I was a volunteer at the Campbell River SPCA for one year and had none of
the experiences I have seen written on your website. The ladies there were
always loving towards the animals and the very few times where animals had
to be put down were the worst days ever. Everyone either cried or was
silent for the rest of the day. It was not something that happened often.
The ladies were also very careful as to who they allowed to adopt animals
and made sure that home was the right one. The animals came first there. My
experience was one ill never forget and it was so amazing to be around
people who shared my love of animals and thought the same way about the
horrible treatment many of them come across. I remember the times we had
discussions about how we could try to get policy's changed, wishing there
were harsher punishment for those who hurt animals and were outraged when we
heard of animal cruelty at other shelters. There were even animals there
that many would say were unadoptable but the workers and my fellow
volunteers were determined not to give up on them. There was a cat that you
couldn't go near without him hissing or swatting at you, but he was otherwise
peaceful if you left him alone, and he was allowed to live there in the
playroom for as long as he wanted. There was also one dog in particular who
had to have sheets over his kennel because he growled and snapped at
everyone, but after a period of a few months of patient socialization(I was
a part of this) he grew into one of the most loveable dogs there. In my
opinion, I think the Victoria SPCA could learn a thing or six from the
Campbell River Branch and i urge many to go there and see how a proper one
should be run. Not all SPCA's are like Victoria, some like CR's are filled
with love and respect for the creatures who cannot speak for themselves.