English Bulldog Proposed as Official State Dog
Senate Bill 410, a bill that would make the English bulldog—mascot of the University of Georgia (UGA)—as the official state dog is currently being proposed to Georgia legislators.
This legislation follows behind the proposal of House Bill 561, a bill that seeks to promote animal adoption and rescue through making “the adoptable dog” the official state dog.
SB 410 is cosponsored by numerous senators, including UGA alumni Bill Cowsert (R-46) and Frank Ginn (R-47). In an article covering the two pieces of legislation, Jim Thompson of the Athens-Banner Herald quotes Ginn as saying “Anytime somebody sticks a bill in front of me to make the bulldog the official state dog, I’m all over it”.
Along with the lighthearted collegiate support of the English bulldog, Ginn has stated that he fully supports the larger aims of HB 561. ”I do want to try to help the animal shelters,” Ginn said. “I don’t want anything to jeopardize that.”
After earning unanimous approval in the House, HB 561 is now in the Senate—both bills are in the Senate’s Government Oversight Committee.
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Shelley Brooks
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If they do make the Bulldog the official state dog, I hope they get the name right. It is properly referred to as the Bulldog. It is not the English Bulldog. There is no such animal as an English Bulldog. It is a common misnomer of the Bulldog.
Please refer to the ultimate authority on dogs in the U.S., the American Kennel Club. http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bulldog/
Make it the Georgia Bulldog.
And make all of them wear a jersey with the number 34 on it.
You think that is a Smart decision? It might be a Mark against some that support it, but I guess as long as it is Dooley studied it may be a Ray of sunshine to some. (All of this was Donnan jest).
Most excellent wordplay Mr. Sack, it is Richt with humor! For your outstanding effort you may now get an early start to your weekend and take the rest of the day off-with pay.
This was a bit funny for Butts a Mehre attempt at a laugh.
I hope the next step to solving issues in Georgia is to change the state insect from the honey bee to the yellow jacket.
Lawton, only if we designate I-285 as Coach K Drive and make Blue Devil the official state deity.
Leave the Bee’s alone. Otherwise the art school hive will track you all down…
The House passed the adoptable dog bill unanimously. It’s a nice thing for some animals that are mistreated and abused and looking for some kindness. County budgets often have little money and their animal shelters are strained with the little money they are given. Why couldn’t the sanctimonious windbags in the Senate leave well enough alone and just go along with it?
Maybe “sanctimonious” is not the right word (I may be the sanctimonious one). “Useless” might have been better but not exactly what I’m trying for.
Windbag is definitely the right word.
Baker, would you settle for the Official State Adoptable Bulldog designation?
Ha. I’m pretty sure at least in this state at least (but I think all states) finding a bulldog up for adoption is pretty dang difficult.
In other bulldog news (it’s an oldie but worth remembering considering the eugenics masters in Savannah)… http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/magazine/can-the-bulldog-be-saved.html?_r=0
I get to see a few walking some nights on my way home from work. They even have their own doggy drinking fountain in a square.
“…finding a bulldog up for adoption is pretty dang difficult.”
Miami adopted one that was left abandoned a few months ago.
Too soon.
Make it the Bull Dog! Give the adoptable dog a day on the calender so all you touchy feely types can feel good but an adoptable dog? I think most people already associate Georgia with Bull Dog. That is like making the fruit salad the official fruit of Georgia instead of the Peach.
As this is one of the top subjects of our legislators along with religion, gambling and marijuana I will drag it over from yesterday’s AM reads…..there is but one logical choice:
Southern Charmer: Redbone Coonhound
The beautiful Redbone Coonhound is known for his dark, rich, mahogany-red coat. Colonial settlers from Scotland and Ireland brought red hounds with them to the United States, and those dogs are the ancestors of the Redbone. George E.L. Birdsong, a famous foxhunter and dog breeder from Georgia, did the most to develop the breed, which was just recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2009.
Thanks for the clarification, Calypso. I’ve been wondering what was up with this “adoptable dog” craziness — the state dog is supposed to be a specific canine designee, not an “I dunno what it is.”
At last, sanity comes to the table. The stately Bulldog.