Help Otto

I received this email today from another Outer Banks local and wanted to pass it on.

"Two weeks ago, we found a German shepherd dog in Richmond's Chimborazo Park. Although he's as tall as my waist, he weighed about 50 pounds and you could easily see every rib. Most disturbing were his wounds: the vet said that she believes he was used as a bait dog for dog fighting due to the many injuries across his face and the open sores around his left leg, where he had been restrained while fighting dogs were encouraged to lunge at him.

In the past couple of weeks, "Otto" has had treatments for worms and fleas, plus antibiotics for his injuries. He's been neutered and he's gained about 10 pounds. Best of all, he's been loved by us and by all of our four-legged pack as well. He's a really good dog that must have been in a loving home at one time, for he's sweet, trusting and well trained. In posting his information on lost-and-found sites I've received heart-breaking e-mails from people all over whose own pets were lost or stolen from their yards. Here's where I need your help...

Tango and Gulliver, my English setters, are entered in the "Cutest Dog Competition" in honor of their friend Otto. They have until October 17th to collect votes and you may vote once a day. I know that it's a pain to register on a Web site, but please know that if these dogs win, their proceeds will go to programs across the country that help to educate the public about dog fighting. Please click on the link below to go directly to Gully and Tango:

http://www.cutestdogcompetition.com/vote.cfm?h=ED29062684219D85978E2BF53EE193DC

After you register your e-mail address, you may have to return to the link above to easily vote. Please pass this along to your dog-loving friends, and remember, you have only until October 17th.

Thank you so much,

Linda (and Otto)"