A Letter to Elvis’ Old Owner

May 08, 2014

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As some of you know, Elvis went with me yesterday to help evaluate a pit that Priceless Pets wanted to pull the day this dog was supposed to be euthanized. It also happened to be the same pound that Elvis was at a little less than a year ago where, he too, was hours away from being put down. When we arrived, I thought Elvis might be a little scared but he was just being the same old Elvis, trotting away with his head held high and saying hi to everyone that acknowledged him. At that moment, my friend and fellow Pittie Crew member, Terra, sent me a text saying I should write a letter to Elvis’ old owners for my next blog….well, here you go.

Dear Previous Owners of Elvis,

First, let me say that I’m glad I didn’t decide to write this letter back in August because this letter would have consisted of two words with a big middle finger.

You may or may not recognize the dog in these pictures probably because he was a mere 35 pounds when I got him and he has since doubled in weight. You probably don’t recognize him as, “Elvis”, either. But maybe you remember the dog you let go to the pound and didn’t bother looking for. Maybe he wasn’t important enough to look for or maybe you gave up but let me tell you, he was 2 HOURS away from being put down because of you. Thank goodness for the internet because that is the only way that Priceless Pets would have found him. Before I continue, this is not a letter to make you feel bad nor is it a letter to let you know what a crappy owner I think you were. I just thought I’d give you an update on the dog that used to be yours….

Since last August, Elvis has overcome a bacterial infection on his belly and found himself a nice blue pit for a sister. Her name is Penny Lane. She used to be a little bit insecure but when Elvis came in the picture, he took most of that away from her. He was only supposed to be my foster for 2 weeks but he fit in so well at my house, I officially became a foster failure and not a day goes by that I don’t regret it.

Since last August, he’s become the official bully for the Priceless Pets Pittie Crew! He also has been enrolled in CGC (Canine Good Citizen) classes and is about to be certified by this summer. He has visited different schools as part of an ongoing education presentation brought on by Priceless Pets to teach kids about responsible pet ownership, showing the world that “pit bulls” are not monsters and been invited to a college just to hang out with students to “de-stress” before a big exam. Elvis has also been invited to a place called, Ability First (http://www.abilityfirst.org/), to hang out with autistic kids and kids with Down syndrome. And let me tell you, EVERYONE loves him. He was even featured in the newspaper. The dog you used to own is quite the little celebrity these days.

Oh, did I tell you he’s also the most awesome foster brother? He and his sister, Penny Lane, welcome every dog I bring home with open arms. And I’ve brought some pretty sick and stressed out dogs to my house. I’m not sure if Elvis is so friendly with these dogs because he’s been in their paws before but he does his part in helping these once unwanted dogs feel right at home so they can be ready for a home of their own someday. He’s been the best thing to happen to me since Penny. He completes our pack.

Like I said earlier, had I written this letter back in August, it would have been a whole two words and a middle finger but these days I actually thank you. Had you not let your dog go to the pound to die, he would have never reached his potential. He’s the best ambassador to his breed and to rescue dogs all over the world. And not only is he educating people but did I tell you he saved his first dog yesterday? Yeah, we went back to the pound yesterday. The same pound where HE almost died and he gave a dog another chance. Her name is Lindy and she’s one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever met. Yes, the dog that you used to own is now assisting in saving other dog’s lives.

Like I said, this isn’t a letter to put you down but more of a letter of what you’re missing out on. Elvis is the type of dog everyone wants. Whether it’s his signature pouty face or the fact that he just loves everyone, it’s almost like people forget the negative stereotypes that surround his breed because he is THAT awesome, so for that, I thank you. Not because you neglected him but because you gave ME a chance to give HIM a 2^nd chance. I thank you because Elvis has given me another reason to power on through my 6^th concussion and has turned a very difficult time in my life into a blessing.

So if you ever see him on the internet, just know he’s in good hands now. And if you ever see him on the street, feel free to say hi to him, because unlike most of us humans, I know he’s forgiven you and moved on. Trust me, he will wag his tail and greet you like he does everyone else. How do I know this? Because he never has to worry about being let go ever again. Yeah, I’m sure you must have had the best reason for letting him go but I just can’t see how your life is better without Elvis in it. And once again, I’m not here to judge you. I’m just letting you know what you’re missing out on…..

Sincerely,
John Flores and Penny Lane aka Elvis’ NEW pack