JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A dog with physical disabilities that has visited children all across the Show-Me State was recognized for his work helping teach others to be accepting of each on.
On Tuesday afternoon, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft presented a ceremonial proclamation to Stanley the Bulldog, anti-bullying advocate. Stanley — who was born with a bilateral cleft lip, deformities in his back legs, two different colored eyes and a curved spine — makes public appearances at schools and other events to promote acceptance.
“[W]e express appreciation for Stanley’s involvement in childhood cancer, helping the homeless, disabled and elderly, and his honorary status as a Shop With a Cop veteran,” the proclamation reads in part.
Stanley, along with his owner Deborah Pack, has visited children all across Missouri helping to teach young people to be accepting of each other and each other’s differences.
He promotes acceptance, encourages children not to bully, and is working to bring attention to suicide prevention. Through Stanley’s fundraising efforts, thirteen children have received surgery for cleft palate.
“[W]e wish Stanley the Bulldog continued success in bringing attention to these very important issues concerning our youth,” the proclamation states.
Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.
