Their Own Words...

The Other Side of The Story in Their Own Words

There will be no 'he said, she said' on this site. What you will find here is some of the information that the DPCA was given with the Complaint that was filed and also other e-mails.. This way the true "other side" of the story will be told in their own words.

(E-mail addresses, last names and phone numbers have been 'xx'ed out.)

____________________________________________________

[Alla approached DAR&E's Evaluation Committee asking for help overseeing Stella after her return to Danoff. Donna was and still is on the BoD and never replied. Pat replied and wanted to help. Athy shut things down.]

From: xxxxxxxx(Alla)
To: xxxxxxxx(Pat)
Sent: 2/6/2007 6:45:54 P.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: Fwd: Evaluation Committe Question

Pat, this was supposed to be sent to you also. Long day and my brain is tired.

-----------------
Forwarded Message:

Subj:	Evaluation Committe Question
Date:	2/6/2007 4:59:47 P.M. Central Daylight Time
From:	xxxxxxxxx(Alla)
To:	xxxxxxxx(Donna)
CC:	xxxxxxxx(Carol), xxxxxxxx(Linda)

Donna, I'm writing to you as head of the evaluation committee. Would it be possible to have your committee oversee Stella's state after her return to K. Danoff?

To ensure Stella's well being, postpone the adoption for 6 months, have Kim foster and have Veronica xxxxx do an initial consult and then a follow up every 30 days in writing to your committee. This would be at Kim's expense since she has used Veronica before and is using her as a referal. Since we cannot see the current reports and there is question about when the evaluation was done and current concern about Stella's training, it is important to follow through with someone Kim knows but that someone should report in writing to your committee.

Sending a volunteer to check is not going to work as most volunteers cannot determine at what level Stella has progressed. Kim will show of tricks Stella has learned as she has done in the past, tell them everything is honky dory and that is not the kind of training that Stella needs.

A dog that has little enrichment in her environment will show anxiety in the form of inappropriate elimination, chewing, mouthing, barking and other destructive behaviors. A behaviorist would design a plan to include activities that would keep her busy, exercised properly, and tired enough to not need to act up for attention.

Her weight should also be monitored by someone knowledgeable. If fed properly she has no problem gaining weight. If a vet must be consulted about appropriate weight, one of our own should be used.

I have no problems with her her BUT she is a busy dog and too tired to look for extra attention.

Would the committee take this on and approach the BOD with this offer? It would make us who are worrying about her return feel so much better.

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[This is when it went to the Volunteer list]

From: xxxxxxxx(Pat)
To: xxxxxxxx(Michelle), xxxxxxxx(Leah), dare@yahoogroups.com
Sent: 2/7/2007 12:36:36 P.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: RE: [DAR&E] OT: Contented Rest

Greetings all,

A few volunteers E-mailed me indicating that the decision was done and she was headed back into a situation (to Kim Dandoff) where she did not thrive. I would like the BOD to issue a statement of facts, not emotions, and tell the membership how they believe that Stella will get the care that she needs. We need the facts folks.. to have a productive discussion.

Anyone involved with Stella (transporters, fosters, home visitors), please send the facts or personal observations to the list so we can see what decisions have/have not been made regarding Stella. Lets please keep this discussion professional. We all want what is best for Stella.

Thanks,

Pat xxxxx.

-----Original Message-----
From: xxxxxxxx(Michelle)
Sent: Feb 7, 2007 12:24 PM
To: xxxxxxxx(Leah), "Dare@Yahoogroups. Com"
Subject: RE: [DAR&E] OT: Contented Rest

I didn't know we were considering moving her back.

From: DARE@yahoogroups. com [mailto:DARE@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Leah xxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 11:26 AM
To: Dare@Yahoogroups. Com
Subject: [DAR&E] OT: Contented Rest

Sounds like it might be time for another public discussion about one of our dogs...

I'm just writing to let my opinion be know about the decisions being made with regard to Stella. The membership is aware that there is a discussion about the best thing for her and whether or not she should be placed back with Dr. Danoff. If she was removed from Dr. Danoff, why would she go back?

When I saw the most recent pic Alla sent, I asked about the weight gain and Alla sent me these pictures of Stella when she arrived at her house. She was in much better shape when she originally came into our rescue. This does not look like a dog that was well cared for, least to say cared for by a vet. We took Dr. Danoff at her word in the beginning and she has not, from what I understand, followed through on her promises. Where is Stella's brace/prosthesis? How is that working? If these promises haven't been made good by now, what on earth would make us think that a second time would be any different?

Stella is in a loving foster home and is thriving. Why would we change that? Least to say - why would we send her back to a neglectful situation? Not saying that it was intentional neglect but it doesn't sound like Dr. Danoff has the time, nor inclination to give Stella the care that she requires to live a happy and healthy life. This dog deserves better than spending her days in a crate or locked in a room by herself.

I'm asking that the BOD please think this decision out thoroughly and carefully consider ALL the options for Stella. She's a beautiful dog and deserves the best and most normal life that we can help her have. I do not believe that this life is with Dr. Danofff, nor do many others.

Stella when she arrived at my house

Stella one week later

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[Athy's reply]

From: xxxxxxxx(Athy)
To: DARE@yahoogroups.com
Sent: 2/7/2007 1:28:39 P.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: Re: [DAR&E] OT: Contented Rest

Hi, Pat, I would respectfully request that we not do this. The
board has collected the salient facts, we've weighed them and made
our decision. We have observed Stella's physical condition and we
have weighed other factors in the decision. The decision has been
made. I spent two hours on the phone last night conveying DAR&E's
expectations to Kim. Those of you who know me well know that I do
not mince words. If Kim does not get Stella's weight at an
appropriate level, we will take her back. If Kim does not attend a
basic obedience class, we will take her back. If Kim does not
adhere to our standard contract clauses, we will take her back. I
believe that Kim is being truthful with me based on our conversation
and that with education and help, Kim can manage Stella's weight
appropriately.

I hope this helps.