Gordon Shell is a man willing to fight for what he believes in – literally. The former MMA fighter and bodybuilder is a big softy when it comes to dogs – but a terrifying force of nature when it comes to animal abusers.
Aside from his mission to end dog fighting, Shell has initiated a shelter rehabilitation project to improve living conditions for shelter pets and increase their chances of adoption.
In 2012, Shell famously challenged former NFL player and convicted dog abuser, Michael Vick to a Pay-Per-View MMA fight; all proceeds to benefit dogs rescued from fighting rings, of course. He even created a Facebook page to promote the idea. Not surprisingly, Vick has yet to answer the challenge.
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As the founder of the Anti Dog Fighting Campaign, Shell has devoted his life to defending the voiceless victims of unspeakable crimes. Together with friends and supporters across the world, he battles for stronger laws, educates the public, and speaks out about the breed most commonly targeted – Pit Bulls.
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It was through his hands-on work rescuing dogs on the streets of Michigan that Shell became inspired to rehab shelters. He found that he was saving more dogs than the local shelters had space for. With an extensive background in both commercial and residential construction, he decided to put his skills to good use.
Shell teamed up with fellow advocate and dog trainer, Steffen Baldwin to transform River Rouge Animal Shelter for the project’s first undertaking. They strapped on their tool belts and completed a 2-week, $5,000 rehab – $4,700 of which came from Shell’s own pocket.
The buff MMA star painted dog kennels, built an office for the shelter president, constructed storage closets, created a lobby area, moved the cat room away from the dogs, and brought the dryer ventilation system up to code.
It was important to Shell that the facility not only function better, but also look better in order to draw in more potential adopters and give them a sense of comfort and confidence in the staff. He told Pup Journal:
“If they see…the facility is lacking in some way, people focus on that instead of the animals. Dogs shouldn’t be faulted for shelters that don’t have the money to make expensive repairs.”
Shell is only just getting started. He dreams of having the resources to do several rehabs per month by hiring contractors and utilizing volunteers. There have been talks of a potential television program documenting his extreme shelter makeovers.
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A show could be a great source of much-needed revenue to fund the projects, but it has yet to get the green light. For now, Shell is raising what money he can by selling t-shirts, autographs, and other items. To make a purchase or a donation to his cause, check out his website.
H/T to Pup Journal
Toledo, United States.
