First of all, I would like to thank you for your response. I certainly understand that organizations have their problems. I work for the health emergency service and they too have their problems. Chances are they always will have, that is not my issue, it is more related to the people that have uncontrolled authority and the inconsistency which appears that nobody is trying to correct.

You suggest for me as a rescue to become more involved... We and all other rescues are people going out of their way to assist the SPCA. People who work hard, and in my opinion, do a better job helping animals than the people that are on the SPCA payroll. How are rescue groups supposed to work beside/with the SPCA? We continue to offer assistance and we constantly have the doors slammed in our faces by managers like Ms. Rodgers and Ms. Archibald. I do not know either of these managers on a personal basis - it is strictly what I have observed as a rescue and a member of the public. Please understand that rescue groups do what they do for the love of animals. They do so with their own finances, time and resources. A rescue is not easy work and we don't have 9-5 hours as you do. However, the reward of being part of helping animals is more than worth it. On top of taking applications and an adoption fee, as the SPCA does, we check references, we do a home, provide training support if needed and we do follow up checks. We even send the shelters updated 'do not adopt to' lists. How much more dedication do you think you are going to get? It is upsetting knowing that numerous dogs out of the six that were needlessly recently euthanized in Surrey did have foster homes or rescues that had offered to take them. Why should we offer help when things like this happen? - yet we still try... I suggest that the SPCA embrace that generosity and attempt to develop a good working relationship with rescues and volunteers before they lose all of us. It is much better for any dog to be in the home of a breed knowledgeable rescuer, rather than a shelter.

With respect to the most recent event regarding 'Cheech' the Lab/Rotti cross - I assume that I do not need to educate you on his information with all of the publicity. However, I have attached 2 documents for your review. They are as follows:
1. Odie's Vancouver Kennel Tag - please note: top left, that the owner surrender reason was "BITES"

- please note: bottom right, NO STAFF/VOLUNTEER WALKING

2. Odie's Delta Kennel Tag - please note: Approved for Adoption

- please note: he has spent his life locked in a garage, cage or chain with no love of care, is afraid of new situations and acts inappropriately

- please note: doesn't like cats, dogs, doesn't play well with kids, aggressive, nervous, protective, dominant
In addition, I have a letter from the a shelter employee that outlines an attack. The employee stated that "Odie was barking, lunging, when he looked at her he growled, barked, exposed teeth, raised hackles, acting aggressively in his kennel, barking and growling at everyone. No friendly behavior!" She further described the attack that included a bite on her thigh that broke the skin causing bleeding, "it was majorly bruised and was sore for a couple of days"

Now, compare Odie's story with Cheech's. There is a big difference! Odie was released, by Michelle Rodgers, to rescue for rehabilitation. Where on earth did she find any reason to order Cheech's euthanasia. I will also attach a copy of the petfinder ad for Cheech. You won't see it advertised as Ms. Rodgers sheepishly had it removed. Odie can be seen on our website. www.dobermanrescuebc.com

I understand that you are fairly new to your position - you say that you are deeply interested in the ongoing issues, yet you did not ask me to provide you with any information. Can I be of any assistance... I could certainly have every rescue write the board to confirm what I have told you. I guess, I am looking for some honest answers. Are the SPCA shelters authorized to release dogs to rescues? If so, what is the protocol? Why are all of the shelters different? Some love rescues, others don't. What do we need to do in order to be considered as an approved, SPCA assisting rescue? Please understand, we are only trying to help the dogs (many of us, specific breeds) that we are familiar with - making us more accurate in assessing the breed we know.

Here's an opportunity for you, please discuss it with whomever you need to. There is an 8 month old Doberman at the Surrey shelter. She has been surrendered for house spoiling and chewing. This dog needs some work, she won't get it sitting in a shelter. I have 2 approved, dobe experienced homes waiting for a young Doberman, post assessment of course. I will phone and offer, but as usual, will probably be turned down. If it's about 'who gets the adoption fee' I would be happy to either make a donation, or forward the remainder of the fee after my expenses have been covered.
I will not forward any of my applicants to that shelter either. The last Doberman that was adopted to some of my applicants was gravely ill, was hospitalized for a week, costing the new adopters over $2000.00. I can provide this documentation also. The shelter was advised of this, did not offer any help... they didn't even apologize.

I really do hope that the SPCA can work out their wrinkles... I would very much love to help, but find the current politics and lack of professionalism very draining. Again, I am not speaking of every shelter, specifically Delta and Surrey. They need to be reviewed. I look forward to hearing from any of you on this matter.
Sincerely
Terra Vallely