Dear SPCA Board Of Directors:

I am sure most of you have had the opportunity to see the report on Cheech that was on CTV News at 6:00pm Thursday, June 24, 2004. It is very clear, via Nadine Gourkow's interview that she has been caught telling untruthful stories. The reports clearly display that Cheech passed his assessments. That is confirmed by the fact that he was listed for adoption on the Petfinder site, yet these employees ( Michelle Rodgers, Nadine Gourkow, Lorie Chortyk, Bob Busch, and Craig Naherniak) have repeatedly stated that Cheech failed. Not only have they made untruthful statements publicly, but they each contradict one another with their own versions. If they were all truthful the stories would be the same.

On June 20, 2004 during Nadine Gourkow's interview with the Province News she stated " the organization will not bow to public pressure". I am amazed that she would make such a statement. It is highly unprofessional and displays no regard for the public who, might I remind you, are responsible for most of the donations that the SPCA receives. Personally, it makes me feel that my contributions to the SPCA are of no importance. Certainly, I could post every untruthful or unprofessional comment made by SPCA representatives or management, however, I assume you have all seen the news. If you need copies of news broadcasts or would like to investigate how this story has affected the public and your volunteers, you can go to the Animal Advocates site and review transcripts and public submissions. http://www.animaladvocates.com/cgi-bin/newsroom.pl/#2340 .

Following are some of the responses that I have received after asking for opinions on whether or not people/rescues were still willing to continue to assist the SPCA. I have withheld breeds and names. Should you need this information, I will request that it be released to you.

1. "At one time, I worked closely with the SPCA, up and until I was screwed over too many times by them. Or, should I say, the dogs I worked with were let down time and time again by the SPCA. I work with "zoned" single breed & crosses that have severe behavioral issues. Some may be minor, but many are extreme. Together with my husband, we have rehabilitated 6 dogs, in just this last year. All of these dogs are in very loving homes, which we closely monitor. We have placed many dogs over the years, BUT, none of these dogs were from the SPCA. All were from Alberta, or other parts. In the last couple of years, I have worked very closely with an Alberta Animal Shelter. I have placed many of their dogs out here in homes. The sad thing about that is, there have been dogs of my breed in the local SPCA. The SPCA has adopted them out to the first person that will pay them their $135.00, NOT followed up, and I have ultimately ended up with the dog. I NEVER take owner surrenders, as it would be overwhelming, however, in the past year, I have had to take in two, that originally were adopted out by our lovely SPCA. Both dogs had behavioral issues that should have been dealt with BEFORE they ended up in the state they were in when they came to our rescue. I do have a dog in my home now, that the SPCA completely failed, and she is just now beginning to exhibit confidence. I've had her since last December, and the SPCA should have been accountable for what they put this dog and her new family through, BUT THEY WEREN'T...."

2. "I wish we could all work together, but, I wonder if that will ever take place. I think the biggest problem I see with the SPCA is the lack of honesty. I don't know that I would EVER trust anything that came out of the mouths of the staff. I guess I'm on the fence about my willingness to assist the SPCA. I guess they would have to come to some agreement with rescues to reimburse us. I have taken dogs in the past from the SPCA , and it's been their opinion that I should be doing it for "free". Well, let's consider this....I take a dog off their hands. They fill the space with another dog. I don't hear a word from them the entire time I am caring for the dog, and providing everything for the dog out of my own personal bank account. When a home is found for the dog, which I have found, the SPCA DEMANDS payment. Soooooooo, where is the responsibility of the SPCA??? That's why I don't have anything to do with the SPCA. Also, I have gone through a terrible time with the manager, and I don't care to revisit that. In my opinion, if one does something for an animal, and it turns out to be the WRONG decision, one should ADMIT the wrong, instead of blaming others....."

3. "After reading the FORM that Kim Archibald sent I was reminded of having done this before and have to wonder why they don't have all of that sitting somewhere that they could reference. I think this FORM is very similar, other then the spelling errors, to the one we had to fill out before. I was a little offended when I got to the bottom where the for says..... " Do you agree to deal with the SPCA in a professional manner and abide by its Code of Ethics?" This is a little hard to answer due to the situation of late and I have to wonder if they ask themselves the same question?"

4. "I was a volunteer at the Delta SPCA. I did some dogwalking and the occasional home visits. I adopted a single breed dog there a couple of years ago and then this year we fostered then adopted a special needs dog. While I have never been a huge fan of the SPCA because of the politics I have always tried to support them because of the animals. I have since withdrawn my support because I can no longer be part of an organization that would continue to do what they have done lately. The surrey SPCA is horrible!!! I live 5 minutes away and I just can't go there."

These are just a few of the responses that I received - the rest are all quite similar. I do not forward these to be negative or finger-point, but to allow you to observe how the SPCA's recent actions affect everyone - ultimately the animals. On a positive note, there are still volunteers and rescue groups who do wish to work with the SPCA. We are one of them, but there needs to be some kind of consistency and policy. We are all here to do the same thing - help the animals. I look forward to a improved working relationship between the SPCA and Rescue Groups in the future.

Sincerely,
Terra Vallely