I was contacted by an employee of the Nanaimo SPCA about Sophie, an eight month old female springer spaniel who was up for adoption.

I offered to take her. As I told the employee, an eight month old dog should be handled by a knowledgeable caregiver so that undesirable behaviours are extinguished prior to placement. There had to be something in her owner relinquishment to indicate behavioural concerns.

I was told that your shelter had more expertise in rehoming young dogs given up by their owners. Still, I volunteered to work with any adopter to make the placement permanent.

And now I discover that Sophie has been euthanized!!! The details are sketchy as the SPCA wishes to keep such things away from the public but I do know the adopter returned Sophie to the SPCA in tears.

Your shelter also claims that rescue organizations never reply and help with animals. I did, and my help was refused. I tried to discuss the program needed for this dog to succeed in placement and was told the SPCA could handle it.

Now Sophie is dead. Well done, BCSPCA. You've done it again.

Donna Toews
Vice President, Canadian Region
English Springer Rescue America
ESRA Canada