Deliriously upset by the fact that Matilda has been left without a father and the entertainment world has lost a shining star.

I have no connection or affiliation, yet I seem to be overwhelmingly depressed by this loss. It’s difficult to describe without sounding like a complete psychopathic stalker, so I’ll just blame it on the hormones.

I think death in Young Hollywood affects me so greatly since I’m completely and utterly hormonal in the same age category as many of these stars. Britney and her meltdown, Lindsay Lohan and rehab, Brad Renfro’s overdose, and Heath. They have a different lifestyle, financial freedom and new found independence to accompany that wealth, unlike many of us their age, yet, for some reason it’s difficult not to find oneself comparing one to them. Once you take away the wealth and fame; they are the same. People trying to make a living and provide for themselves and loved ones.

The thought of Carter losing his father so tragically, so young, takes my breath away. I can’t even fathom the idea of him not have a memory of his father, or having to explain where daddy went and why he’s not coming back. In that sense, Heath’s passing has made it so much more emotional. There is a child involved. A child so dearly loved and cherished by a man that she, more then likely, will not remember; aside from what people tell her of him. My heart breaks for that young girl and her mother. Not to mention the rest of his family who never had the chance to say goodbye.

I just hope he went peacefully.

Ever have one of those days where nothing seems to go your way? You just can’t please anyone and feel as though everyone is on the defensive? Ever just feel like hiding under your blankets in hopes that everyone would just disappear? Feel like whenever you open your mouth someone gets upset because your tone is misunderstood for mad rather then sad, lonely or moody.

It’s one of those days for me.

I feel sad because I unintentionally hurt a friend with my moody attitude, not knowing that she, herself, was having a crap day. Now I feel guilty because I hurt a friend.

I want my bed.

I’m headed down Shit Creek and I can’t seem to find my paddle.

I finally announced to my coworkers that I am expecting. It feels like a weight has been lifted, even though I still don’t understand why sharing that news with fellow employees is so hard.

I had a prenatal appointment yesterday, everything’s great. Except my iron is low (like always) which is probably what’s increasing my fatigue, so now I have MORE pills to take. I’m like a friggin’ walking pharmacy these days. I’m going to need a weekly pill reminder soon. Like my grandparents, who spend their Sunday evening preparing their pill reminders for the week ahead.

Good times.

And now Mike just called to say that he has to stay out of town this evening because the weather is so bad where he is.

Craptacular crap just keeps getting better.

I’m such a downer, I applaud you for making it this far.

For those that made it this far, this is for you:

I wanted to share the link with you, but I can’t because it’s made to watch only once and then it self destructs. Seriously. If you’re a Criss Angel fan (like me and her) then you’ll probably enjoy this - even if it’s just another opportunity to stare at him.

Go to Freak Your Mind and enter the information requested… just make it about you instead of a friend (its more fun that way). Then, pick the copy the link and put it into your browser.

I’ve done it about 5 times so I can hear him say my name.