The Deadly Dog Virus

We took a break this week from our magazine-publishing project to look at persuasive writing. How can we use logic, authority, and emotion most effectively to get what we want? In our classroom scenario, 10 teams advocated on behalf of owners whose dogs had been struck with a lethal dog virus (H2N2? Shih Tzu Flu?). The catch: the village vet (me) only had vaccine for two of the 10 dogs. Lively presentations led to even livelier voting, which culminated in these two winners. Meet the survivors…

Dog 1: Beano

Owner: PC Ryan Lee – Ryan is a thirty-year-old police officer who works with Beano, his police dog. Together they have caught many criminals. Last month they captured a terrorist who was plotting to blow up a train.

Dog: Beano – Beano is a well-trained ten-year-old police-dog. He is completely obedient to his owner and shows great intelligence sniffing out trouble.

THE STUDENT PITCH

Beano is a well-trained, protective, and dedicated police beagle. He is completely obedient to his owner, Const. Ryan Lee, and shows great intelligence sniffing out trouble.

Together with Ryan, Beano has helped catch many criminals. Last month, they captured a terrorist who was plotting to blow up a train, saving millions of lives. This action earned both Ryan and Beano a personal commendation from the Queen. She went so far as to call Beano a “national hero”.

Locally, Beano saves lives, and contributes to the safety and security of our community. If we allow this dog to die from this horrible virus, we put the entire community at risk. With the training that Beano has been given, our community has invested a great deal in Beano; allowing him to die would cost the community both directly and indirectly.

Because of the service Beano has given this town, we owe him this vaccine.

And number two…

Dog 2: Oscar

Owner: Lee Travers – thirty-year-old Lee is an international rescue worker who travels the world with his dog searching for survivors from disasters. He is married with a two-year-old daughter, but is often away from home with his dog.

Dog: Oscar is thirteen and a very experienced sniffer dog. Wherever there is an earthquake or a building collapsed or someone trapped underground, Lee gets paid to come with his dog and search for survivors. Oscar puts his life at risk searching for people using his sense of smell. Over the years Oscar has saved the lives of many people.

THE STUDENT PITCH

Oscar has saved over 700 people in his career as a sniff dog in England. England has a history of natural disasters including earth quakes, tornados, and floods. These natural disasters result in people becoming injured, trapped, and helpless. You could become trapped from a natural disaster. Oscar could save your life.

Oscar’s entire life has been dedicated to working and training as an experienced sniff dog. Oscar saves on average 60 lives a year — that’s one life saved per week.

Should Oscar die from the virus, Lee’s wife and his two-year old daughter will suffer, because Lee’s career depends on Oscar’s ability to save lives.

Oscar selflessly saves lives every day, so his life should be saved today.