Jake Shields Speaks out on Farm Animals Welfare Issue

Once again, I am at a loss for an appropriate picture of Jake Shields due to my always-contemptuous laptop. I will have to trust that my readers who are all dedicated MMA fans will know of whom I am speaking/writing, in spite of this ever-prevalent problem.

Today I received a very flattering message from a Mr. Pierre Grzybowski. He has read and appreciated my article about MMA Fighters not being synonymous with "pit bull" or "human cock fighters."

Pierre is not only a dedicated fan of MMA, but he has earned a purple belt in Brazilian Jujitsu, and he works for the United States Humane Society—one of my favorite causes.

Unfortunately, due to my computer suddenly choosing not to allow me to use my Flash player either, I cannot view the video he referred me to. So, I am going on faith that it gives a good portrayal of Jake's effort to better the lot of farm animals kept in small enclosures—a very worthy cause.

If my readers want to view this for me and get back to me in my comments section, it is at< http://tinyurl.com/5rqed8> Jake Shields for Prop 2. Or www.yesonprop2.com

As most of you already know, Jake was a WW champion on the now-defunct Elite XC organization. He was thought to be talented enough to be worthy of a fight with Georges St. Pierre. Whether he is that talented, I do not know, but he does have a very long list of accomplishments, especially since he began wrestling at the age of nine.

After reading his bio in Wikipedia, I was intrigued and very impressed by his resume. I now hope he will be pressed into action in the UFC so I can get to know him better, especially since he is a vegetarian, as I would like to be. (First rule on having a caretaker is do not request a menu with foods on it he does not like himself--if you knew my husband/cook, you would understand this.)

And now, for a personal disclaimer...

I hope the statute of limitations has run out, because I am about to admit to committing a legal infraction. I am sure this would have had consequences had we been caught.

A friend of ours drove us past a neighbors' house (years before Mel and I were married), where a beautiful German Shepherd had been locked up in a four-foot square enclosure.

Maybe they loved the dog at one time, but he was locked continuously inside the small pen. Though fed, watered and cleaned up after, all he would or could do was walk around in circles.

Our friend wanted to rescue the dog, but did not want to do so using his car, which was known to the neighbor.

Yes, we used our car, aided and abetted his kidnapping of the dog, and were disheartened when a veterinarian said the dog would be permanently affected from being confined as he had been. He was six years old.

I cannot remember where the dog went. I don't know if this is just selective forgetfulness on my part, or if it is due to my MS. I am just sorry that I can't say whether or not this was worth breaking the law, especially since I am usually a law-abiding citizen.

Why a dog lover would subject a dog they loved to developing neurological problems that would permanently affect his coordination resulting in crippling him, I don't know. I do know, however, that Multiple Sclerosis has had the same affect on me. Both of these seem to be a form of cruelty in my mind.

Pierre mentioned that with the current popularity of MMA, perhaps Jake Shield's effort to support the California Proposition 2, which addresses this problem  requiring the owners of farm animals to keep their charges in pens with room to move around and stretch their limbs, will be successful.

Perhaps animals will no longer be shut up in breeding

there are farms that keep calves in small enclosures to fatten them for veal, hogs kept in pens that are too small to have a normal life. (Think of the heartbreaking pictures of puppy mills with innocent creatures crammed into cages of chicken wire which is another problem in our nation and then apply the same situation to the larger farm animals!) Even if you are not a lover of farm animals, please insist on more humane treatment for all living creatures.

As a horse lover I abhor the people who collect urine from Pregnant mares and then whisk their foals away as so much living refuse. They do not care at all for the welfare of the babies and simply wish to keep the mares pregnant and sell the urine to drug companies for use in hormone supplements.

I get so many brochures showing pathetic pictures of animals being confined and tortured that I can no longer donate to all of them because the problem is so widespread and I have little money for such vast inhumane practices.

Jake is now at the top of my list of fighters supporting worthy causes. I hope his fame will benefit man's best friends, and that it is a big success. I certainly congratulate him on his efforts.

Jake is my kind of guy!

Another interesting footnote: Mr. Grzybowski informed me that Matt Hughes, my fellow  Illinoisan, has endorsed John McCain for President. In my mind, there dwells a suspicion that they must agree on the NRA position on gun control.  Although, in this case, they surely make strange political bedfellows, don't they?

As an Obama supporter, I am glad I don't know where Barrack stands on MMA. I would not want a reason not to vote for him on Tuesday. So please, don't tell me.

Thanks Pierre and Jake for caring about the welfare of all animals enough to try to make a difference in the world!