Save Congo

Letter from groomer

Monday, November 19, 2007



Casey and Rossi,



Thank you so much for forwarding my email to Mr. James and his family. I am a long time listener of ‘The Jersey Guys’. I must say that I love the passion you guys bring to the show. It is refreshing to have someone who truly cares about us and our family pets. After all, our pets are members of the family.

This past Saturday, (11/17/2007), I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. James, his family and of course, Congo for the first time. I wondered what exactly I had gotten myself into when I volunteered to groom the dogs upon their homecoming from the shelter . As a professional pet groomer for 28+ years, I’ve heard many pet owners say “my dog is not nasty or he never bit anyone”, ect.. I must tell you that neither Congo nor Lucia are by any stretch of the imagination viscous dogs. Both were perfect angels through-out their grooming, and full of kisses! These two are also very well mannered. Congo and Lucia responded immediately to all basic commands given during the grooming process ex; sit, stand, stay, ect… I can tell you that many pets don’t behave as well.

Congo and Lucia embody everything a German shepherd is supposed to be as defined by the American Kennel Club. The German Shepherd is a loyal companion, protector and friend. “The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships”. In the many services the German Shepherd performs for humanity he exhibits “a high order of intelligence and discrimination involving the qualities of observation, patience, faithful watchfulness, and even to a certain degree, the exercise of judgment”.

When I meet Congo for the first time Mr. James ‘introduced’ us. Congo was excited to meet me and full of kisses. The landscapers intruded onto the James’s property without permission, this was the first of their mistakes. The puppies exhibited a natural reaction by barking at the trespassers. How many of us have dogs of our own that come barking whenever someone knocks on our door?

The landscaper began hitting the six month old puppies with a metal rake causing them to cry-out for their parents. Congo and Lucia heard the puppies and came to investigate what the matter was. Mrs. James began yelling for the man to stop beating the puppies. Seeing the dogs Mr. Rivera, one of the other landscapers, grabbed Mrs. James from behind by the shoulders causing her to scream. Mrs. James was wrestled to the ground. Assaulting Mrs. James in this manner was a huge mistake on Mr. Rivera’s part.

In Congo’s point of view, taking in the whole picture, he reacted in defense of his family. Dogs are by nature pack animals, each having a specific rank within the pack. Our dogs see us as their pack leaders. They are especially sensitive to our moods and general well being. Congo and Lucia responded to the distress in their young’s yelping and Mrs. James’s screams, an instinctive behavior. Isn’t this why many of us have dogs in our homes? For our family’s protection? There have been many times when my own pets have tried to comfort my kids or myself when sick, sad, or hurt ect.. I wouldn’t have them any other way.

Pets have become an intrical part of the family structure over the last decade or so. Even though dogs are still used for herding, police dogs, tracking, services for the blind, ect.. That is not their sole purpose. Dogs have become our constant companions, giving us their unconditional love.

The decision at put Congo to death affects all of the dog owners in New Jersey as well as the nation. He should not be punished for doing what comes naturally, the protection of his family. I am in full support of Mr. James and Congo.

Thank you again for bringing this issue to light, without you guys we never would have know about Congo’s plight. I enjoy listening to ‘The Jersey Guys’ and all the things you do for the people of New Jersey. Without you many of us would not have a voice in this state.



Alice Countryman

StylishPet Mobile Pet Grooming L.L.C.

609-934-5145