Game Dog Guardian. It’s Our Turn To Fight For Them.

Please explain how you are a drain on society and specifically, please explain when and why you dropped out of school to collect welfare?

Rob has both a BA and MA in economics.  He is also a Certified Market Research Professional (CMRP).      He was the first student in economic s at the University of Victoria to be awarded the President’s Scholarship two consecutive years.   I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education and graduated with Distinction.  Rob and I established our business, R.A. Malatest & Associates Ltd. more than 25 years ago.  The company conducts policy analysis, needs assessment and program evaluation for various levels of government and the private sector.  We have four offices across Canada and employ approximately 200 people.  Additionally, I taught for 10 years, was invited to apply for, but declined, a vice-principalship, and I have collaborated on an award-winning documentary (2003).   For 20 years, Rob has run softball for Operation Trackshoes, a summer sporting event for people between the ages of 6 and 80 with a mental disability.

Do you find time to vote in your local and national elections or do you just blame others for the result of the political process?

We vote in federal, provincial and municipal elections.   I strongly believe that voters have a responsibility to understand the issues and the extent to which those vying to represent the interests of constituents are qualified.   It’s not just a matter of X marks the spot.   When it comes to voting, there’s plenty of homework to be done to make the best decision possible.

You don’t ever take your pit bull out in public, do you?

 You bet we do.  It is a privilege to share our Madgey-bear with his legions of adoring and soon-to-be fans.  To meet Magic is to love him.  If Einstein had met Magic, he would have figured in Albert’s Theory of Relativity.  In fact, there would have been definite reference under Special Relativity specifically identifying the constancy of Magic’s love and limitless capacity for sheer wonderfulness.     This is absolute truth.  No bias.  Magic loves long walks along the beach where he meets all sorts of new friends, both human and canine.

Did you adopt a pit bull by accident or intentionally?

Before adopting Magic, I volunteered at our local animal shelter.  I’d heard or read all the tired, negative press about pit bulls.  Not having any direct experience with pitties, my initial concern in working with these dogs was that my nose and all of my digits remained where nature had placed them.  Not only was this concern unfounded, I completely fell for the “breed”.   When my mightily loved Boston terrier, Pinda, died, I was heartbroken.  As fate would have it, I saw Magic’s picture on the web and read his story.   I had to meet him.  Did we intentionally adopt a pit bull?   Intentionally is an understatement.  He was wholeheartedly adopted.

Any advice for the general public and local governments considering prohibiting pit bull type dogs?

There were so many dire warnings from well-intentioned but either misinformed or uninformed people regarding our choice.  “He’ll turn on you” would wring painfully in my ears and twist in my heart.   Three years later and with each passing day and every breath, Magic continues to demonstrate what it means to be given a second chance.  Life with Magic is just that:  magical.  There is no such thing as a bad day when blessed with the companionship of such a good boy.  If I’d been given the tools, I could not have fashioned a more gentle-tempered creation.   He notices EVERYTHING!  He sniffs at, but never bothers, the ants which occasionally meander across the patio.  He actually cocks his head and listens to birds sing.  He has a best doggy friend, a golden retriever named Cal.  If I ask something of Magic, I only have to ask once and so quietly that most times only he can hear me.  Magic loves his daily hikes up Mount Doug or walks along the beach, he remains the undefeated, champion snuggler of all time, and he ADORES tuggy tire games.  His capacity to love and live joyfully could span our universe.   If there were such an animal as the perfect human, Magic would be it.  Again, this is absolute truth.