Aladdin
Ronald McDonald House Charities. A non profit charity that promotes the well being of children.
Lilo’s Promise Animals. An organisation that’s doctrine is that all dogs are individuals and do not discriminate regarding any breed, particularly pit bulls.
American Humane Society . An organisation committed to the safety, welfare and well being of animals, the equivalent of the UK Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( RSPCA)
The Pit Bull terrier is not exactly noted for its kind and gentle nature, and its fearsome reputation has created a situation where its very presence can be a source of distress. I do not intend to enter into any discussion today on the controversy regarding this canine in general. For those who want to learn more about this type of dog, see What is a Pit Bull?
This story is about one dog overcoming unimaginable cruelty to become one of the most famous therapy and crisis response dogs in history.
The year was 2013, and lying beside the road was an emaciated Pit Bull with two broken legs, a broken tail, open wounds and twelve missing teeth. Such were his injuries that his very survival was in doubt, and with that grim prognosis, the Camden County Animal Shelter New Jersey that accepted him turned yet again to Michelle Schaffer-Stephens. Not for the first time, this exceptional lady, considered an expert regarding emaciated dogs, accepted the challenge. As it happened, the horribly abused animal not only survived but positively thrived. Yes, there were huge obstacles to navigate. He needed extensive medical procedures for the fractures, the wounds and his mouth. Hydrotherapy was a regular component of his treatment to assist in his recovery from the broken legs. He was obviously wary of some people, and his broken legs left him with a very unsteady gait. For Michelle, Aladdin started out as just another foster, but things don’t always work out as we anticipate.
As time went by, Aladdin started to grow in confidence. In fact, he grew to be relaxed around humans, and he was so happy with life that Michelle considered training him to be a therapy dog.
As she said. “He never stopped wagging his tail.”
Working in the community
Aladdin then started to visit the Ronald McDonald House and spent time with sick and dying children. He appeared to have an empathy with children. He also divided his time between their siblings and the parents. He instinctively seemed to know who needed him the most. Michelle, who was new to therapy, was puzzled and disappointed that he would spend time with his parents and tried to redirect him to the children. One day she was told by a parent how much it meant to her to spend time with Aladdin, to cuddle him, stroke him, just to interact with him as she had been away from her own dog for months. Michelle realised that her dog needed to be left alone as he was perfectly capable of identifying who needed him most. When travelling this extraordinary dog would make every effort to spend time with total strangers. Somehow, he was able to recognise when people were in distress. He once found a man whose dog had just died and, on another occasion, a lady coming away from her sister’s funeral.
As if he already wasn’t doing enough, Aladdin then also became a certified Crisis Response Dog. These dogs are brought in to provide comfort to those affected by natural disasters like fire, flood, hurricanes, etc. Also, they are there to relieve the anxiety of victims and witnesses to terrorism and to relieve the stress of first responders.
Aladdin also represented the American Humane Society and his story was used to lobby senators, state governors and politicians in general regarding animal welfare.
Changing the law
Michelle took him to the state of Pennsylvania, where lawmakers were shown the before and after photos of Aladdin, and this resulted in a change in the law. In Pennsylvania, that law ensures that any individual who is found guilty of animal abuse cannot claim the return of that animal.
Aladdin was a great favourite in classrooms as pupils were shown how to behave around dogs and learn about caring for animals. He also taught children to be compassionate and tolerant, in particular to other children, thus reducing bullying. Michelle believes that travelling around the states has encouraged people to vote to change inadequate animal welfare legislation.
He visited the site of the Pulse nightclub shooting that claimed the lives of 49 people, giving comfort to survivors and responders.
He was an ambassador for the charity “Show Your Soft Side”, an organisation that promotes animal welfare.
He worked with veterans and military personnel and promoted PACT a charity that provides, among other things temporary fostering for pets while owners are recovering.
He was involved with the Philadelphia police department, raising funds for the families of fallen officers and providing comfort to the children of the fallen.
Aladdin always found time for every person who needed him, and this is particularly incredible considering what a human had done to him.
Misgivings
Despite all his amazing work to educate and assist those in distress, there were those who still kept the prejudice, and Aladdin was still barred from helping others by certain organisations.
Sadly, many people were denied the opportunity to benefit from having contact with Aladdin, as the name Pit Bull was enough to condemn him regardless of his incredible achievements. I guess the term. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” springs to mind.
Unfortunately, this type of dog has a reputation as aggressive, dangerous and mentally unstable, but to put a label on them all is like putting a label on any group of people.
Just because some people look different, eat different foods, worship a different Deity and have a different colour skin, that is no reason to discriminate against them. We need to treat people as individuals. It’s their behaviour that matters. Their humanity. How they treat others. Do animals not deserve the same consideration?
Sadly, on the 8th of March 2022, Aladdin passed away. RIP.
“Pit Bulls are not dangerous. It’s the owner that makes them so.”
Cesar Millan