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.