Hit the ground running, fell down a couple of times, running out of breath.....

Welcome to the very first Patrick Movement Oregon blog!

I don't know about you, but my head is swimming. It has been only a month from when I first heard about the Patrick story and now I know every intimate detail of his day from poops to walks to treats.

Since then I have read dozens and dozens of stories just like his. I can't really wrap my mind around it. These are not the kind of stories most people read every day, much less "share" or "tweet".  I am just like a lot of people. I read these stories and I am horrified as well as deeply sad.  It is agonizing to witness this abuse and feel helpless. Bile rises up in my throat with such anger towards the people who could do this to an innocent loving creature. What sick twisted being could be capable of this?

Like many, Patrick's story struck a chord deep inside me. I once rescued a female pit mix that had been chained to a post on my street and abandoned in one of Oregon's worst winter storms. She had also been starved and abused. They had also bred her. And then they threw her away.

So when I heard about Patrick, it hit home.  Patrick is not the only dog that has ever been abused, tortured or murdered. Since this whole thing happened, I've read about more  animal abuse cases than anyone should know. Like many, I used to look away from the images.

But something about the communal outrage, sucked me in. It's a vortex of energy. Mesmerizing, hypnotic and   magical. Kinda scary magical.

I have met some amazing people on our network of Patrick pages. The combined talent of people working on their various efforts is overwhelming.

This is a new venture for me. I have only been animal advocate in heart and not that much action. I have rescued a few strays off the street and donated time, money and goods. But this is a whole new arena.

At this point in time, I am going to try to  use this blog to facilitate information and create resource pages for our region.

I welcome all comments and contributions to the Oregon effort to create awareness of animal abuse, the need for stronger laws to protect them and be a voice for the voiceless.