Published by:Christopher Aust, Master Trainer Master-Dog-Training.com
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Well, this has been an eye-opening week on several fronts. Some I will go into and some I won't, but I did follow some of my own advice, which I have mentioned here in the newsletter before. Do your homework before you make any significant decision. When I make donations, they are generally made to local shelters by way of providing food, free training or supplies of some kind. When I make them to larger organizations, it is because I have checked them out and/or I have a tremendous amount of trust and respect for the people running them. Often, I get caught up in the “business” of life and take on the “If it ain't in my backyard, don't worry about it,” mindset. Now, that probably isn't the best approach to things, but lets face it, it happens to us all. When I did my article on PETA, it was because they were actively going after children in my community. For years I have heard people tell me how the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is an activist group with the same agenda as PETA. Whenever I would ask why they had the opinion they did, I would get a lot of rhetoric with very few supporting facts. Since it wasn't in my back yard, I didn't sweat it or feel compelled to really look into it. This week I did. Now I haven't completed looking everything over yet and want to have my facts straight, so you will have to wait until next weeks article to hear my assessment of HSUS. I think you will find it to be really interesting. This week I am sticking to the subject of last week's article.
According to veterinarian Eric Dunayer, “These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than thirty minutes after ingestion. Therefore, it is important pets owners seek veterinary treatment immediately.” Now, I have always made a point of reminding people about monitoring our animals' diet and this is a prime example of why. Too often we think if it's good for us it must be okay for our pets. Error on the side of caution, folks. I know Fluffy's cute little face encourages us to sneak them a little treat but they will just have to understand a little “tough love.”
3M Corporation is building the "World's Largest Pink Ribbon" on a billboard in Times Square this October. For every person who clicks on this link and signs up, Post-It will donate $1 to breast cancer research and place a Post-It in their name on the billboard. Here's the link ... www.3m.com/us/office/postit/research/largest_pink_ribbon.jhtml Okay, that's it for today. I'm outta here! Keep the letters coming!
Christopher
Dog Chewing the Sofa? Puppy Eating Your Shoes? Or WORSE?
Did you see the post on Dogs Life (Business Networking) about the new show Animal Planet is doing. It's called “Who Gets the Dog.” It seems rather reckless what they are doing and was wondering what you thought. You can also read about it at the show's web site. www.whogetsthedog.com Name Withheld
At the time I wrote that article, I had given all the involved entities an opportunity to comment on the show and my concerns. None of them chose to respond until I left a rather detailed message on the voicemail of the CEO for the production company involved in the show. Suddenly, everyone wanted to talk to me. Well, sort of ...
I spoke with Mr. Goldman of LMNO Productions. While he wouldn't go on the record with specific statements, he made it fairly clear they are simply doing the filming and following the guidelines of Animal Planet and the Humane Society of the United States. (HSUS) He also made it clear, to me at least, LMNO put their faith in Animal Planet and HSUS; the show was being done in a manner that placed what was best for the dog as the primary consideration. He also gave me contact information for individuals at HSUS and Animal Planet. As I thought about our conversation, I realized they are nothing but movie/television show makers. I got the sense they believe Animal Planet and HSUS are truly looking at the best interests of the dogs involved in this project. They aren't animal experts. I also talked to my producer/director friend. We have been best friends for nearly thirty years. My kids call him “Uncle” and I would trust him with my life. There are few people in this world whose integrity I trust more. Now, he isn't a dog expert but he has had personal experience with LMNO. He confirmed my thoughts about LMNO. LMNO, while I wouldn't watch most of their shows, seems to be the innocent one in this project, working off good faith the project is good for these dogs.
I contacted the individual at Animal Planet I was referred to by Mr. Goldman at LMNO Productions. If I were to describe her in “kennel” terms, I would label her a “fence biter: unable to be adopted by a family with children.” She was quite rude and definitely on the offensive about the project during our phone conversation. From the first time I contacted her, all she kept saying is “the Humane Society is backing it! How can it be bad!” (Obviously she hasn't done her homework.) She was not open for discussion in any way and refused to give me the credentials of the experts they hired to say this project was good for the dog. She simply pushed me off on the HSUS and put the integrity of this project in their lap. I did learn one of the criteria for the “experts” was that they look good on camera.
I spoke at length with Kathy Bauch at the HSUS. She is in Public Relations and has little and/or no professional animal experience, however, was a sincere and very sweet lady. She provided me with the check sheet HSUS provided for dogs and applicant families for both Animal Planet and LMNO Productions. HSUS stated the project was not their idea. They made it clear they had the same concerns I did when the project was presented to them, but it was going to happen one way or another, so they decided to “help.” According to Ms. Bauch, the only requirement HSUS had for entering the project was that HSUS would be the only national animal advocacy organization involved in the project. Now my first thought was - why do you want to be the only national animal advocacy group involved? I would think it would be more important to collaborate with others to make sure the best interest of the dogs are maintained. Unfortunately, the best interest of dogs has little to do with this project. She also made it clear HSUS was to receive no monetary gain from the project. Really? Lets look at that. The HSUS will be given credit at the end of the show for their efforts. The average individual will believe HSUS is the same “humane society” as they have in their local community running shelters. The truth is HSUS has nothing to do with your local shelter. In fact, HSUS has given little and/or nothing to a shelter in years! (When I asked for specific numbers on how much HSUS has helped local shelters, she refused but offered to send me their financial report. If it is anything like the ones they have posted on their site, it's fairly worthless.) However, when it comes to donation time, unknowing individuals will donate to HSUS as a result of this show, thinking their money is going to an organization that saves and protects dogs in shelters. Simply not true. Maybe this is why they insisted on being the only national organization involved. They might have to share the donations at collection time.
Okay, lets get back to the show. I have a copy of the selection criteria HSUS gave to the production company and Animal Planet for selecting the appropriate dog for this show. In my humble opinion, it doesn't even touch the surface of what should be examined for this project. I have no doubt my youngest son could have put the same criteria together. Beyond this, they aren't following the criteria established or the basic premise of the show! Let me explain. The first dog used in this project was NOT a shelter dog. It had never spent a single night in a shelter. The production company happened to be in a shelter when the dog's owner brought the dog in to relinquish it. The dog was evaluated in a matter of hours and it was off to a foster family until the filming of the show. Even I could not have evaluated a dog for such a project in such a short period of time. Once a dog is selected for the show, it goes to a foster home to be prepared for the show. The dogs are groomed, given extensive veterinary checks, treated for flea and worm infestation and “made ready” for life in a new home. No one I spoke to would, or could confirm if the dog was also given any training prior to meeting their perspective family. Now all of those things are great, but not what someone should believe is the norm for a shelter dog. I have rescued numerous dogs from shelters and have regularly found them to be dirty, ill-mannered and scared as hell. That is the reality of adopting a shelter dog. Next, the show has two experts who are making the final decision about who gets the dog. Now there seems to be some confusion between the parties involved, but it appears the “experts” aren't on hand to evaluate the dog when it is with the perspective families. In fact, it appears the experts don't even see all the footage of the dog with the families. They see the edited director's cut and then get filmed making their decision! So, it's an hour-long show with three families being evaluated. At best, the experts view about 13 minutes of edited time with each family to make their decision. Hell, why bother? You may as well put the names of the families in a hat and pick one! I don't want it to seem like I feel that shelter dogs are all dirty, sick and filled with issues. There are many wonderful dogs just waiting for loving homes in shelters and rescues all over the world. However, it isn't always easy to just go in and pick up the perfect dog. These dogs often need special attention, training and medical attention. That is the reality and what potential adopters need to know and realize. Animal Planet and HSUS say they are involved in this project to bring the plight of the shelter dog out to the public and influence people to adopt a dog from a shelter rather than buying one in a pet store. While I agree with that concept, I simply don't believe a word they say. First let's consider the fact there are two families who want to adopt a dog that wait an extra two weeks for filming only to find out they weren't selected. During the two weeks, how many dogs were put to sleep at shelters these two families could have adopted? Second, why don't they allow all the families to adopt a dog and show what is truly involved with the process? Because, it wouldn't be marketable. In my opinion, this project has nothing to do with helping dogs; it has to do with filling pockets. Animal Planet's and HSUS. Finally, all the entities involved seem to point their fingers at each other when you mention the ethical issues involved with this show. If it weren't about money, HSUS would have not only said no, but hell no, to this project. They should have actively worked against this show and its production. If they did though, they might jeopardize potential donations and not meet the 80 million-dollar mark this year. As for Animal Planet, all I can say is I won't be watching any of their shows again, and I encourage others to follow suit. I can't believe they care a lick for animals if they are willing to make one a “reality” show prize. I suspect this is simply another organization that loves money more than the animals they supposedly care about. I have a couple more email addresses for you to write to and express your concern about this show. Maybe if we can make our voices heard, shows of this type can be put to an end and encourage some that show a realistic portrayal of the plight of shelter and rescue dogs.
Animal Planet Communications
There are times when even the best manager is like the little boy with the big dog. waiting to see where the dog wants to go so he can take him there. ~ Lee Iacocca ~ HERO DOG
The boy was in Middle Canyon, southeast of Tooele on Sunday night, in what was supposed to be a simple hike to a waterfall near his family's campsite. But a few hours later, Kyle Reid found himself alone with just his dog Athena. He had left his campsite in nothing but a pair of sandals, shorts and a short-sleeve shirt. His parents became worried when he didn't return, and within hours of his disappearance, authorities were called in to search for the youngster. The searchers were concerned because there are many steep cliffs in the canyon and it was feared the boy could have been badly hurt. "We were pretty distraught, I mean freaking out," Kyle's stepfather, Tim Gaudin said. But 16 hours later, there was still no sign of the boy. Time and hope were running out. Meanwhile Kyle wasn't resting easy at all. After midnight he and his dog Athena hunkered down for an uncomfortable night. Lost in the mountains, he was cold, covered with ants and spiders, and scared. "I felt this weird feeling in my stomach, that I might never see Mom and Dad anymore," Kyle said. In the morning Athena took the lead, and led him down out of the wilderness and right to a pair of mountain bikers. "I followed her most of the way down, off the mountain," Kyle said. The Tooele County sheriff said the boy walked about five miles in rugged terrain without his shoes, which he lost early in the hike. The mountain bikers called police and brought Kyle home to his relieved family. Mail Bag
I cannot thank you enough for the information in the newsletter today (August 13, 2004). I was absolutely appalled at this show concept. I don't get cable so I was unaware of this show and the HSUS involvement. Thanks for the email links. I used them both. I also will no longer be contributing to the HSUS. I will send my monies elsewhere.
Sue D.
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Three elderly ladies are excited about seeing their first baseball game. They smuggle a bottle of Jack Daniels into the ballpark. The game is real exciting and they are enjoying themselves immensely, mixing the Jack Daniels with soft drinks. Soon they realize that the bottle is almost gone and the game has a lot of innings to go. Based on the given information, what inning is it, and how many players are on base? Think! Think some more! You're gonna love it ...
It's the bottom of the fifth, and the bags are loaded.
Thank You For Reading! Have a Terrific Week!
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