#Justice4Bullet
Contributor – Elizabeth James, Frisco Resident and Animal Lover
#Justice4Bullet continues to make not just ripples, but waves
On October 6, 2020, Terra Davenport stood before Frisco’s City Council during Citizen Input and gave a beautiful, eloquent, heart wrenching account of what happened to her dog Bullet at the Frisco Ruff Range Dog Park over Labor Day. She bravely described the challenges she experienced between Frisco Animal Services and the Frisco Police Department that needed addressing. You can see the three minute video on the Frisco’s Pet Project (FPP) Facebook page under the Video tab, and I highly encourage you viewing it when you have a moment, along with all of the speakers on behalf of Frisco’s animals that evening. But, Terra deserves countless hugs and a standing ovation for all she has done even in the wake of her overwhelming grief—to not only see justice for Bullet but to ensure that this never happens again.
As one of the many results of the above, not to mention additional, countless efforts by Terra and FPP, there are now 911 emergency signs posted throughout the dog park. Council person Will Sowell made a really good point that anytime something like this happens that we should be calling 911 as opposed to a non-emergency number. Prior to this, there were no signs except if you see suspicious activity related to car break ins. That has changed. I personally was onsite October 21st when the City of Frisco installed the signs (just by coincidence). I spoke with the gentleman (Johnny) posting them and asked that he put them more prominent, including one front and center at the entrance to the big dog park gates. Once he heard the story, he unscrewed the signs and moved them accordingly. He listened, and he is our new rockstar.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge one of our fearless, loving FPP leaders, Marla Fields. She won’t do it, and she is uncomfortable that I am forcing this on her (lol) but I insisted. I didn’t really know Terra until this travesty occurred. Yes, we would say hi, our dogs would play, but that was it. Terra and I became close quickly when this happened, and unfortunately identified through tragedy a lot of work that needs to be done on communication and the roles between Animal Services and the Frisco Police Department. On top of it, the owner of the dog that killed Bullet gave Terra false information. If you haven’t heard the story, it is posted on the FPP FB page.
Out of desperation, I called Marla. At first, she wasn’t quite sure how she could help but typical Marla, that didn’t last long. Yes, it was a FPP effort to support Terra and help get justice for Bullet and make sure nothing like this happens again (or, God forbid, should it, there is a proper protocol to not make matters worse for a grieving family/friends). Marla was already in contact with the higher rank of Animal Services on a different topic and happened to bring it up. He knew nothing of it (problem #131, if you get my drift). From there, she and FPP were on a roll right along side Terra and will remain so.
On Sunday, October 11th, Terra and Christian hosted a beautiful memorial in the Stewart Creek Estates Park. Several of us attended with our furkids to honor Bullet and support Terra, Christian, and their puppies. It was absolutely sad, it shouldn’t have happened, but it was lovely to come together. Additional friendships were made, the support of knowing Terra, Christian, or any of us are not alone and just feeling the love has made all the difference in the world. Thank you to all that attended, including two Frisco Animal Services officers.
I would also like to give a huge shout out to Starbucks on Legacy @ Lebanon. They donated 20 Puppacinnos (for those unaware, it is part of their secret menu…it is basically dog friendly/safe whipped cream in a cute little espresso cup) for all the dogs attending the service with their moms/dads. I tipped on behalf of our group both the evening crew when picking it up and then again the next morning, letting that crew (that I know better – haha) what their team had done. However, I am also contacting their store manager, Bobby Jetton (phone #469.633.9827, email us2265701@starbucks.com) and their district manager, Chris Owens (chowens@starbucks.com) to thank them personally.
If you get a moment, please shoot them an email yourselves and thank them. And of course, if you are in the neighborhood, please support that team and let them know why…I realize sometimes people aren’t big fans of “corporate” vs local, but this Starbucks is a totally local vibe. Greg and I go regularly, they know our orders, are amazing to us and others and are huge animal lovers. They know our fur kid, Brody, by name as he frequents the morning drive through with me. They have even posted signs for the “Bring Nala Home” campaign and ask about her frequently (not just one person, almost anyone on staff). If you give them business, please give them a shout out on their support. They are awesome and have our backs. Many are dog owners as well and I am going to be recruiting a few to FPP.
There is no silver lining in a tragedy like this, but if there were to be: Terra and Christian are now active members of FPP (including Petland Frisco protests) and change is happening at the dog park, including upped surveillance by police. We love and honor you Bullet. You will forever be loved and missed, but we know you are proud of your Mom and Dad and all the work being done. It is in your name, sweet boy. ❤