We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dahlia Canes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dahlia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

Dogs give unconditional love, which we are incapable of doing. Yet they are one of the most abused animals on the planet. They deserve to be served. Too many times they fall either in the wrong hands, become abandoned or abused. They have served their human counterparts for centuries, still have never been given their true place in our lives. To the lucky ones who have managed to find a loving and safe home, thank your doggy stars. To those that haven’t, hang in there your day will hopefully come.

Dahlia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I really didn’t get into animal welfare, I was born to do this as it’s a calling. I am presently the Director/Founder of the Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation (MCABSL). We fight breed specific discrimination against dogs of all breeds. We stand against dog fighting, animal abuse and of course breed specific discrimination. We get calls from around the world on the above stated issues. We have brought the real problems to light and took them head on. We brought the No Kill equation to Miami Dade County, as well as assisted in the enactment of the anti-tethering ordinance, we were involved in the re- drafting of Chapter 5, we perform Power Point presentations at schools and universities throughout our nation, are involved with animal welfare bills and legislation, work hand in hand with animal shelters, appear in media and promote responsible dog ownership. We have our Annual PitNic coming up, this will be number 13. We were also highly instrumental in the passage of Florida SB 942, which goes into effect October 1, 2023. This will end the last remaining municipal and housing restrictions against specific dog breeds, their weight and height. It will also end the “Miami Pit Bull Ban”…

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Being honest and upfront. Speaking out against wrong even if it’s unpopular at such times. Helping individuals and specially the animals, specifically dogs. Listening and having an open mind while attempting logical solutions. When truth and logic is combined and you clearly state your mission, the word gets out and you’re therefore interacting with other groups, orgs or individuals that are seeking the same evolutionary solutions. The politics involved sometimes becomes a 3 ring circus, however, you must learn to navigate it as best you can. Stand your ground, state the issues and offer solutions, they will listen then.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Word of mouth, staying strong and doing the right thing. Of course the internet and media played a role in the growth. Working with others while growing in leaps and bounds. Certainty not being shy in expressing your ideas and goals is essential. Recognizing what it means to be a leader and responsibly assuming that leadership role, while applying understanding and respect for others point of views or opinions. Do more listening then talking, and always work on solutions while recognizing the problems. Most important… Never Give Up!

Contact Info:

• Website: MCABSL
• Instagram: MCABSL
• Facebook: MCABSL

Image Credits
Dahlia Canes