Justice for Gage

Shana Burke, May 12, 2008:
"This whole thing saddens me, Britt and I have always done things by the law and have followed the rules. We put LOTS of time into Gage to make sure he was well soicalized and gentle with kids and small animals. He never knew violence or meaness. He was ALWAYS contained and never allowed to run about. We did our part.And one man can destroy it all in a blink of a eye. And the system that I put my faith into, is doing nothing about it."

Brittnie,  Apr 19, 2008:
"Gage was the best brother ever.... he was always there when we needed him and he always made us feel safe.. he never let us down...he wasnt a dog he was a actually a family member to us...he was the most amazing dog that anyone could ever have ... "

Heather, Apr 19, 2008:
"I have so many great memories me and him have shared in the 7 years we have been together. Gage i can honestly say had WAY more friends than i did. There has'nt been one person gage has met that did not immediately become his friend, ... "
"Gage might as well been a human, i swear he understood everyword that came out of my mouth. I could litteraly have a conversation with him. He always made me feel better when i had a bad day, he knew when someones day went bad. Gage ran and cowerd at any yell people made. Anger and hatred scared him so bad that he would go find a place to hide, even tho it was close to impossible in my house for him to do."

Nikki Steen, Apr 17, 2008:
"Gage was not just a reflection of the familiar phrase "not-just-a-dog"... and Gage was not only a family member - he had a role, which he fulfilled above and beyond his call. Gage was a piece of the foundation that the Burke family is built upon - and he took this job seriously."
"His character has always been one of love and trust. It was because of this dog's outstanding disposition that my husband and I chose to adopt his pup, Sarge. Because of Gage's caring family environment, there was never any reason for him to fear people. He loved everyone he met, and everyone he met fell in love with him. He was gentle, and he was extrememly tolerant of even the most rough play of small children."

Dale Steen, Apr 28, 2008:
"I didn't like dogs much. I certainly didn't want a dog. But after meeting Gage and getting to know how sweet, fun, well-behaved, and gentle he was, I decided that if Gage ever fathered puppies maybe I'd change my mind. Gage did finally have puppies and now we've got his son, also a sweet, caring dog."

Derrick Pope, Apr 16, 2008:
"WOW!!! What to say? I guess with a story. In Lajes Field in the Azores I was stationed with Britt and Shana. We became friends from the start, not very hard to fall in love with this family, and were invited to their home for a birthday party. My wife, 2 year old daughter, and I showed up to their home where many people gathered, Britt and Shana had plenty of friends. This was the first day I met Gage. As I mentioned before, my 2 year old daughter Alexis was with me, and we got there the first things she said was "puppy", pointing and smiling at Gage. He had never met us before in his life but he greeted us and gave us kisses to no end. My daughter played with Gage almost all night in between him giving love to everyone else in the house. There was never a time when I felt in fear of my daughter being in trouble from Gage. Gage was not a "normal" dog, he was a part of Shana and Britt's family and forever will be. Gage was the center of attention playing tug-o-war with anyone he could find, always someone wanted to play with him. Today I couldn't tell you who's birthday it was, or what I was driving, if I had to work the next day, or if there was even cake. What I do remember though was meeting the happiest and friendliest pup I have ever met in my life. When someone was tired of playing, he knew it and would play with his toy by himself, not bothering a sould. 2 years later my family and I were stationed in Bossier City, LA with Shana and Britt again. We were invited to their house and went to tell them hello and see our dear friends again. When we got to the door I think Gage was more happy to see people and show them HIS home. We walked outside and Gage followed Britt and me around looking for a toy to show us or a game to play. I was still a stranger to Gage, but in all actuality there were no strangers when it came to Gage. While inside Gage would walk back and forth to person trying to get some love, God he was a beautiful boy."

Dorothy Simpson, Apr 16, 2008:
"Gage was more than a friend's dog. He Had become part of mine , my daughter's and my 3 & 7 year old grandson's life. Gage was always there to greet you with a kiss and a tail wag. The house seems so empty without him. The Yorkies aren't even the same . We all miss you very much. We know you are keeping GOD company."

Lindsay Dillon, Apr 14, 2008:
"Gage was a part of the family and there was not a mean bone in his body. My daughter is five and she loved him very much, from the time she was born until she turned five, he was always gentle with her and everyone that came around him, person or animal."

Amanda Walker, Apr 15, 2008:
"Gage was the sweetest dog ever! I considered him my family. Every time I came over he greeted me with his tail wagging and would jump all over me to give me kisses."

Lauren Salter, Apr 15, 2008:
"Like everyone who knew gage will say he was the sweetest pup! So adorable too! He'd let those yorkies climb all over him and just brush it off! He'd jump right up in your lap thinking he was 2 feet long instead of 5 ha ! What happened to him is unthinkable! [ . . . ] Kenny Mrs. Shana Brittney and Heather I just wanna tell ya'll I luv ya'll and if ya'll need anything yall just let me know! I think the Walk for Gage is a GREAT idea and i hope everything with that works out!"

Amanda Cook, Apr 16, 2008:
"The first time we met Gage was when my family came over to a flight BBQ. My son was only 1 at the time and although Gage was a big dog, we never worried about him attacking any of our family. He was the most docile dog we have met. He never growled or barked in a mean way at anyone that was supposed to be on his parents property. He was a very loving and fun-loving dog and we enjoyed being with him."

Jason Kuhn, Apr 16, 2008:
"I was stationed at Lajes Field, Portugal with Gage and the Burke's from April 2001 until July 2002 as a young Senior Airman. During that time there were many days and nights that I hung out at the Burke?s home having fun and playing with Gage. Not only was Gage an awesome dog to have known, but at the time he was filling a void in my life, since I had to live in the dorms my Black Lab was in Maryland. Gage was always standing on the front porch wagging his tail and happy to see us when we pulled in the driveway. Gage had been taught well, no matter how hard we tried calling him over to the car, he would not leave the porch without Britt's permission. Gage was one of the best dogs I have ever known and he will be missed not only by his family, but he will also be forever missed by his extended family including myself."

Andy Lansdowne, Apr 17, 2008:
"When you look at some animals and pets that is all that you think of them as. But when you looked at Gage you didn't see that. When you looked at Gage you saw a son, a brother, a friend, and a guardian. [ . . . ] No one should ever have to go through anything like this. Gage would not hurt anyone. I know that from first hand experience and yet someone would be willing to harm him. He only wanted love from everyone and that is what everyone gave him, except for one individual. I am feel so bad for the Burks and for their loss. [ . . . ] Gage was part of my family too."

Nikki Heard, Apr 16, 2008:
"Gage was the sweetest dog ever and i miss him tons! he was always right there trying to help with homework! =)"

Taryn Shuttlesworth, Apr 16, 2008:
"Gage was the most loving, amazing dog. If I hadn't know he was a pit bull, I would never had believed it. He was always the first to greet me when I came to visit. He would put his paws on my shoulders and lick my face. [ . . . ] He always seemed to know when I was feeling bad, and he always made me feel better. [ . . . ] I wish I could have seen him one last time before he left us. Gage was an example of what love and affection can do to change animals for the better. He will be missed everywhere. I hope that this changes laws and makes the world a safer place for animals."

Tiffany Van Daele, Apr 16, 2008:
"So i never really liked dogs, but i loved Gage. He was the sweetest dog i've ever met. And he certainly was not violent. he didnt deserve this. we miss his adorable little face."

Angela Stephenson, Apr 16, 2008:
"Everytime i think about the horrific act that was done to Gage- i juat cringe. Gage was the most sweetest and loving dog in this world. He didn't have a mean bone nor a mean strike to his whole body. This is the same dog that would allow my 5 year old daughter to climb on his back like a horse and not flinch or be bothered by the fact at all. Never did i feel afraid or scared that this dog, Gage, would ever harm or attack me or my daughter. I felt nothing but safety and comfort when i was around Gage. Gage was a very important part and member of the Burke Family- he wasn't just another dog and one to be easily replaced. He was a son, brother and friend to so many. [ . . . ] Gage you are gone but will never be forgotten."

Casey Richard, Apr 16, 2008:
"I LOVE GAGE FOREVER AND FOR ALWAYS"

Debbie Hogan, Apr 17, 2008:
"My daughter and granddaughter are part of gages family. They never told me anything bad about that poor baby."

Tiffany Warren, Apr 17, 2008:
"I just want to say that in the time i came to know Gage, he was the nicest, most tolerable dog i've ever met. He was the COMPLETE opposite of the rep that pit bulls are given. [ . . . ] I have become friends with the Burke's over the last year and a half. They are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. They have small kids at their home frequently. [ . . . ] The Burke's have lost one of their children and there's nothing that could ever replace a child. We miss you and love you very much...R.I.P. Gage."

Sarah Hull, Apr 17, 2008:
"Gage was more than just a dog...he was family. The only fault he ever had was loving people and wanted to be loved. I have always been leary of pitt bulls, but I felt safe around Gage from day 1. When my husband was out of town, Gage would spend the night with me curled up like a big baby next to me to make me feel safe. When I had a bad day and went to Gage's house, he would sense this and lay his head on me or lean next to me to show that he was there for me."

Francis Tran, Apr 18, 2008:
"I met Gage when my husband introduced me to the Burkes. That was back in 2001. [ . . . ] I had heard stories about how vivious pitbulls could be. But from the first moment I met Gage, all those 'stories' weren't true. He was loving, entertaining, the most amazing dog I have ever met! He was the reason why my daughter stopped being afraid of dogs and learned to love them. He was the reason why my husband and I decided to get our own dog."

Dona Steen, Apr 18, 2008:
"Gage was included in the activities of our son & daughter-in-laws wedding. He was such a gentle fun dog. He didn't even object when they put the sun screen on his nose."

Roger Richard, Apr 18, 2008:
"I've owned alot of dogs in my life. From ridgebacks to dobermans and have been around alot of pitt's, but never seen a pitt bull as gentle and good natured and loving as Gage."

Nicole Shocklee, Apr 18, 2008:
"Gage was not just a dog he was a vital member of the Burke family. The most vicious part of Gage was his waging tail when he was happy to see you. I am a mother of three and my kids met Gage when they were 8,6, and 4. They loved that dog and he loved them. There was NEVER a moment when I was concerned about my kids being around Gage. He was diffenetly the dog that broke the stereotype of pitbull."

Phil Scavo, Apr 19, 2008:
"I was privileged to participate in a wedding ceremony. We all stayed in a beach house on a small island in the gulf. A fun loving dog ran on the beach, fetching, swimming, playing. This dog had such a cool disposition. New friends were made that weekend. One of them was GAGE."

Arnold Nilssen, Apr 19, 2008:
"I knew the Burke family from when I was stationed in the Azores from 2001-2004. Britt and Shana brought him along to gatherings with friends and community events. Gage was a friendly and gentle dog and I never thought of him as the stereotype of a "killer" pit-bull."

Hillary Unis, Apr 19, 2008:
"Gage was the most amazing dog, he cared for everyone big or small and had one of the nicest hearts."

Nicole Frederick, Apr 19, 2008:
"I met Gage when i was only 8 years old when we were stationed in Terceria. I was best friends with Mrs. Burke's daughter and so i was at their house frequently. I remember always tensing up just a little before i walked in their house each time, because i knew that i could expect Gage's big tail whapping me in the thigh because he was happy to see me. That was the most ferocious thing about him. I remember the time when we decided to dress him up in our clothes, not out of meaness towards him, we loved gage, but we were young children and he was our friend. I guess thats just what children do. He didn't once growl or snap at us as we dressed him up as most dogs would. Gage was definitely the dog that breaks the pitbull steriotype! I'm so sad that he is gone now. He didn't do one thing to deserve it. He was loved by everyone. [ . . . ] God Bless the Burke family and i hope peace is restored."

Ray Martin, Apr 19, 2008:
"Gage was a good dog. Hang in there Britt and Shana."

Oleta Stites, May 1, 2008:
"I remember the first time I seen Gage, he was a 'meet and greet you at the door' kind of dog. My son at the time was 3 yrs old and he would ride Gage like a horse and Gage was very gentle with him. My daughter was around Gage all the time and he never once acted unkindly to her or anyone that I ever witnessed... He was more than a dog, he was family to all the military family that was around Shana and Britt. He will be greatly missed by all."