I start my day too often this way. I get an email from another SPCA volunteer or employee who has simply had enough of the killing for questionable reasons.

For decades, volunteers and the few ethical staff kept silent about the atrocities they witnessed. But finally, after "CHEECH", the cracks are beginning to really show. Staff with a moral conscience are beginning to understand that by keeping silent to save ONE here and there that they are actually part of the conspiracy to kill the OTHERS and there are many of the OTHERS.

The latest tragedy to hit my email is Mandy.

On July 12th Mandy was at the Burnaby SPCA and her future looked promising. Then it was soon noted she wasn't doing well in a kennel setting. Why dogs do not do well locked up in cold kennels next to other aggravated dogs and without adequate exercise and adequate human interaction is not science it is simply understanding and knowledge to real animal rescuers and welfarists.

Mandy was recently transferred to the SPCA "rehabilitation" program at the Vancouver SPCA.

The rehabilitation program failed miserably with Mandy. A happy puppy on July 12th, already failed once by the SPCA by being sold to the wrong home and returned, Mandy was further failed by phoney SPCA "rehabilitation" and summarily killed.

But we anticipate a flurry of P.R. announcements and media hype about this wonderful, compassionate and "scientific" program. The public will not have any failures described to it.

*From The Burnaby SPCA website July 12, 2004.
History
Mandy first arrived at the shelter as a stray. She was adopted out, but unfortunately returned due to her high-energy, leftover puppy behaviour.

Personality
Mandy has a large, loyal fan club among the volunteers and staff. She's a bundle of energy, goofiness, affection, and charm. She was adopted out a few months ago, but returned when her playful puppyness was mistaken for something more serious. Mandy has a hyperactive personality, and when she gets in a really playful mood, she may start mouthing arms. This is simply puppy behaviour that she hasn't been taught is inappropriate, so we're working on correcting it.

Other than that, Mandy is an absolute joy to be with. She loves people of all ages and is great with kids, however, she must go to a home without small children. Her super high-energy levels might be a little overwhelming for wee ones. Mandy has had some obedience training and does know her basic commands, but we recommend she be enrolled in further training, to focus her attention and help her achieve a more mature attitude to life. She's extremely bright and when out on walks, is curious about absolutely everything, so we have no doubt that once her brain starts over-riding her playful energy, she'll learn all sorts of things very easily. Mandy is also good with other dogs, and thoroughly enjoys their company when we take her out on group walks.

Due to the fact that Mandy has already been returned once, we are insisting that she be adopted out to a very dog-savvy person this time, preferably someone experienced with the pit bull tendency to put 110% into everything they do. She will also obviously need to go to a very active home, where she'll have the chance to burn high levels of energy everyday. It's going to be a very lucky person who ends up with this awesome dog in their life.