AAS: As I have not yet received a response from either Craig Daniell or Bob Busch, I can only assume one is not forthcoming. I would appreciate you posting this letter on the AAS message board in defence of my original letter that Mr. Busch erroneously quotes from.

It is important that the issue of the health and welfare of rescued or surrendered dogs, in particular the puppymill dogs which are now entering our system in large numbers, not be detracted from by personal attacks such as the one Mr. Busch initiated.
L.M.

From: Lynda Miller
To: cdaniell@spca.bc.ca
Cc: animaladvocates@telus.net ;
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 9:56 PM
Subject: Bob Busch re: Kamloops dogs

Mr. Daniell:

Regarding a letter from Mr. Busch dated Thursday, May 22, 2003 08:54 as attached.

In Mr.Busch's letter that was so rapidly and publicly sent to numerous recipients except myself, he states: "This letter is written to all those who have communicated dissatisfaction with the euthanasia last week of two dogs at the BC SPCA Kamloops shelter." Did I not initiate the tide of dissatisfied responses? Surely that would put me at the top of the list of recipients.

Further to our conversation of yesterday afternoon: You requested that I speak directly to (Kamloops SPCA manager) Jennifer Gore stating that is what I should have done at first. You promoted open discussion and fact gathering as necessary to reach a resolution in this situation. You obviously have very strong ethical beliefs which I do admire. Why then are these same suggestions/beliefs not followed by SPCA people such as Mr.Busch. I followed your advice to phone Jennifer Gore directly yesterday, so where does that leave me now?

Jennifer talked of my affiliation with animal groups. Quite amusing considering that I am a monthly PAW contributor to the Kamloops branch of the SPCA, and do not hold membership nor contribute financially to any other organizations. Yet another wrongful supposition.

My integrity and honesty have come under attack, I am under a great deal of stress and have no way of defending myself except by the very dishonesty you advise me against. I would have to come forward and identify key employees who have been privy to my discussions with Bonnie Bischoff. I too have strong ethical beliefs and having promised these people not to use their names I will not!

You asked yesterday if I had put in writing to the Kamloops SPCA my request to adopt Brenda. I am attaching a copy of my original letter as well as my veterinarian's reference. My letter was delivered to them on May 1, 2003. Brenda was still alive at that time. In Mr.Busch's letter he states, "a month was spent attempting to rehabilitate the dogs, they did not improve and it was deemed inhumane to let them live in constant fear of humans". I deeply resent the implication that Brenda was far better off destroyed than placed in my home. I had already been in touch with a canine behaviourist who had volunteered her services free of charge to assist me in any way, as well as discussing the pros and cons of adopting/fostering such a needy/fearful animal, with my veterinarian.

Yesterday you referred to having to make the difficult decision of euthanasia in Ontario for dogs that had been in rehabilitation for 6 to 8 months, how does that compare to only one month for the Kamloops dogs?

In Mr.Busch's email he also states, "allegations that the dogs were euthanized due to barking are totally false as is the statement that one remaining dog was slated for euthanasia on May 20th". Once again, hearsay and out of context quotes. One of your comments to me was to ensure that I had facts...not hearsay. My letter to Kim Capri states "The reasons given to me by Bonnie Bischoff for their euthanasia were, for Brenda: progressive impending blindness, fear and anxiety; for Tamra: fear and anxiety". As far as the remaining dog being slated for euthanasia on May 20th...my letter stated "I hope by writing this letter I will not be too late to stop the possible needless destruction of Kelly on Monday, May 20th".

You have suggested as stated above that I communicate directly with the parties involved. I am afraid I have no choice but to copy this email to the same parties as Mr. Busch so kindly responded to. I am in the unenviable position of feeling very distrustful and having to cover myself by including others in our correspondence.

At this point it is too late to ask me to communicate directly with Mr.Busch, that is no longer an option.

I look forward to hearing your response.

Sincerely,

Lynda Miller
Ex-SPCA volunteer,
Kamloops, BC