The evidence of SPCA apparent lack of integrity and concern for animal welfare mounts dailly, so much so that it is difficult for me to finish the compilation of my documents that the SPCA's lawyers have demanded we submit for its lawsuit against AAS. Every time I think I am done, a new example rears its ugly head.

Here is the latest, from the Burnaby SPCA's website, February 20, 2005.

Poor Vega the pit bull has been shuffled once already by the SPCA. She only lasted a few months in her home. I have to wonder how much screening was done, as the people the SPCA sold her to are now moving. Were they renters?

One of the things we have always strongly alleged is that SPCA facilities make dogs so stressed that they often become sick or suffer severe psychological trauma. Ex- BCSPCA President Rick Sargent even went so far as to call SPCA facilities "Alcatrazes for Animals." Repeating this term on the AAS messageboard is one of the things we are being sued for.

Read the SPCA's own words in its bio of Vega, and decide for yourself whether the term Mr. Sargent used is accurate. I feel it is.

http://www.petfinder.com/pet.cgi?action=2&pet=3575851

Please Help Vega
Dog
American Staffordshire Terrier

Size: Medium
Age: Adult
Sex: Female
I.D: 17377

Notes: URGENT: We are in urgent need of a foster home for Vega. She was adopted from us a few months ago, but returned because her family are moving. Poor Vega is very upset to find herself homeless again, and is deteriorating in the kennel environment. She is becoming very stressed and desperate, and needs to get out of the shelter and into a home in order to ease her anxiety. Breed experience would be an asset. If you can help Vega, please the call the shelter ASAP for more details. Ask for Aysha or Debbi, 604-291-7201.

History Vega arrived at the shelter, when sadly, her owners could no longer care for her.

Personality This is Vega's second stay with us. She was adopted out a few months ago, but recently returned, and she's quite upset about it. When dogs are adopted and returned, they quickly develop a heightened sense of desperation about their predicament. They can't understand why they've lost yet another home and family, and it breaks our hearts to see it. Vega is very stressed right now and is deteriorating. She appears to have developed a fear of some strangers, and may bark at some people (not all) she doesn't know. The home she goes to will have to be aware of this, and will need to work at building Vega's confidence around new people. She's more readily accepting of women, but once she knows and trusts someone, gender becomes completely irrelevant. If Vega decides you're okay in her books, she bonds very strongly, and is loving, affectionate, and very eager to please.

Vega knows her basic commands and is very attentive and obedient, especially when there's a cookie involved. She walks okay on the leash, but could use a little more work on heeling. She's a muscular dog, and if she starts pulling, she'll need a strong person on the other end of the leash. Vega LOVES going for walks, and is a joy to be with. She often has a huge smile on her face when she's out and about (that is, when she doesn't have her nose pressed to the ground - she's a sniffer), and has an intelligent curiosity about everything she sees along the way. At certain points in the walk, when she's feeling especially joyful, she'll start to do what we call her "happy girl twirl", where she'll prance circles around you with a huge smile on her face. We often see this when she's out walking with other dogs. She'll run over and playfully bump them, and then prance away out of their reach, doing her twirls. It's a very playful and teasing behaviour, and usually gets everyone laughing.

Vega does very well with other dogs and enjoys their company on walks. She recently went on a nice group walk with Lloyd, Soldier, and Rosie, and was great with everyone. She's also enjoyed walking with Frijo in the past. Her favourite friend though, is probably Myles. They've had a great time romping around the yard, playfully wrestling with each other. They'd probably play all day if we let them. She'd be a good companion for another dog, preferably a male (definitely no cats though).

Once she knows and trusts you, Vega is a truly wonderful dog and is a favourite of some of the volunteers. In the right home - a home where she'll never have to worry about being given up again - Vega will thrive, and she'll be eternally grateful for your love and companionship.