Save Puppies-Stop Bullies

For those of you who know me, you know I wear my heart on my sleeve. I am a dogged advocate (pardon the pun) for animals in our East Nashville community--whether they be homeless, lost, injured, or mistreated. I have built fences to free dogs that have lived their entire lives on chains; I have saved animals from impending euthanasia at animal shelters; I have spoken out about puppy mills; I have supported local rescue organizations. For years, I have worked tirelessly to be a voice and a helping hand to animals that are innocent, defenseless, and cannot speak for themselves.

To that end, I recently spoke out on Facebook about a local business that I had reason to believe engaged in practices resulting in deaths of pets in their care (for example: http://www.wsmv.com/story/35260500/chihuahua-dies-at-east-nashville-dog-day-care
Unfortunately, today another person and I were served in a lawsuit. The business is alleging libel, false light publicity, misrepresentation by concealment and negligence, fraud, and intentional interference with a business relationship. For Facebook posts. Yes, Facebook. The business has asked the court to award 2 million dollars in damages. Of course, I don't have that kind of money. In fact, I don't even have the money to defend myself. I am asking for your help to raise attorney fees so that I may not only defend myself but show these local business owners that they cannot use the court system to bully people into silence.

At the moment, I cannot possibly know how long this will drag out or how much it will cost. But I will use every bit raised to defend this suit, and if I raise more than is needed, I will donate the remainder to local animal welfare groups. 

Please help if you can. Thanks so much.


Bari