As a Navy Brat of a U.S. Navy-retired father,
I salute all women and men who serve our country.
I am Philippine-native. I was brought here at the age of 5 because of my father’s service to the military. He was already a military man before he met my mother. He was stationed in Maryland during my mother’s entire pregnancy. I did not meet my dad until I was about 2 and a half years old. The life in the military is not always a kind one to families. Everyone sacrifices. That is why I believe that not only must we as civilians pay gratitude to our armed services on Memorial Day, but every time we see them passing by. It was a hard life that we lived in our household because my dad was hardly ever home. Sometimes I wondered who he cared for more – his family or his country. Now as the age of 35, I honestly believe that he served our country, so that he could be with his family. He left his homeland to serve ANOTHER COUNTRY and become a nationalized citizen of the United States in order for us to truly have a better life than what they would have given to me in the Philippines. It was tough understanding that as a 10-year old. I honestly miss what my family back “home” lives and loves, but I have learned to remember that I must be special to have been taken away from everyone whom I loved most as a young girl.
I married a Navy brat and almost all of my friends are Navy brats that I had gone to school with. I have many friends who have served in the Marines, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard and the Navy. My soon-to-be Navy nephew-in-law is looking at serving the full 20 years (or more). It’s quite a commitment. It’s like being married to one’s job, but more because EVERYONE in that family automatically is committed to the military. There are no options. I commend everyone who serves our country. As someone who immigrated here from a developing country, I can tell you that there are a lot of things we do RIGHT in this country. No matter how bleak it may seem for many Americans due to the economy, there is a freedom that many of us take for granted. Liberty takes on a whole new meaning when you go to countries like where I’m originally from.
On this day, I hope I speak on behalf of many, if not, all Americans that I am grateful for YOUR service to the United States of America. No matter what political side we stand on, we’re all connected. We are all Americans and we owe it to our military for keeping us safe during our daily activities. What we do right here in this country allows us to sleep peacefully at night. Let us never forget that there are many countries where their people cannot sleep in peace and all they hear is gunfire and it’s common to hear of people dying AROUND THEM due to that gunfire.
We are very blessed here in the United States. As a nationalized citizen, I’d like to remind everyone of that. Freedom is not free. Thank you for reading.
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In this documentary from Academy Award-nominated filmmakers Marilyn and Chuck Braverman, the remarkable yet tragic history of the American Staffordshire Terrier – aka the Pit Bull Terrier – is explored from the era when it was considered the “All American Dog” to it’s later reputation as a vicious attack dog frequently used by drug dealers. While it may be hard for some to believe, there was a time when the Pit Bull Terrier was considered a loyal and loving companion for humans. Thomas Jefferson owned a pair, Helen Keller relied on one for assistance, and even the Little Rascals frolicked carefree with their skittish Pit Bull Petey. Sadly, Pit Bull would gradually evolve from the working dog of the upper class to become the bloodthirsty bodyguard of choice for inner city drug dealers. In this documentary filmmakers explore the entire spectrum of roles that the Pit Bull has played in American society while asking whether the breed is a dependable family pet or an unpredictable killing machine.
For those of you who don’t know, I have raised, loved, sheltered and shown AKC Staffordshire Bull Terriers since 2001. You can read more about this beautiful, loyal, trustworthy and reliable friend on the American Kennel Club website.
I have rescued dogs since I was 5 years old. For now, I’m fully in love with Staffords.
These are pictures of my STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIERS.
well-trained
loved
loving
loyal
disciplined
“The Nanny Dog”
Temperament
From the past history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the modern dog draws its character of indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog.
Love the breed. Positive training goes a long way. When we stereotype a breed to be “bad,” I can guarantee you that a human was behind the story. Don’t buy your dogs unless you buy them from a responsible breeder. Typically, these types of breeders breed for show quality, love and take care of the parents and are more than happy and willing to show you their home where the dogs are raised. Please do not buy from a pet store. If the store tells you that the dog did not come from a puppy mill, go and visit the parents. You can do that. Every responsible store knows where exactly the breeders are and you can meet the parents of your new family friend. ONLY BY MEETING THE PARENTS WILL YOU BE GUARANTEED THAT YOUR NEW FAMILY MEMBER CAME FROM A REPUTABLE BREEDER. Don’t go by the sales person’s word. Please don’t trust someone’s word when it comes to buying a dog. VISIT THE PARENTS OF THE DOG.
If you aren’t attached to a particular breed and want to rescue a dog, cat, rabbit, pig, etc…, there are so many shelters to choose from. One of my best friends happens to be a breeder of Staffords and I’ve been involved in guarding this breed since January 2001. If you’re okay with any type of breed, go to a shelter. If you want a specific breed, I’m sure that there are rescues out there for your particular breed.
If you are interested in having a bully breed, but have never had one, please call me. This is not your trial dog. They have a lot of energy, so you need the space and the energy to take care of this type of dog.
Whatever dog you do get, it behooves you to train the dog. Buy a book. Go to Petsmart and spend $99 for a set of classes. Hire a professional trainer. There are so many ways to train your dog, so please choose a style that will benefit your dog, society and your home.
Above all, HAVE FUN with your dogs!!!! That’s why they’re “man’s best friend!”
Sincerely yours,
Anna
clinic: 949 305 1703
cell/text: 619 341 4341
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Lau Kune Do Temple of Martial Arts
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Lake Forest, CA 92630
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