I am moved to respond to your post because it is only among supporters of the AAS and on one occasion an SPCA employee among whom I have found people like yourself who walk their talk day by day,animal by animal which as you expressed so well " continue to live on in my heart ". Before I address what you have surmised I want to sincerely thank you for reminding me that I am never alone as I hold each and every animal in my heart, even when they are no longer with me, whatever the reason.

I believe that you surmise correctly and this is my interpretation as to why: The heart, being the place where we hold love, compassion and committment cannot co-exist within an individual or an organization which is first and foremost as a business, providing a service within a community. The operation and administration of the business must come first before those that the business serves. The problem such as the one that you and others are currently experiencing occurs when the business is asked or expected to think or do otherwise. Those who ask or expect the business to place matters of the heart before matters of the pocket book are asking the impossible in their view and therefore are seen as a threat, and a serious one at that which may call for the business to stand accountable and with honesty and integrity say what it really is.

The BC SPCA is a business which has as part of it's business plan taking action to prevent cruelty to animals. If and when the day comes that the BC SPCA views independent, animal loving, rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing groups as assets and allies is the day when the animals of BC will have a vast network of advocates protecting them and speaking for them. When the BC SPCA realizes that working with and along side small independent rescue groups will not only bring in more donations, but will also ease their financial burden in many areas, freeing funds for development and putting in place programs for animals and people which to date seem to have progressed as far as the "on paper" stage.

Independent rescue groups are comprised of individuals who collectively have to offer invaluable experience, knowledge, priorities , values and above all a "heart" for the countless numbers of animals which need us. Those individuals have great value whether as potential Board Members or those who wish to provide hands on cruelty investigation, rescue, rehabilitation and re-home screening and follow up.

The BC SPCA is now standing at a fork in the road. The choice of which road to follow is theirs to make. One choice will deplete thousands of dollars which will no longer be available to keep their business viable and will shut the door on valuable assistance which has been offered to them many times. The other choice will open a door to a fulfilling, successful, working relationship with dedicated, animal loving people with animal serving hearts.I urge the BC SPCA to choose the latter, before the inevitable damage to their organization is done.