Hi all!

It has come to my attention that their might be an issue with the interpretation of my avatar.

I just wanted to say I appreciate your concern for animals, most definitely! I want to say that my avatar is not what some may think it is - I had not looked at my avatar and thought it was anything aside from what it was so partially it is my fault in not thinking of other people's interpretation of that picture.

The dogs pictured are American Bulldogs. They are not killing or attacking an animal though it may appear to be that way. Those are hog dogs - specially trained dogs that are used for a legitimate sport called Hog Catching and also in real use on farms, ranches, and various operations in the south and spreading across the US with the increase in problems caused by feral hogs. The dogs do not kill the dog. The dogs do not fight the hog.

The dogs catch the hog. They are trained to catch at the ear/side of the head and neck as this is the area of the hog with the least amount of nerves and thus it is the most comfortable area for the hog and does the least amount of damage/causes the least amount of pain. The dog or dogs grab the hog and hold it until the hunter/handler can tie it's feet for transport to a holding pen where any actual wounds are tended to, or the animal is slaughtered sometimes for use as food much like other game animals.

If this is still horribly offensive to the members here I apologize though I must say it would shock me. Again, sorry for anyone who may have been offended with thinking my avatar was a picture of dogs killing or attacking some poor animal. I see that it could be misinterpreted as such but assure you I in no way shape or form condone the fighting of dogs or other animals.

I stated this thread with the intent that anybody who is offended can feel free to tell me so without the more or overly personal method of a PM having to take place. And also so that I may openly apologize to anyone who may have been offended thinking my avatar was a fighting scene of some sort.

Thank you,

Jenn M