From time to time, we at TheBurg fall butt-backwards into controversy.
In other words, we publish something intended to be positive, or even just neutral, and then—blammo—all heck breaks loose.
Enter Pursuit the dog.
Last July, for our annual pet-themed issue, we asked our talented illustrator, Ryan Spahr, to craft a portrait of Pursuit who, at the time, was the longest-tenured tenant at the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area. The adorable, tongue-wagging illustration had a plea, “Adopt Me,” scrolled beneath the portrait.
On the day the issue dropped last summer, we even went over to the Humane Society, where we met Pursuit, played with him and took a video, which we posted.
Unfortunately, our best efforts did not bear fruit. Pursuit wasn’t adopted and, last winter, was scheduled to be euthanized, which, as you may remember, led to protests at the Humane Society. Ultimately, a volunteer fled with the dog.
Suddenly, our prior July cover featuring Pursuit was all over the news—in stories, on the web, on TV, in social media posts.
Most entities didn’t ask permission to use our illustration, and I especially chafed at online speculation that we were somehow involved in this mess—when all we wanted to do was help get a dog adopted. What’s that old phrase: no good deed goes unpunished?
Fortunately, another old cliché concludes this story: all’s well that ends well. Pursuit was saved, which certainly was the best possible outcome to this topsy-turvy story.
Well, it’s July again, so our pet-themed issue is back, this time, I hope, with far less drama. In this issue, you’ll find a host of stories focused on our furry companions, including several that highlight the human/animal bond.
And, if you’re not that into pets, that’s OK, too. Our magazine always includes an array of stories from our community: people, food, sports, art, music and the list goes on.
Happy summer, everyone! Since it’s July in Harrisburg, I’m sure it’ll be a hot one. We hope to catch you out and about in the neighborhood, in the park or anywhere else there’s a cool breeze.
Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor
Click here to read the digital version of our July issue.
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