Farewell Baxter, or, the SPCA Killed My Dog

I learned today that a couple of months ago, my local SPCA killed Baxter, the lovable Saint Bernard. OK, he wasn't my dog, contrary to what that headline says, but he could have been. Should have been.

You see, the SPCA deemed my family unfit to adopt Baxter (and for all intents and purposes any dog) because we have two children under the age of 12. I kid you not.

No matter that my wife and I have a history of caring for rescue dogs, including difficult ones, stretching back a quarter century.

No matter that our kids are used to having dogs, and know how to behave safely and appropriately in their presence.

Never mind that we've never had a major incident with any of our canines, and that they've never harmed anyone (or have come to any serious harm themselves).

Never mind that we have a verifiable record with our veterinarians, stretching back many years, showing that our dogs punctually and without fail received the necessary shots and any other medical care they needed.

And never mind that we would have signed a waiver absolving the SPCA of culpability if an incident did happen.

No. The SPCA of Hancock County, in Trenton, Maine, told us they have to do what is in the best interest of the animals. Baxter's "history" was unclear and so they couldn't vouch for him. Apparently, "the best interest of the animal" meant not allowing us to give him a loving home. And it means that, not long after the SPCA rejected our candidacy and actually threw us out of the shelter (you can read the whole sordid story here), they killed him.

Can you believe that? They decided that ending his life was better for him than letting him come home with us.

To use a Vietnam-era reference: In order to save the dog, they had to destroy him.

By the way, here's a fun fact. The SPCA in question bills itself as a no-kill shelter. I'm sure that label is quite the money-maker come fundraising time. It just doesn't happen to be truthful, as Baxter's execution shows pretty irrefutably.

I wonder how many Baxters — abandoned dogs with prospective new owners who would've loved to take them home — have ended up on the pile of animal carcasses that the SPCA habitually produces.

"Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals." What a sad, horrible joke that name has become.

Comments

[DW]

These people are a notch below Michael Vick. At least Vick didn't pretend to be acting on behalf of the dogs' welfare.

[David]

That's the worst possible follow-up to your original story that I could imagine. My girlfriend and I just adopted a dog, but only after several agencies wouldn't consider us because we both work 9-5 and are of child-bearing age. The consensus was that if we decided to have children, we'd neglect, abuse, or euthanize the dog. Thankfully, the Pug Rescue of New England had a counselor who was about our age and we brought home a sweet little dog.

The SPCA should be ashamed, their determination to let the perfect be the enemy of the good cost poor Baxter his life.

[Windypundit]

Damn. I'd sort of assumed that you somehow managed to get the dog anyway through some sort of trickery that you couldn't talk about. Sorry for your loss.

[greg]

I'm an honest person, but my advice to anyone going to adopt from a shelter. LIE, LIE, and LIE some more.

1. I do not have a job and am home all day
2. we do not have any children
3. we do not have any other animals
etc....

It's sad, but I wouldn't have any of my animals if I had told them I worked 8 hour days. I actually had someone in the Philly SPCA argue with me that it was 'inhumane' to allow the dog to be alone for that long!!!

[Jeff Wiebe]

Poor dog. "I am liberating you, sir." BANG.

[Jim H]

Ah, but they killed him without cruelty, so it's ok. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Not SPAL (Society for the Protection of Animals Lives).

[Timothy]

This is why I will only adopt from and support no-kill shelters. My two lovely dogs, well, one super lovely and one sweet to us but with a few aggression problems :-), came from a no-kill shelter here in San Antonio. My girlfriend volunteers there on the weekends, and that's kind of the only reason we were able to get the dogs.

The shelter technically has a policy that they don't adopt to people under 25 and try to avoid young couples. I can sort of understand it from a no kill: they're worried that a young couple will have kids and just end up bringing the dog back, which has happened a lot in the past. But if you're the SPCA and you know for a fact that they'll end up killing the dog if somebody doesn't adopt it, seems like it'd be okay to maybe fucking relax a little.

[Wendy]

I just tried to adopt from our local SPCA. We were looking to adopt a very calm Husky, and were told that management had to approve our application because it was a Husky. It was explained that this was due to a woman previously adopting two Huskys from them, leaving them in a fenced yard, and them jumping the fence and killing a neighbor's dog, causing them to be euthanized.

They then refused to allow us to adopt this Husky, since we do not have a fenced yard!

Obviously, now I've learned what another poster said: If I do "adopt from a shelter. LIE, LIE, and LIE some more."

I agree the honest,hard working citizens who try to go by the book and the system and would never even think about lying are the ones that get screwed every time. I have learned this thru my 52 years of life. But in the last ten years I have learned to LIE,LIE,LIE. I just stole a dog from someones yard that had been chained to the bumper of a truck for 2 monthsf half the time without water and food. The scum would even leave the house for days at a time never spending time with the dog. When I took it to my animal shelter they said they were closed and could not take the dog. So I lied and said it was almost run over twice and I found the dog they said to come back tomorrow I told them I would just let the dog go and just leave it, only then did they take the dog. So Sad that some people don't care anymore it's just a job.

[Yvie Smith]

I just saw the segment on Fox News about this. I am absolutely *HORRIFIED* by this. My heart aches for you, and for Baxter. I adopted my first dog (on my own) when I was 19 from a shelter. I worked 8 hour days, was obviously only 19, etc. But I was approved in 1 day to pick up my beautiful Princess Katie. She became the love of my life. Since then I've adopted 2 cats and gotten married, she passed away 2 years ago and I grieve for her every single day.

I can't imagine what it would have been like to be told I couldn't adopt her, or I couldn't adopt any animal. This isn't in the best interest of the animal, it couldn't possibly be. I absolutely support you speaking out! I wish there was more we could do.

I hope you're able to find a new canine family member soon, from some place that cares about ANIMALS not CYA'ing.

[mommapaws]

As a recent "past-volunteer" with the spca I can tell you that it also drives the volunteers crazy that they turn down so many prospective homes for dogs. Even if the dogs in adoption do not get put down, there are hundreds put down waiting for space to become available in adoption facitily. There is WAY to many staff and way to many people "in charge" that never touch the actual animals themselves. To them it has become a paycheck. They drive good volunteers away who do it for all the right reasons, because in their almighty wisdom some seriously bad decisions are made and the volunteers are treated with outright disrespect. There are rescues out there that need help with fostering etc...rescues that understand that not everyone has a fence and babies are going to be born...that divorces happen and circumstances change.
Get involved with your local rescues and pick up the slack where the spca has fallen down.

[mygnon]

We had a similar experience years ago with the SPCA in Tallahassee, FL. Fortunately, with a better ending. Our daughter - - - then a student at FSU--- spotted a springer spaniel, called us for asst in financing the adoption (the dog was sick with heartworm).
When she went back with the cash, the SPCA told her she couldn't adopt Pepper because they didn't allow folks who live in apts to adopt "large" dogs!
Pepper was already scheduled to be killed the next day!!!!
They would rather kill the dog than allow her to live in an apartment??????
Well, college students can be creative. A friend (who also lived in an apt.) took the same cash in and left with Pepper.
We (the family) enjoyed Pepper for another 15 years. And she had a full and enjoyable life.
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THESE SPCA FOLKS????

[Ramsey]

I cannot understand how anyone could think death was better than going to a good home. I have Saint Bernards and there is nothing like them. I grieve for you and your loss. Baxter was a beautiful dog and didn't deserve what he got. This in my opinion is just insane.

[matt]

not to get off track but are we talking about animal control or a private shelter?

[Martha]

I just saw the story on Fox news and I've been talking to myself for the past hour. I can't belive that the SPCA would do that. I'm disgusted. I give money every month since I know they generally do great work. I am now however wondering if they have lost site of what they are supposed to be doing. I am just so sad about Baxter. I have 9 animals right now and I have been through the application process. While I think they are trying to do it for the right reasons, it appears things are getting too "Corporate or Legal" as well. Some people shouldn't have animals but I can't believe that they would put a magnificant animal like Baxter to death rather than to give him a home. I'm going to write to the ASPCA as well. This is just so sad.

[bekki]

I'm a volunteer and foster home for a private breed specific rescue. After working with the rescue for several years, I began to realize what a negative bias I was beginning to develop. This was sadly because I spent so much time dealing with people who were inconsiderate and uncaring about their dog family members. I can't even count how many dogs we received due to a new baby. Many of these dogs were adopted from us because we really wanted to give people the benefit of the doubt, only to be retuned when the couple decided to have kids.

Needless to say, we began to assume the worst when a young couple would apply. But we reminded ourselves that not every young couple would return their dogs and put the young couple thing aside. Its very hard at times, wondering if he dog would come back. While its not right to profile like that, with limited resources, I'm afraid rescues have no choice. And I won't even go into the two dogs who were hit by cars because the owner thought it was fine to leave them off leash after they signed a contract that the dog would always be leashed.

I'm sorry for your loss, I would have approved your family to adopt. I'm saddened by what lawsuit occurred to make them act like this.

[LJ]

And those b@st@rds have the nerve to ask for donations to keep their "humane works" going! I, for one, will fire off an email to the SPCA chapter that KILLED that dog. The damned people should have run it over or shot it-it's the same fate as being "euthanized" which has the same meaning as KILLING!Maybe the ALF should get involved and give them something to whine about(The SPCA)!

[aynrandgirl]

Even if the young couple brings the dog back after a few years, so what? If the dog isn't adopted it dies today, and the shelter doesn't have to pay for its upkeep during the time the couple owns it. It seems to me that a few extra years of life is a good thing for the dog and the shelter.

[les]

unless you have worked in a shelter (as i have) you have no idea of the people that come in and "just have to have this dog', when in reality, the workers at the shelter have intimate contact with the animal, and can decide whcih animals are suited to which family. when you adopt a dog out to a family that wants a dog, if it isn't an excellent match, this poor dog will end up living in a backyard because the family can't handle it, or returned to the shelter. all of these rules you are all complaining about are TRULY in the best interest of the dog AND your families. i saw it everyday. people who come in and want a dog because of what it looks like, having not read up on anything about breed specifics and what kind of dog is best fit for your family. for example, a puppy isn't a good idea for a family who is gone from 9-5, it is a baby that needs care and training. or when you get a or if you want a cute little jack russell, those need TONS of exercise and can be nippy with kids. come on people, most shelters have the best interest, and after reading this guys own personal acct, the shelter did nothing wrong--why would a person put a 100 pound dog who could easily harm a small child even accidentally with a family of small children?we also hda the same policy, if the children aren't intersted or won't pet the dog, not a good match. this family is just another case of we just have to have, and want the rules bent for them. then, if there was an incident, the blame goes to the shelter. boy, people, use your heads. another example? a pure bred lab pup cute as a button. when he came in we realized he was a BARKER. this family came in and just HAD to have him. my warning was as follows, he sure is cute, but raising a puupy is very difficult and time consuming in itself. this pup is VERY VERY loud and trianing him is going to be a lot of extra work. NOPE, we love him, and must have him. they returned him the next day.

[les]

i just read another comment above...so what if he has to be returned to the shelter...ARE YOU KIDDING ME? i am so passionate about this. have you ever worked at a shelter and seen a dog being returned or left by a family? do you have any idea how traumatic it is for the dog?? it is awful and one of the worst parts of our day. also, most people come in to adopt cute puppies, not adult dogs. thos adult dogs sit in shelters for a long time, and although we spend as much quality time with tem as we can, they just want a loving home. the more times a dog is returned to a shelter, the better chance it has of being put down. ask cesar millan if you don' believe me. please people, think before you comment.

[Anonymous]

Les:

Even accepting your point, however traumatic being returned to the shelter is, wouldn't you agree it is less traumatic than death? Because that's what happened to Baxter. Willing adoptive fmailies were turned away because they "weren't a good match," and then the shelter killed him because the "good match" never came along. The shelter decided that it was better to kill Baxter than risk placing him in a family with kids. Who's not thinking?

[les]

euthanizing is painless, and while it isn't done very often, it is usually only done when the dog is deemed unadoptable, with professional dog trainers evaluating the dos. MOST shelters do their best to place the dogs, no one likes to see the dogs sitting in the shelter, and we were thrilled to bits when dogs found a suitable home, and for dogs that spent MONTHS, even a yr in the shelter, we would all cry with joy when they were finally adopted. even thoght the dogs were well taken care of, living in a shelter is NO life for a dog! these rules are in for a reason!! there are too many dogs due to lack of spaying and neutering, and too many people that adopt dogs that don't realize the amount of responsibility that goes with it. lack of excersise and lack of training, and the people think they have a "bad dog". 99% of the time, it is because people don't know what they are doing. the "unruly " dogs are then dumped off at shelters, for another family to 'try' and deal with the problem, which again, usually leads to a return. how about people who want a dog, then leave them chained up way out back in a dog house? our policy was--indoor only dog. some folks had a problem with that--too bad, then you can't adopt this dog. RULES ARE IN PLACE FOR THE WELFARE OF THE DOG AND YOUR FAMILY

[pork chop]

MYMYMY.. Ms "Shleter worker" is also Ms. I Know Best.. this makes me sick.. a beatuiful dog KILLED ( painlessly of course. as if that makes a differnce. but DEAD IS DEAD) it is called POWER hungry.. shelter workers whonusually have littel or NO expericence wiht dogs of any type become INSTANT experts the minute they put on the "shelter hat". Ever wonder why the KILL numbers are so high.. now you know.. Thye woud rather see a dog or cat DEAD than alive. After all if they don;t kill them how will they keep their jobs and how will they get money.. Oh look we had to kill Baxter.. or any dog/cat.. because?? there was no one who would take him?? NOPE becasue we were too pompous and all knowing to let him live.
The responses above are enought to make a person ill. Buy from a good breeder..most of them understand that people 1. have to WORK 2. Sometimes have children 3. Know that a fenced yard does not always make the owner responsible ( think of city dwellers who MUST walk their dogs) and 4. Are happy to find a good home but will not KILL a dog becasue no "meets" the criteria...
This story should be spread over evey new media in the country.. Read Nathan Winograd's Redemption.. a great book about the "shelters" in America and how th are run

[pork chop]

aynrandgirl.. you should change your name Ayn Rand would never think the way you do. if you knew anything about dogs you would know that you cannot "classify" all "breeds ( and most shelter dogs are mixed breeds) Jack Russels are NOT always hyper many are calm .. just as many people can handle a large dog of any type with small children.. Who are you to make that decision..
and Anonymous.. Take your RULES and your idea of WELFARE all the way to the killing room because your type of thinking is what makes dogs/cats end up there.. how very sad to think that people like these two have control over the life and death of animals that could be alive today.. how very sad...

[Anonymous]

pork chop:

You're reading the authorships wrong. The name of the poster is at the bottom of their comment, not the top. aynrandgirl and I agree with you; your argument is with les.

[pork chop]

well thank goodness for that.. Ayn would be spinning in her grave.. as for Les.. he knows "les" than nothing

[wolves rule!]

Say hello to the proud product of a "home with young child(ren)" and large dogs. I think this man's family would've been fine for Baxter. I grew up from the age of 7 on with a Weineramer, a Samoyed/Lab mix, and a Collie. The mix and the collie were added to the family when I was 8 and 13, respectively, so that yes, we did have all 3 large dogs at the same time. From age 12 on I was fully responsible for bathing & grooming, and shared responsibilities of feeding & exercising them with my mother. I am now married, and the very first thing my husband and I did was rescue a mixed dog who was 5 months old and still in a pet store. He's a beagle mix and is not large like the dogs I grew up with, but we now have 2 children who love the dog and getting sloppy hound kisses all over their faces, and when someday our "first child" passes on and leaves us, we will seek to adopt/rescue a large dog, and maybe not from the shelter after reading this. There is only one shelter in our whole county, a Humane Society, so if we were ever turned down from them, we would take one poster's advise and "lie lie lie" or seek out a private rescue group. I research things about my animals all the time (we also have 2 cats, bet the ASPCA would LOVE that), and would make sure our family was fully capable of handling any dog before we brought them home. I have learned a lot about breed-specific traits in my beagle mix, and there are countless groups on the internet where people can turn for information, training advice, and support with any breed. There is nothing more wonderful than growing up with dogs, and no one will ever deny my children that. I hope Baxter's "almost-family" has found another dog to adopt.

[RescueDogs]

I've adopted two dogs from a shelter, and I've looked at TONS of dogs, and I'll agree with the people who have said "LIE LIE LIE" I had to, we just did it. I know I am a good home for my dogs (22 acre farm) despite not having a fenced in back yard. I also have a BS degree in Animal Science, have taken Animal Welfare, Canine and Feline, Animal Behavior, Nutrition, etc etc classes, I've worked in shelters, I'm currently going to law school to study animal law and I can tell the poster "Les" your so so wrong. Shelters make it INCREDIBLY difficult to adopt dogs, even to good homes. My dogs are home alone a max of about 4 hours a day, never 4 in a row. But there were people that turned me and my boyfriend down. Despite my background, despite that I can prove my dogs are cared for, etc.
Plus, I hate the breed discrimination. One of the main things I want to work against when I'm out of law school - saying that JRT are "hyper and nippy" and all pit bulls are "aggressive."
Shelters push people to breeders and pet stores because it is so hard to adopt from them!

[Elizabeth]

Welcome to the wonderful world of "animal rights". If you want to know how we got to the point that a shelter would rather kill an animal than have it go home with a family you need to read the book "The Hijacking of the Humane Movement" by Patti Strand. You can also check out the website for NAIA - National Animal Interest Alliance where Patti is president - www.naiaonline.org

[aynrandgirl]

Many of the shelters have been captured by animal rights activists, many of whom don't think humans should own animals. Euthanasia is an expected consequence of this.

See "Guardian" Rather Than "Owner": http://www.nfss.org/Legis/AR-alerts/Companion/Comp-Wall-1.html

[Happy Tails]

There is a solution to the restrictive adoption problem. Simply set the adopters up with a dog behavior specialist. This is exactly why I started my business. I used to work as a vet. tech. Holding perfectly nice dogs while they are killed because of behavior problems is very traumatic. Shelters simply need to make sure that people adopting a dog have a visit with a dog behavior specialist before they take the dog home, then in 2 weeks when the honeymoon is over have 2nd in home visit.
Giving people the knowledge of dog psychology and behavior will equip them to prevent and correct unwanted behaviors. They would then also have the resources should problems arise later. I work all the time with couples who have a long time furry child and need to ensure that things are done right so that the dog will accept the new baby. In most cases, it is no big deal.
There is just no reason for all these dogs to be turned over to shelters because of behavior problems. People need to take responsibility and find the help to fix the problems. Shelter need to take the responsibility to make sure that people trying to turn dogs in for behavior have been given the resources of a behavior specialist to help change things.
If you know someone who is considering getting rid of a dog because of behavior point them to my website http://www.dogpsychologyhelp.com . If they don't want to use my services I can help them find someone else. My goal is keeping dogs out of shelter, giving them a happier life, repairing the human/dog bond.

[Nancy Bernard]

The people that head these agencies have got to be control freaks. We had a control freak up here in Northern Iowa that claimed she loved animals but when it came down to it, she was only interested in getting glory and her photo in the paper, and she was all for euthanizing everything that came along. Some animal lover! As for the ASPC where this horrendous misdeed took place, Get someone with a heart to head your program and someone who really loves and cares for animals. This man should have had Baxter, what a crock of crap to put that wonderful animal down when he could have had a great home and life with a perfect family.

[Diane Amble]

Anyone that believes that the SPCA does good deeds, needs to go look at the show on 20/20 that aired a few years ago. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyjfHjxGxm0 They STEAL people's animals then sell them. In fact, the LA SPCA stole an old lady's dog right off he streets of downtown LA while she was sharing a sandwich with her old cocker spaniel of 13 years old. They are still holding him for ransom after hey tried to sell him (oh yeah, "they" call it "adopt") on their website. Go to http://mothersagainstdomesticecoterrorism.com/wethepeople/id12.html to read the story. Call the local police and urge them to recover her dog from the SPCA!!! while he's still alive!!!!Wilshire Area Community Relations Office 213-473-0200 THANKS!

[Gordon]

Me and my long-term girlfriend recently got a cat from the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, the nonprofit adoption agency of the official Philadelphia Animal Control and Care Association. A cat is probably different, but beyond making sure we'd filled the form out correctly they didn't verify anything. The lady at the desk could probably tell that, although we were first time cat owners we were responsible, a stable couple, and intelligent. It probably didn't hurt that we asked plenty of questions that indicated we had some idea of what we were getting into. By SPCA standards we'd be a horrible adoptive family (oh god they're not even married!) but our cat has found a loving home (perhaps too loving, he's still getting used to the hugs) instead of being put down. Am I worried that they might be giving animals out to families that really are unsuited for pets? Not really, I suppose it happens but PAWS, which handles 12,000 animals a year, has gone from a 90% kill rate to a 40% kill rate in the past few years. I think that's worth it.

[Kodibear]

This comment is for the individual who stated that euthanizing "is not done very often". Excuse, me, but I would really like to know where you get your information. Please check out some of the Yahoo rescue groups, join them, and help save some dogs. Many, many shelters, especially those down south, euthanize many times a week. Rutherfordton shelter in NC euthanizes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Spalding County in GA euthanizes that many days, and sometimes more. Shelters in Ohio euthanize 3-5 days per week. Many of the southern shelters have a 96% kill rate.

I also beg to differ with your statement that it is painless. Have you heard of the heartstick? This is a lethal injection into the heart, done without a sedative. Then, there is the gas chamber, which is much less expensive than the injection...dozens of dogs are dumpen into the chamber, the carbon monoxide is turned on, and for 3-6 hours the shelter workers listen to the dogs crying and howling as they slowly suffocate. Sometimes, when they open up the chambers, there is a dog still hanging onto life by a thread. Then, of course, there are the shelters and animal control facilities that do not have the funds for these "painless" methods of "mercy killing", so they take the animal out back and shoot it. Yup, that's painless.

I am so, so sorry that the Von Bakels were not able to adopt Baxter. Saint Bernards are an absolutely wonderful breed. They have been bred for their docile temperment. If you truly want a Saint, go to www.petfinder.com, and enter Saint Bernard into the search engine there. I hope that you will look for one who is marked "urgent", so that you can save a Saint this time. There are groups out there that can help you with transporting if you find a Saint in another state. And there are people out there who can temperment test the dog for you. The other thing you can do is volunteer to foster for a rescue. Foster parents usually get first dibs on adopting their foster (I know, we adopted 2 of our fosters). Good luck, and believe that Baxter is waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

[liza]

Funny how on the Hancock County SPCA website (under the adoption tab) there is a 7 or 8 year old girl sitting on the porch with a shepard mix...false advertising?

It is unfortunate how some people lose sight of the bigger picture when put in positions of authority. Les...it is clear that you feel like it is your personal responsibility to dictate who is or isn't able to care for a pet. I sympathize in that respect. I work for the Council for Children's Rights and am put in that position everyday...but with children. I understand wanting to be sure that the decision you make will result in the most positive outcome for everyone involved. Though I understand your perceived responsibility, as both a dog owner and dog lover, I believe your unwaivering criteria for what makes someone a suitable pet owner is idealistic and will result in far more harm than good. I would think that you more than any of the concerned animal lovers responding to this story would be able to understand the harsh reality of the situtation.
60% of the 8-12 million animals that end up in shelters EACH YEAR are euthanized. How can you honestly say that the practice is uncommon. Yes it is true that some people just don't understand that they are perpetuating the cycle by adopting animals that they cannot care for...but running the risk of denying an animal a home with a qualified family is cruelty on your part. It is not practical or realistic for you to take a moral high ground on this issue.
I understand the concerns in regard to small children and by all means take these precautions if a dog is deemed aggressive by a CERTIFIED evaluator, but THINK ABOUT IT...SUCH OVERREACHING EXPECTATIONS ARE NOT IN THE ANIMAL'S BEST INTEREST WHEN YOU DENY THEM OF A HOME. Not every family is going to be able to provide Caesar Milan's doggie paradise, but any opportunity to have a home would be better than the cement floor that most dogs sleep on in a shelter.

I suggest you think before you comment...especially if you want to respond.

If only the Department of Social Services was as strict in their screening process.

AND to be clear, shelters like the "SPCA" and the "humane society" are not connected with the "ASPCA" or the "USHS", which are nationally regulated organizations. They are considered independant shelters, they make up their own rules. These "unbendable rules" are not laws, they are guidelines that were put in place with hopefully good intentions, but that have been translated into docterine by the thousands of managers and supervisers who run these shelters.

[pinball]

That shelter worker preaching the painlessness of euthanizing sounds like the executioners down here in philadelphia...led by a group of people who profess to know more, and know better than those willing to adopt...so they euthanize at an alarming rate yet attempt to hide the facts...they state they'd want to be no-kill but have shown little effort in becoming no-kill. This SPCA sounds like exactly the same...they preach yet forget to practice the no-kill philosophy. Shelter volunteers are good people...most of them---but its the people who get paid to make the decisions that make me sick.

[pinball]

I think the person who posted about PAWS in philadelphia should look for a better example that PACC/PAWS when discussing competent animal control. All you need to do is read up on their current spat with the SPCA---nathan winograd's blog about how they are choosing not to follow his advice on building a no kill society and you will see how they are no different than the high kill shelters out there. When you talk the talk you also need to walk the walk.

[lovebigdogs]

Talk about stereotyping! Just asking the question about why you would want a 100 lb+ dog around your children tells me that poster knows nothing about deciding which dogs are good for which families -- quick tragic ASSumptions.

My 156 lb newfie mix is wonderful with children. My sister is a newfie breeder and my 3 year old grand niece has been around them since birth!

Or take a look on youtube. There's a hysterical video of a toddler playing with a newf -- batting the newfie in the face with the newfie's toy...pulling it out of his massive mouth...and the newfie's just obviously having a great time "babysitting".

I do understand how shelter workers get to the point they get -- although not to believing that death is better than trying a home. There are too many animal abusers and neglectors out there...that's why there are so many animals in shelters to begin with. But they've got to keep the faith that there are many many of us animal lovers out here too who will do anything to make the pet part of our family, regardless of how they differ from what we expected.

I rescued my lab from a shelter. She's a totally different dog than what she appeared to be during the hours we spent with her at the shelter. Anyone who believes a dog is going to behave the same way in jail as they do in a home will probably be very mistaken. With Holly my love, it was being silent, mellow, totally submissive. Probably because she was depressed in jail and on death row to boot. Today she's a mischievous, energetic and an incredibly talkative dear member of my family. She's definitely not the dog I brought home -- and I love her tons either way (as she snores at my feet)

I know shelter workers have seen a lot and that makes them feel qualified as judge and jury. But all families are unique and all pets are unique. You can't label them just because they're large, or a particular breed, or a certain type of family or a certain age. Give the dog a fighting chance and the family the chance to have a cherished addition to their family. Death is not better!

[anonymous vet]

I, too, was rejected by a shelter and, yes, I'm a veterinarian. I can't believe that a dog is better off at a shelter with an uncertain future than to come home with me, THE VET. I was shocked to be told, after all the hard work and care I give to animals, that I was not a suitable dog owner. I know that shelters need to make some effort in making sure that animals go to a good home, but they really need to see the bigger picture, our world is not perfect, but I hate to see an animal lose their chance to go to a home.

[christina (Orlando,Florida)]

I know this is an old article, But I know exactly what you mean. Last year I went to our shelter in Orlando. I wanted a kitten, but found an adult cat. I wanted to adopt her. I filled necessary documents and they told me I couldnt have her. There was another lady that couldnt have a pet because she had a swimming pool. My story was because I had a puppy (9mo old) that wasnt on Heartworm meds yet and wasnt neutered. I was so angry. For one thing my dog has a pedigree and I didnt know at that point if I wanted him neutered. But they were willing to judge me when my dog has such a good life. He lives indoors, eats the best food and had all the latest toys.It bothered me that they were trying to judge me when they keep all their animals in a cage.Well bottom line, I went to the vet and came back but they were closed. The next day I went through the same process and I brought her home. They really need to re-consider their adoption process. There are alot of good families that do work 9-5. But guess what??? At 6 oclock they do come home and love their pet the same and sometimes even more than people that stay home all day....

[shana]

unfortunately I think there are thousands of Baxters out there, as this has happened to My family and our local animal shelter, where they did the SAME thing within hours of our being turned down for the same reason. they put a purebred chihuahua to sleep just so it COULN'T have a home. saddest thing is the SAME lady at that shelter turned my cousin down for a dog for the same reasons only months before that and that dog was put to sleep too. I think that we are definitely seeing alot more 'control freaks' in the areas of humane societies and shelters all over this country and not enough people speak out. I think its the feeling noone will listen and there is no legal recourse, therefore they can keep getting away with this. SAD just Sad.

[T]

I completely understand. Our border collie mix died and I have spent months searching for a suitable dog. Granted my standards are high, but I resent being judged because I have a farm with animals and (Gasp!) children! So far, 2 generations of children have been raised with border collies. Amazingly, all the children lived and none of the dogs were harmed by the experience.
Several potential dogs were disqualified because we have cats. Believe me, even a border collie is no match for coyotes, hawks and owls all of which the barn cats can handle. Many more candidates were disqualified because of the children. In fact, one ny BC rescue prides themselves on their rescue and all the money they spend on building a ranch for 'rescued' BCs. Its more like a private collection of dogs they brag about saving but they won't even talk to me because i have produced a 3rd generation of BC loving people. Meanwhile, i have lost my chore buddy and I might actually have to buy a dog. It goes against all my principles to encourage breeding more dogs while GH BC rescue has 65+ dogs needing homes. Unconscionable!

[Matt]

We had a similar 'bad' experience with the Long Beach, CA 'no kill' shelter which is run by the SPCA. They almost, and I mean almost, did not let us adopt a kitten because we had declawed the current male cat we have. We are both professionals, have 2 dogs and 2 cats and no kids. The male cat we have to this day tries to claw the crap out of everything and would if he still had his claws. I refuse to find this process 'cruel and unusual' as they claim, it's no worse than spaying or neutering. they make you sign a form saying you won't let the cat outdoors, etc. We were pretty pissed off at them, they truly think they are acting in the best interest of the animals but they have long gone overboard and take themselves way too seriously. My suggestion to anyone who wants to adopt an animal from an SPCA run shelter (they give money to local cities so they can run the city shelters) is to LIE like a dog, tell then what they want to hear. Of course the papers you sign say they can come take the animal back at any time for any reason essentially. We love animals and donate to several animal charities, but SPCA is off the list after this with Baxter. I'm done with them and will support smaller charities where more of the $ go to the animals and this kind of thing does not go on.

[Shelby]

Through personal experience with the "top brass" at a local SPCA, I can see how this unfortunate thing happened with Baxter. I used to teach a beginning agility for fun class for them. The people there who were supposed to understand dog behavior were atrociously inadequate. I was reprimanded by the director because I asked a brand new student not to let her dog run helter skelter over the teeter totter. I was trying to prevent an a scary experience for the dog or worse an injury to the dog. When the woman complained, instead of explaining the reason, this director chose to reprimand me because I was making the client unhappy. Stupid, huh? There was an obedience instructor who was supposed to learn agility in my class but refused to participate because it would make him look stupid in front of his former obedience students. When I left, guess who they let take over the class? Yep, this guy with absolutely no experience in agility. My opinion of the SPCA dropped another 10 notches. I know they do try, but their experience in dog behavior is tremendously lacking, even though they would like everyone to think they are experts.

In Baxter's case, what would have been the right thing to do was to bring in a real behaviorist to evaluate the situation, not let some psuedo behaviorists make the final decision. Poor Baxter.

[Kelly Finogle]

I "surrendered" my 2 cats(Momma age 4 & Baby age 2) to the SPCA in Lakeland, FL on June 20, 2008 after Noon. It was a decission that was EXTREMELY difficult. We found out my son is allergic to them & we are relocating out of state in 2 weeks. I "thought" the SPCA was the best choice based on shows i have seen on the tv where they rescue and take in animals. So i arrive VERY DISTRAUGHT and inform the lady up front why we were there. She had a "profile" form to fill out on both the cats, asking various questions like age, declawed, litter trained, good w/ other animals, etc. While i am filling this out and balling my eyes out she is taking the cats to the "holding" area. Once she was done taking them to the back, she then hands me a piece of paper attached to their Vet Records and tells me to read the paper and initial where hilighted and sign at the bottom and then proceeds to help another lady that walked into the door. I of course made the HUGE mistake of not reading the document and initialling and signing and handing back. I was NEVER given a copy of what i signed or ever talked w/ about our decission. She NEVER verbally told me that they euthinize. It is assumed that i read the paper and understand this, REGARDLESS OF HOW DISTRAUGHT i was. After paying them $35, i left the facility. The next day, June 21, 2008 around 2:30, i called the SPCA to answer some questions i had AFTER i got home and FINALLY read the "death sentense" papers. The girl on the phone was RUDE and had an attitude. When i asked how long they wait till they euthinize she said that she couldn't tell me that. I asked if someone could contact me to let me know before they reach that decission and i would take them back, the girl had the nerve to say that the SPCA's staff doesn't have time for that. W/ the unnerving feeling in my gut, i packed my 2 kids and drove down there. I arrived around 4:25pm. I went to the desk where i dropped the cats off and the same uncompassionate lady was up there. She said i would have to go to the adoption window. So i walked around the corner and said to the girl that i dropped 2 cats off yesterday and i have changed my mind and want them back because i found a better home for them. The girl w/ an attitude said that the only thing i can do is check the rooms and if they are in there then i could adopt them back. So i proceeded w/ another lady into the rooms to locate them to which NEITHER OF THEM WERE THERE. I went back to the front and asked the girl to check elsewhere that i wanted my cats back. I also asked for a copy of the paper i signed yesterday and a copy of the company policy. She said that i could lose my attitude or i coudl speak to the manager, i said yes thank you i would like to speak to her. Mary was the supervisor, she stood on the grounds that i "surrendered" my cats to them and signed documents releasing my rights to them. Mary then said, lets go in my office. I siad, yes lets do that so i dont' cause a scene out here. We got in her office and she asked why i surrendered my cats, i explained. She then brought the lady that was upfront into her office to see if she went over the papers w/ me. The lady stood there and lied to my face stating that she did go over the papers and even said that i needed to read it myself. I explained how distraught i was yesterday for the reason we were giving them over. I then stated that i wanted to know if they had been euthinized or not. Mary then stated: "all i can say is one of them has for its temperament". I started balling at that point and mary stated this is why we don't let the owner know and opened the door and instructed me to leave that i was Tresspassing their property. I got up, walked out and immediately called 911. I requested a Polk County Sherriff to come out and help dispute the issue and verify if my other cat was dead or alive and to allow me to adopt it back. I then got on the phoen w/ my sister who is an Altamonte Springs Police Officer and she informed me of the tresspassing law and told me to go back up to the door and tell Mary that i contact the sherriff office and i wanted to know if the other cat was alive or dead, if alive to NOT euthinize it and that i would adopt it during there next business hours(all of this went down as they were closing at 5pm). Mary then got on the phone and came back out and stated: "i just spoke w/ someone higher than me and i can confirm that both cats were euthinized yesterday". She then stated that i was tresspassing and she proceeded to shut and lock the door. I started to walk away and my sister wanted me to ask why they euthinized the 2nd cat(she had a very good temperament and could have been adopted out) and Mary stated she could not and would not tell me why and shut the door.

I want this exposed to the rest of the world and the way the SPCA practices. Regardless of their paperwork, they should have a "24-hour - Change of Heart Policy". They DID NOT take my situation into consideration, as i feel it was a different situation than just some stray from the street. I WOULD NEVER HAVE TAKEN MY PETS THERE W/ THE INTENTIONS OF KILLING THEM. I "thought" that they would have at least salvaged baby and adopted her out. Their policy states that they have "over 10,000 animals come into the shelter annually and only have room for 200 at a time". If they were "FULL" and didn't have room, they should have said something June 20th and i WOULD NOT HAVE "SURRENDERED" my beloved pets! This is wrong and people need to know before they take any animal there, THINKING IT WILL BE ADOPTED!!

Thank you for your time and i am truly sorry for your loss in not adopting Baxter.

[olddog]

I am just sickened by the ASPCA's reputation from Springfield Ma and now in Trenton, Maine. I have adopted 4 older dogs FROM A SHELTER- NOT THE ASPCA-and not one has been returned. In Mass., all one had to do was bring the animal into the ASPCA, say they wanted it " put to sleep", give the money, and DONE! JUST LIKE THAT! NO QUESTIONS ASKED! I'd like to put in a pitch for an older dog-many are housebroken, used to people of all ages, and are just dumped there because their owners are moving away or have passed away. All they feel is loneliness and a broken heart. If a family is willing to try to give them love and a decent home, they offer love, devotion and companionship, whether it be 16 hrs/day when working, or when not working 24 hrs/day. Many were adopted as puppies and as they gre older, they were not " as cute" anymore. Soon they find themselves tied outside 24 hrs/day summer and winter,and lack for any sign of human kindness or love. People think-we have adopted 4 dogs-all 5 yrs old and older-one who was severely abused with one eye missing. None messed the house, all loved having a person to love again, and returned that love 10 times over. People-DO NOT DROP YOUR ANIMAL OFF AT A KILL SHELTER AND DO THINK ABOUT ADOPTING AN OLDER DOG! I REFUSE TO GIVE ONE RED CENT TO THE ASPCA!!!!!

[Timmy]

I say fuck the nazi shelters and SPCA. Go there an lie your ass off and if they still deny you, go to private breeder or craigslist. My last experience with these fuckers has made it so I will NEVER support, adopt from, or give and money to any SPCA. I won't go in to details on my experience, but it was similar to all the other horror stories listed here. They are animal nazis who like to play god. There was a time when adopting from a shelter made sense and did some good. Now they are have become so restrictive, as you wrote it is easier to adopt a human than a dog. I recently adopted a dog found on craigslist from a family who was moving. No hassle, low re-homing fee, no bs. Skip the SPCAs. There is no use in falling in a love with that special puppy just to have the nazi fucker stamp your application denied because of some socialist bullshit rules designed to protect us from ourselves.

[Jenniferr Fisk]

I can't adopt from the SPCA either for two reasons. I don't believe in pediatric desexing therefore when I wanted a male kitten, I had to look beyond the litters in shelters. I bought a Me Coon and neutered him at 10 months. The second reason I can't adopt from the shelters is I have an intact male GSD who has never and will never sow his seed. I also have a pregnant GSD. No value would be placed on the fact that all three of my GSDs are obedience trained and have their CGCs and TT certifications. Nope, they aren't all spayed or neutered so I'm not a good adopter. I would like to see all shelters place more emphasis on training. If you can't trust the adopters to prevent a dog from running of and mating perhaps you haven't made a good placement.

[Ricky]

The Victoria British Columbia SPCA (Society for Promoting Cremation of Animals) killed a healthy, family, gentle dog called Ricky within one hour of his arrival after they emailed the family to bring him in for rehoming due to finances. No assessment, no contacting the owner and just lies from the manager that killed him. This society is not in the best interest of any animals, and should be boycotted at all costs.