RE: Mr. Kory Nelsons article re: Nick Van Duren and the Responsible Dog Owners of the Western States (and much more). This was originally called "Rabid Nick Van Duren". Now "morphed to "Challenging Nick Van Duren. When and WHY was this change made?

Kory. And I will use your first name only once, as this is a letter not a lecture. Nicks heart is not black. Far from it. It beats with the same passion as the rest of us. With love and respect for his fellow human beings, the choices they make when it come to the pet they choose to own and with affection and appreciation for the canine species.

Dear Readers and Mr. Nelson:

Mr. Nelson is dead wrong. (again) The Responsible Dog Owners of the Western States is "code" for nothing and has NOTHING to do with the non breed of "pit bull" and everything to do with promoting sensible, non discriminatory and EFFECTIVE legislation and educating the public about responsible pet ownership. RDOWS is not about any "breed" of dog. Here is what it is "about"...http://www.povn.com/rdows/index.html. I urge you to check it out for yourselves. Cherie does not breed "pit bulls" as Mr. Nelson mistakenly stated. I do not breed "pit bulls". Nick does not breed "pit bulls"(although Mr. Nelson claims Nick's "friend" has one.) OH MY!!!!!!! Is that "guilt by association"? As for his statement re the philosophy of the RDOWS thinking:

...their will should be imposed upon everyone else through a consolidation of power at a higher level of government - a key hallmark of the Democrat political philosophy.

Mr. Nelson, I think a hard look in the mirror and a good look at your "protected" website where you offer to come to the assistance of any township or city who wants to promote your agenda of hatred will certainly prove who wants the "consolidation of power at a higher level of government". Perhaps you should think about switching parties.

We at RDOWS do not want to impose our "will" upon anyone. We want the public to be able to make educated and informed choices. We do not condone dog fighting. I do not condone dog fighting. NONE of us condone dog fighting and Mr. Nelsons "backhanded attempt" to associate us (and me) with a criminal activity is the real malicious declaration and I resent the "association" implied.

Also, Mr. Nelson, although I have read your "quote" re: "Any one shooting a loose "pit bull' is justified" many times this is the very first time I have heard or read ANYWHERE that you found this to be a misquote by an incompetent journalist. If I were a city official, an attorney and a "pro bono" "pit bull" eliminator (you don't charge money to travel to these towns and cites who seek your assistance do you??) I would have been up in arms the very minute this quote was incorrectly (?) attributed to me. Afar all, what attorney seeks to arouse the public to commit a crime? What attorney and city official strives to invoke shootings in public places? That to me would certainly indicate "rabid" behavior.

How many "pit bulls were killed in Denver today, Mr. Nelson "Just because of the way they look"? Too many to count to date and the numbers continue to climb in Denver even though the "ban" supported by the Assistant DA (Mr. Nelson) is in place. Does it seem like it is "working" to you, dear reader?

Mr. Nelson, your military service is certainly commendable. We all appreciate what the ALL of the "troops" do for us, allowing us to live a free and prosperous land. Interestingly enough the military thought so much of the "pit bull" that the WW1 had a poster depicting a dog who looks very much like the ones being killed in Denver today. It was used as a depiction of a defender of our great nation. Perhaps as a "military man" you might have that very poster in your den.

By the way. No one" REALLY REALLY" hates you. That is the onus you have taken upon yourself. We do hate what you stand for. Prejudice, discrimination and the killing of innocent animals based upon faulty data and untruths. And "Just Because of the Way They Look"

Jan Dykema

Director, Responsible Dog Owners of the Western States

Licensed American Kennel Club Judge

Bestuvall Bull Terriers

"Best Breed on a Lead"