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​Dear Family,

This has been the most impactful 2-3 weeks for the Rock family since we started to get justice for Pam.  Let me recap progress and what to look for in the near future.

 

It started with a plan, careful preparation and support from all family members.   Many things had already been set in motion and put us in position to achieve results.  These are my recollections; I may not have things in exactly the right sequence, but I know everyone stepped up for Pam.

 

• Dan discovers a national organization that advocates for victims of serious dog attacks, .Tom researches and discovers Colleen, Kathryn, and Bonny who collect and validate data and publish the website to help many other people just like us.Website originator, Colleen Lynn, is a pit bulldog victim who was attacked and injured by a pit bull on a leash while she was jogging on her sidewalk.

• Colleen and her team provided the insight and data to show dangerous dog attacks growing nationwide, and highlighted the eight most effective Dangerous Dog (DD) policies.Colleen recommended we urge Florida legislators to use Virginia as the best practice “model.” Kathryn and Bonny live and work in Virginia and provided us the latest VA DD statutes.They also shared insights on how VA laws could influence FL statutes and prevent more victims.Dick and Mary Lucy analyzed VA laws vs Florida laws as compared to DogBite.org “Gold Standard.”This results in prioritized actions for Florida legislators to consider and implement without delay (Page 9).

• Fred was able to connect us with his FL State Senator, Jay Collins, to meet in Tampa and help chart a different course from our initial goal of “Investigating Putnam County Dereliction of Duty.”Instead, Sen. Collins supported revising FL’s DD legislation.Sen Collins says go big and get the laws fixed first.He agreed to help us and would personally encourage Sen Hutson’s help.

• We now have a clear message and action plan for legislators. Dick secured an on-site visit to Sen Travis Hutson, the most senior Florida State Senator in Florida for Friday, 30 June 23.Sen. Hutson represents Pam’s home town and the Interlachen Post Office locations.

• Colleen then sends an invitation to submit an essay about Pam’s tragedy for column, to be published.Dick authors the article with Tom and circulates it.Fred then gets a friend James, a professional author and editor, to rapidly edit and Tom submits for future publication.

• Dick and Fred send advance copies of our recommendations to both Sen Collins and Sen Hutson.Tom is able to meet with Ms. Gertrude Bishop (the latest DD victim in Putnam County) who adds her personal message to Sen Hutson for action.

• Friday, 30 Jun- Ronnie and Bob, Dick and Tom meet with Sen Hutson.We have a serious message and were limited to 15 minutes.The pre-work made all the difference.Sen Hutson and Sen Collins are on board with starting a process to revise FL DD statutes. “It’s time to get these changes under way.”

• Sen Hutson explained an expedited legislative process where Sen Collins can propose changes to law and then he could approve and get the changes on a fast track to committee review and analysis.He said he would let us know how the new laws were progressing.Sen Hutson then relayed his concern for the action/inaction of the Putnam County organizations.He plans to request Rep Payne direct or conduct an “Audit” of the circumstances of two attacks (Pam and Ms. Bishop).

• We were able to present our story, make recommendations and gain support for new Florida legislation.As we were driving home from the presentation, we received Fred’s email that the Pammy’s story in was published that same morning.The timing was not a coincidence or accident.

• The “Justice for Pam” Petition Drive approaches 5,000 petitioners, thanks to Randy’s leadership and the work of family & extended family & friends.

 

Next steps for now are wait and be prepared to support Fred and Sen Collins as they prepare the new draft legislation.  I’ll make sure any news we are sent in writing so messages are clear and accurate.