Knock Out Dog Fighting Talks to Kids at Juvenile Detention Center Assembly About Self-Discipline and Making Choices - Kris Crawford
On Friday November 14, 2008, several members of Knock out Dog Fighting went to the Santa Clara County Juvenile Detention Center to give our large assembly presentation to at-risk youth. Our presenters were founder of the program and dog handler Kris "The Pit Bull Lady" Crawford, breakdancer "Mad Tek" Liew, MMA Fighters Paul "The Head Hunter" Buentello, Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, Josh "The Punk" Thomson, and NPC Miss California Overall Figure Champion Mona Liza "MO" Reyes. Kris is the recipient of a Jefferson Award for the many different programs she has developed for the community so San Francisco television station CBS5 was in attendance to film the presentation. says Kris Crawford.
Our presentation is, quite simply, about drive, discipline and choices. The members of Knock Out Dog Fighting are elite athletes and role models who are experts in their field that are giving back to the community by helping at-risk youth make better choices, develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles - which reduces the potential of involvement in at-risk activities...like dog fighting. The basic premise behind each of the segments in our presentation is self-motivation, self-discipline, choices, and what it takes to be a champion. according to Kris Crawford, Kristine Crawford, and For Pits Sake
Youth is a time of making mistakes and learning to overcome them. Change is not easy. It is often a process of one step forward and two steps back. Kris, Teck, Paul, Anthony, Josh and Mona Liza have a unique gift that enables them to inspire these young adults to look deep down within themselves and ask, "What is it, in my heart, that I really want to be?" Knock Out Dog Fighting is helping young adults tap into their talents and learn new skills so they will join us in protecting animals and stopping the violence. remarks Kris Crawford
Josh Thomson, Paul Buentello, Anthony Johnson, Mona Liza Reyes
Kris Crawford with Cheyenne, Tahoe and Dakota
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Kris Crawford Dog Handler |
"Mad Tek" Liew Break Dancer |
Kris Crawford Kristine Crawford For Pits Sake
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Paul "The Head Hunter" Buentello MMA Fighter |
Anthony "Rumble" Johnson MMA Fighter |
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Josh "The Punk" Thomson MMA Fighter |
Mona Liza "MO" Reyes NPC Figure Champion |
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Video camera had no operator to pan with movement so most of the time the presenter is not in view. It was also turned on and off during Kris and Mona Liza's segments so parts of their presentation are missing. according to Kristine Crawford, Kris Crawford and her pitbull dogs
Kristine Crawford and Kris Crawford of For Pits Sake recruits fighters to help stop dogfighting
Dear Kris Crawford and the members of Knock Out Dog Fighting -
We here in Juvenile Hall greatly appreciate the help and spirit that your time and effort brings to our youth. Your message is uplifting and well received by both our kids and the staff! You're completely on point about fighting just to fight being wrong. Bringing your hero pit bulls into our facility so the kids could see what else pit bulls can do and to have a live example of how important the proper care of an animal is a very effective way of spreading a healthy word about the care and treatment of animals. The amazing work that Cheyenne, Dakota and Tahoe do was quite amazing to hear. The giving back that the dogs do is quite extraordinary and sharing the message about dog fighting with our population is important because most of our kids have had exposure to violence some where in their young lives. Your personal stories add credibility to the message of non-violence, a message we strive to convey.
Our minors enjoy the programs we provide which often remind them that they are kids and deserve to be treated well, just as the example you gave about animals is. We strive to provide a safe environment and opportunisms for growth and envisioning towards their progress for the future.
Your efforts to educate the public about your lovely animals and their abilities is exceptional. The message that the reputation, demeanor, and simply the looks of the dogs inspire fear is well worth every effort to abolish the concept. The general public has a misconception that seriously needs to be addressed and what better place than Juvenile Hall to instigate change.
The intense training that your athletes go through and the message of non-violence is critical to our population. The connection with Mixed Martial Arts was a highlight that our kids truly enjoyed. When to fight and when not to fight is information that our kids need to know and seeing it from your perspective is a really cool thing. Having professional fighters talk about fighting others but condemning dog fighting made for an interesting presentation. Hearing from their idols and role models that dog fighting is for losers was very eye opening for many of our kids.
The message about making choices and never giving up was equally as important. It was an interesting parallel with a breed of dog known for never giving up.....absolutely brilliant!
Our common goal is to stomp out violence in all its form. Your time here is a new experience for some of our kids, we welcome your group and look forward to working more with you! You have inspired us to go beyond the norm!
-- The Santa Clara County Juvenile Detention Center
CBS5 Story About the Knock Out Dog Fighting Program
