Michigan couple, Dan Tiller and his girlfriend had a lifelong dream- to give a rescue dog a loving home. They truly believed this was the right thing to do, and when they first laid eyes on Diggy, they fell immediately in love. Little did they know that this process would cause a string of events, affecting their lives and their town. Read on to find out why one photo of a smiling dog was exactly what the police needed.
1. Stray
It all began when a stray dog was found roaming the Detroit streets. Detroit Animal Control picked up the dog up, who was then passed to Detroit Dog Rescue (DDR), an anti-killing shelter. The rescue van was already at its 12-dog capacity, meaning there was no space for one rescue dog. The caged stray sat solitarily and abandoned; totally unbeknown to him that this controversy would even cause police involvement.
Stray
2. Last Kennel, Last Chance
Fortunately, DDR’s executive director, Kristina Rinaldi was there that day, who upon seeing the distraught stray’s abandoned face, took pity. It was a consensus amongst the volunteers to give him the chance he deserved. Despite there being insufficient van space, she took initiative and took the dog into her car and drove off. An action that triggered a series of unforeseeable events.
Last Kennel, Last Chance
2. New Name, New Life
The volunteers at DDR didn’t anticipate how much they would fall in love with this abandoned stray. As he began to become more comfortable with them, they witnessed his wonderful personality. He had his own idiosyncrasies, like his excitable wiggle dance he would do, lending him the name Sir Wiggleton. They all agreed, there had to be a way to help him find an owner.
New Name, New Life
3. Patiently Waiting
Sir Wiggleton went through the usual adoption-pending process by DDR, such as medical treatments and interactions with other dogs. His photo was regularly posted on Facebook to help find him a home. They waited patiently, but month after month passed, and still, no potential owner came to his rescue. They began to question his future.
Patiently Waiting
4. Seeking Love
In Waterford Township, an hour away, Dan Tillery, a musician had just moved into a home with his girlfriend. Unlike his previous contract, his new one allowed pets. Finally, he could fulfill his dream of sharing his life with a dog. Exploring his options, he came across DDR’s page on Facebook.
Seeking Love
5. A Doggy Discovery
Whilst searching for the perfect doggy, Dan and his girlfriend stumbled across Sir Wiggleton. His photos showed his fun personality, just like theirs, and they knew it would be a good match. Excited at the prospect of giving Sir Wiggleton a loving home, they acted quickly.
A Doggy Discovery
6. Potential Parents
Detroit Dog Rescue was delighted to finally hear of interest in their favorite dog, Sir Wiggleton. Their Facebook posts had been a success at last. As part of DDR’s procedure, they have to bring their dogs to the potential parents’ place. This would be the real test for Dan and his girlfriend.
Potential Parents
8. Love at First Bark
The hour drive for Sir Wiggleton, accompanied by DDR, was his longest journey yet. The rescue staff prayed it would be a successful visit. And much to their relief, it was a triumphant first encounter. Love at first bark you could say. Dan and his girlfriend signed the adoption papers there and then, changing his name to Diggy. After 100 Days being bound in a shelter, Diggy had finally found a loving home. Or had he?
Love At First Bark
9. Family of Three
All was going well for the family of three. Every morning, affectionate Diggy would wake Dan licking his face and they both adored his excitable enthusiasm. The three of them were the dream team; and like most proud parents, they were excited to publicly share the newest family member. However, they did not anticipate the consequences.
Family of Three
10. Social Media Celeb
As proud new parents, they shared Diggy’s photo on Instagram. Charming and photogenic Diggy was definitely worth sharing with the world. DDR as always with their adoptions, followed Diggy’s progress and integration, posting also a humorous adoption day photo. But they too, did not expect events turn take a turn for the worse.
Social Media Celeb
11. Viral Sensation
The DDR photo of Diggy and Dan received more than 24,000 likes in just a few days, even hitting the headlines on Good Morning America TV show. This was when things started to take a turn for the worse. How could one photo of love and affection cause so much drama?
Viral Sensation
12. Police get Involved
Watership Townsford Police, Michigan received the photo of Dan and Diggy. They were informed that Dan was breaking the law and they sought action. Meanwhile, Dan, oblivious to what was in store, was innocently enjoying bonding with his new baby. Then, came the harsh knock at the door…
Police Get Involved
13. A Surprise Visit
Dan opened the door, surprised to see the police, who spoke with him about his posted photo. What, he thought, could’ve been so wrong about this loving image he shared? Dan’s intentions were completely innocent; he only wanted to share his love for Diggy. But in a twist of events, the police accused him of breaking the law and they were going to press charges.
A Surprise Visit
14. Pressing Charges
Dan could not believe what was happening. The police claimed Diggy was a pit bull and since 1990, Watership Townsford had issued a law saying no Pitbulls could enter or be owned in the area. Dan, unbeknown to him, had broken the law. Pitbulls were deemed a threat to society, hence their banning to the town; but Diggy didn’t seem threatening at all. He was loving and caring and fun. What was to become of him?
Pressing Charges
15. Cops meet Diggy
The cops arrived at the couple’s home, and friendly Diggy greeted them with licks to their face. He knew no other greeting. Naturally, they were surprised; it wasn’t how they expected pitbulls to act. Dan knew in his heart Diggy was harmless, but rules are rules, and laws are laws. This was when the police gave Dan a heartbreaking ultimatum.
Cops meet Diggy
16. Dan’s Dilemma
The police proposed two options. Either Dan surrendered Diggy, or pay the penalties for law-breaking. Dan was caught between a rock and a hard place. He knew the police were just fulfilling their service, but the whole situation was just ridiculous. Dan refused to let them take his baby away from him; it was a huge dilemma. The police gave him a few days to make his final decision.
Tough Ultimatum
17. Diggy’s Deadline
The deadline of June 13, 2016, came and went. Dan declined to comply with the cops. Heartbroken and shaken by it all, he contacted Kristine Rinaldi from Detroit Dog Rescue, and collectively they spoke to the cops. Though they too could not foresee the outcome. Moreover, the police had omitted one minor detail.
Diggy’s Deadline
18. Legal Action
As much as Dan tried to rebuke the charges, it was to no avail. He was told he would receive a fine for breaking the Watership Townsford’s pitbull law. He was proposed with a $500 fine. However, there was one minor detail Dan discovered, which he presented and protested to the police.
Legal Action
19. Not a Pitbull
Diggy wasn’t even a pit bull; he was in fact an American Bulldog. Dad had the adoption papers from DDR attesting so. Kristina presented these to the police, whilst Dan refused to surrender Diggy. Consequently, he then received a charge for threatening the police.
Not a Pitbull
20. Internet Star Again
At a loss, Dan shared his story online. He had a huge music fan base already, and now even more from Diggy, he hoped someone out there could help his predicament. His followers were furious. And soon, more and more people rose to his defense. Then the Michigan Human Society intervened; they promised big things.
Internet Star Again
22. Pet Petition
An online petition was drafted by Dan for Diggy. Their many fans supported the fact Diggy was a bulldog, and also protested against the absurd anti-pitbull legislation. They proposed a valid point that pitbulls were only violent if provoked or mistreated, or trained to be so. To ban a whole breed seemed ridiculous, it should be the irresponsible owners who are punished, not the dogs themselves. But would this case be strong enough?
Pet Petition
23. Signatures and Support
Their petition amassed over 54,000 signatures in a short amount of time, which was totally unexpected. Dan was prepared to go all the way and hired a lawyer. He and his girlfriend refused to back down, preparing to do whatever it would take to keep Diggy. Then they discovered more information in their favor.
Signatures And Support
23. Following the Rules
Legally, Dan and Kristina had been following the rules. Prior to Diggy’s adoption, Kristina was aware of the pit bull prohibition and even contacted local authorities to check American Pitbulls were permitted. Even before the police’s visit, Dan had papers declaring Diggy’s American pitbull status, but the police chose to ignore it. Though perhaps the court had something to say on the matter?
Following The Rules
24. The Town get Involved
Diggy’s story won the hearts of locals in his town. Some traveled over an hour to attend a town hall meeting protesting his innocence. His story had moved so many and enraged local residents fought his case.
The Town Get Involved
25. Bulling the Breed
Supporters chanting angrily in favor of Diggy at the town hall. One woman protested that it was citizens’ tax money being used to fuel these absurd laws. They also pointed out that other states had successfully rebuked this law in Hazel park and Canton Township. It was a consensus that the law should punish pitbull owners and not bully the breed. Then came an announcement which took everyone by surprise.
Bullying The Breed
26. Pitbull Comparison
Many dog rescue workers also came forward and intervened. Their knowledge of dog breeds and demeanor would surely win the case. They explained that people were more likely to be bitten by a Chihuahua or Dauchshund than a pitbull. They stated a pitbull’s behavior is entirely dependent on how it is treated.
Pitbull Comparison
27. Statistics Speak
According to the USA’s 2016 dog fatality statistics, there were 41 cases of which pit bulls were responsible for 22. The case wasn’t looking plausible. Dan, refusing to lose, informed the prosecutors that owners should take responsibility for the way in which their dog acts, and not blame the dog’s breed. Further more, Diggy wasn’t even a pitbull. But would this pull with the court?
Statistics Speak
28. Uncertainty
Nervous and vulnerable, Dan and his girlfriend faced a lot of uncertainty over Diggy. They had acquired a whole following, even from strangers, but would this be enough? The consequences if proven unfavorable were to be huge. They risked losing Diggy if they lost their case. Anxiously, they waited.
Uncertainty
29. Victory at Long Last
After months of endlessly draining legal battles, a verdict in September 2016 was reached. Diggy’s case to be taken from his home was dismissed by the 51st District Court. That once abandoned stray with his goofy personality was permitted to remain in his home forever. Victory at long last. And Watership Townford updated their anti-pitbull laws. A new law indicted that only vets could determine a dog’s breed, not the police. Elated at the verdict, Dan celebrated.
Victory At Long Last
30. Tribute to Diggy
Dan’s followers all know he loves tattoos, so what better way to celebrate this stressful order than to pay a tattoo tribute to his dog, Diggy. A year later, Diggy’s tattoo was drawn on his thigh. Now Dan will never be faced with the potential loss of Diggy again.
Tribute To Diggy