Toby the cocker spaniel came into Victoria SPCA on a Saturday and was sent to his new home the next day. I tracked down his previous veterinarian and found that he wasn't as healthy as the SPCA had made him out to be when I phoned to ask about him - in fact he suffered from chronic ear infections that had never been properly treated, and that he hadn't had lots of exams like the SPCA had stated. His last exam and vaccination was in 2000.

Sally, a senior spaniel mix, came into Victoria SPCA with no medical history. No senior staff even looked at her, and she went out the door for free, in need of dentalwork.

On October 5th I phoned Greig Jenkinson to express my concerns about both Toby and Sally. After Goldie I feel particularily sensitive about older animals being sold without reasonable and needed veterinary care prior to their sale.

When the SPCA accepts a surrendered dog, it becomes that dog's guardian and accepts responsibility for it. The SPCA needs to be held accountable for the same responsibility it expects from others.

Letter from Carol Sonnex to Victoria Branch Manager Greig Jenkinson re Sally and Toby:
To: gjenkinson@spca.bc.ca
Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2003 2:40 AM
Subject: Toby and Sally

Dear Grieg,
I gather ( from the website) both old dogs have been adopted" out.
I am very upset as the Victoria Shelter is regarded as one of the most humane in the BC SPCA.
"Adopting" a dog out with unidentified, yet to be determined medical problems is in my mind neither ethical nor humane.
I am sorry we obviously do not agree on this point but there is absolutely no way GVAC would have "adopted" these dogs out had they been ours without having the dental already done, a comprehensive exam by a good veterinarian and a blood panel . (prior to the dental)
I certainly hope these dogs were not "given away" with the promise they would be fixed either...no reputable rescue would value the lives of their dogs so little as to give them away on "a hope and a promise."
Once the dogs have left the shelter/rescue we both know the chances of follow-up are practically nil...both Toby and Sally and any other dog or cat who becomes part of the shelter/rescue system are doomed ( in my experience) if not treated prior to placement.
Carol Sonnex

Toby....