This Blue Jay Pitcher Refused To Leave His Pit Bull Behind Despite Breed Specific Laws ....

EAVE HIS PIT BULL BEHIND DESPITE BREED SPECIFIC LAWS 

POSTED BY CALLAIE-NAFTOLIN 

TORONTO — When four-time All Star pitcher Mark Buehrle was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2013, he knew his life was going to change and sacrifices were going to be made.   

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The pitcher's family is comprised not only of his wife Jamie and his children, it also includes Diesel, Duke and a rescued Pit Bull named Slater. These 12 paws are loved by all, and there was no way that any of their family members would be left behind.

Unfortunately, because of the breed specific legislation in Ontario, Buehrle was forced to leave his family behind in St. Louis and move to Toronto on his own. The family couldn't fathom leaving Slater behind with a foster family, or sending him back to the rescue that had saved him.

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Jamie Buehrle had fallen in love with Slater some years ago after she saved him, and many others, from euthanasia when they were in their final hours. The dogs were housed at Hope Animal Rescues Compound, where Jamie works closely with Director Jackie Spiker, who hadn't intended on bringing another dog home. But Slater seemed destined to be a Buehrle.

Since arriving in Toronto, Buehrle's actively spoke out against the controversial Pit Bull Ban. In an interview with Globe and Mail reporter Tom Maloney, Buehrle was quoted as saying:

“If you’re going to throw the dog in the backyard, keep it tied up, not show it love, not bring it inside, then that dog is going to be aggressive. I don’t care if it’s a Pit Bull or a Lab, they’re going to react to the way you treat them. Why have a dog if you’re not going to cuddle with them or play ball with them? Ours are always climbing onto the bed, almost suffocating us because they’re loving you so much.”

Now at 5 years old, the Buehrles describe Slater as an awesome dog who loves to have his belly rubbed, and they don't hesitate to tell everyone about his sweet and loving nature. Since he's been adopted by the Buehrle's he's become a canine good citizen, is a certified therapy dog, and the face for campaigns that aim to end all breed specific legislation. Slater's so gentle, patient, and kind to children that he's often used as a demo dog in school visits teaching children the right way to approach, handle and interact with canines. 

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While the family continues to fight breed specific bans in both Canada and the United States, they haven't forgotten where Slater came from. Together they have raised and donated over a million dollars for the compound. Most recently they've entered Slater into the MyRescue.Dog contest.

The website boasts pictures of a series of dogs and once a picture is posted they pledge to donate $10 to the rescue agency where that dog came from, or the shelter of your choice, with $1  donated for every vote obtained by that particular dog. You can vote for up to ten dogs per day. The winning shelter receives $25,000 and the 15 runners up will see their chosen rescue agency receive $5,000 each.

Several of the Buehrles' teammates have shown their support, taking to Twitter to encourage fans and followers to vote for Slater, in the hopes of raising funds for an incredibly worthy rescue. Should you wish to vote for Slater click here. Should you wish to learn more and perhaps post a picture of your own dog click here.