Wallace, disc dog champion and breed ambassador is an example of the underdog overcoming a mountain of challenges. Marked for euthanasia in the shelter, rescued by the Yori's, consistently training and winning in dog sports all across the country, he has truly shown how in the right hands the American Pit Bull Terrier is a great companion.
Wallace's recently adopted brother, Hector, knows what life is like in the wrong hands. One of the dogs taken in from the Michael Vick compound , Hector's celebrity came to him in the worst possible way. In the April 2007 raid of Vick's property, dogs used for breeding and fighting, corpses of tortured and killed dogs, and fight paraphernalia was found. Amongst all that, was Hector. While animal agencies around the country argued the fate of those dogs found alive they were confined and evaluated. It took over eight months of the dogs repeatedly proving their viability as pets before they were all signed over for release. Victims before investigation, prisoners during, where are they now?
For Hector, now is in Minnesota. Adopted in June of 2008 by Roo and Clara Yori, Hector joined a family of dog world celebrities. Used to handling the media and public, what better place for him to be? The Yori's have made a point of making a difference for the breed as a whole by making a difference for just one dog, Wallace. When the opportunity came along to help Hector, they knew they could do it again.
"That's a big reason we decided to adopt him. People need to see these dogs for themselves, and hopefully we'll be a constant reminder of the truth. I've gotten some press with Wallace for sure, but the Vick Dogs are providing an opportunity for more main stream coverage. Pretty much everybody knows about these dogs and what happened, so I think it's important for us to show the aftermath and provide follow-up stories. We've been given a chance with these dogs, and it's time to turn this horrible situation around as much as possible by cashing in on the opportunity and letting the dogs prove our point. The more good exposure, the better. " said Roo.
Roo made contact with Bad Rap. Looking at all they were able to do with Wallace, he let them know he'd like to be considered as a potential adopter.
"I approached them. I told them my situation and said that if they happen to have a dog that would fit into it, that I would be interested."
That lucky dog was Hector. Already the Yori's have put their shown they will follow through with their commitment to this dog. Just a few days ago Hector passed his Canine Good Citizen test. From there will Hector move on to become a competitive athlete?
"Potentially. First on the agenda is to get him certified as a therapy dog. I will admit that I'm a dog sports junky though, so I wouldn't be surprised if Hector dabbles in some canine sports here and there. He's not a real high drive dog, but canine sports are good for any dog to participate in, and it's a lot of fun as well."
How do Roo and Clara handle a multi dog home? In a previous interview Clara has reminded owners to give each dog individual attention. Roo feels the same way.
"Don't try and train them all at once. Be aware of each dog's individual needs. Take the time to teach things individually before you expect them to do it in a group. Not only will you most likely see faster results, it will give your dog some individual time with their leader to strengthen your relationship."
Now with two famous brothers in the family, the Yori's are ready for the challenges ahead. Already they've had great interviews with local media; this great video on WCCO shows the high level of affection a dog like Hector can provide. Can they keep the momentum going for these dogs?
"I don't think the breed is going to get another opportunity like this for a long time, and I feel we really need to make the most of it. When's the last time you saw America step up and stand behind a group of Pit Bulls, let alone ones from a fighting yard? I know a lot of people think this whole situation could be a double edged sword, and they don't want the added media because it always seem to get twisted eventually to portray the dogs in a bad light. The thing is, is that it's already out there, and as a result we need people like us out there to stand up for the dogs, and the dogs need to get out to speak for themselves through their actions. Without that, the people and organizations that try to twist this stuff for their own personal gain will have a much easier time, and I hope to be part of the front that does not let them get away with it this time. It kind of eats me up a little to be making special considerations for Hector just because of his celebrity status, as I have turned down adopting plenty of great dogs prior to this. I'm taking the chance with Hector so that hopefully we can change as many minds as possible, and make it easier for all bully dogs to get adopted in the future. I'll guess we'll see if we'll succeed as this whole thing plays out."
And what about political aspirations? In this election year, could a Wallace / Hector ticket be the swing vote for America?
"Well I have had numerous people write me to say "Wallace for President", but not sure if we'll go there. Everybody's talking about these dogs. It's simply time for us to back up our view with the proof."
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