WITNESS:

Mr. Jerome has decided he wants to shut down the THS and start fresh. Unfortnately, he seems to suggest (in MY opinion) that a mass cleanout of the animals is in order to accomplish this.

Nice attitude for a man who is supposed to be heading an organization that is supposed to have at its core, an abiding love and respect for animals. Mr. Jerome you are a DISGRACE.  If indeed you don't mean to "clear them" out by euthanizing them - and certaintly the entire tone of your diabtribe suggests that strongly - then please clear that up for us.  Further, explain to us please how after we have already seen the THS population drop from 1100 to less than 200 animals, that any of the remaining animals have issues that mean they can't either be adopted, fostered or treated either medically or by professionals who will deal with possible behavioural issues?

UPDATE: i have been accused of "slandering" Mr. Jerome's name - yet it seems to me in his OWN affidavit he indicates that outside vets suggested SOME animals be euthanized and the pits be transferred - which as we know, did not happen - which he indicated was due to blocking by the OSPCA.  Which would lead one to think, that it MIGHT be the ospca who is at issue here.  However, Mr. Jerome then admits in the letter on the THS website that with the consulatation of ospca/ths vets and personnel, the decision was made to euthanize. 

I supposed in all respects it comes down to a radically different concept of the Toronto Humane Society. Mr. Jerome's mirrors, in my OPINION, many of the shelters throughout Canada and the U.S. which have a high kill ratio and strict regulations as to who is welcome within their walls. From a business perspective and certaintly from the perspective of the OSPCA, that is the "right" model.

For those of us who saw the THS as unique in that it was the only institution that took the animals NO ONE ELSE WANTED; neglected, abused, discarded and yes, sick, then it is heartrending that the ONLY refuge these animals had is GONE.

Did we see the way it HAD been run as great - absoultely NOT. 

But we continue to cling to the basic philosophy- one which if properly instituted woudl ensure that the THS remains a REFUGE as well as a shelter.

I agree with Mr. Jerome that an 'aggrssive adoption campaign' is required. I agree that more vets were needed and vet techs and FAR bettter care be given to the aniamls (as someone who has had "sit-ins" in the vet office to get a dog's ears treated, I LOVE that idea), but, i also feel there is room for compassion and TIME. For dogs and cats with behavioural issues to have those issues addressed. Perhaps they can't be fixed - there will be times when that is true and in that case, HUMANE euthanisia may be the only alternative - but I perceive the THS as a place, unlike anywhere else, where they are given a CHANCE to be rehabilitated.

Nothing I saw in anything written by Mr. Jerome, reported on (and I use that term loosely) by the media or read in the THS website indicates to me that the merciful, accepting THS of the past is even being considered.

When I say "no kill" I am not Tim Trow - I do not mean NEVER kill - I mean that is the answer ONLY if medically the animal cannot be treated, if the behaviour issues are SO severe that the animal will never be able to be rehabilitated. That it is LOW kill as opposed to NO in a sense.

Yet the "new THS" as described in the affidavit, on the website and in the media strikes me as welcoming only healthy, young, QUICKLY adoptable animals. YET,

• Many old dogs and cats find new homes - I have been it again and again over the past few years.
• Many dogs and cats with medical issues find loving homes - I have seen it again and again.
• Many dogs and cats with issues can be worked with, behaviour modification can do wonders. Minimal efforts can yield incredible results.

Perhaps Mr. Jermone does not mean to euthanize our few dogs left - but why then is nothing being said about their fate?  We are worried sick about these dogs - they have a right to loving healthy lives!

UPDATES:

Tyson, mastiff/shepherd mix. Tyson is a darling boy, very strong, not many manners but beloved by us all. Not aware of any aggression issues, although all 140 lbs or whatever of him WILL resist going back to a pen as Tyson YEARNS to go home with someone. Has been banned from walkers for many weeks for an inexplicable reason.  Tyson right now is very sad as he watches us watch by his kennel.  One of the long-term dog walkers, Luc, is on his way back from holiday right now and has put in an offer to adopt Tyson. Tyson could not HAVE a better home. 

Pumba - fawn pit bull, medical issues, in clinic for some time. Sweet nature, most of us have walked him with no issues. No one allowed to for undisclosed medical reasons other than clinic staff.  Pumba too is very sad and his kennel in the clinic is almost always full of pee and mess.  Pumba needs to be out with his friends in the park- he is a sweet dog who loves to walk. ADOPTED

Rocky 2 - shepherd cross - some medical issues (undislcosed to us), in clinic. Young, strong boy with lovely long legs and a rambunctious sweet personality. Definitely needs some training but no aggression, just high energy and untrained.  Strong guy with delightful grin and a zest for life that entrances. Please be aware - belly rubs are a MUST. ADOPTED

Rocky 1 - sweet wonderful rottie mix - sweetie pie - ghiardia so he is currently in the back hall. Darling Rockie loves running, balls and kisses.  He is exuberant but not overly strong or does not pull excessively.  Very bright boy with winning personality. Rocky would make someone a wonderful companion for long hikes, cuddles and love!  ADOPTED

Lucas - pit bull - Our Lucas was a return just before the raid. Lucas is a strong-natured (NOT mean), pit bull who LOVES his toys and will play for hours.  I was told just yesterday he is just waiting for his former owner to come for him - yet to be confirmed.

Diesel - chow mix - darling boy, red coat - loves long walks, cuddles and company - has never to my knowledge shown ANY aggression to anyone. Beautiful leash manners.  Diesel is a laid back fellow who initialy intimidates people simply because of his appearance. Five mintues and you realize he is a guy just looking for someone to hang with.  Right now he is Office Boy and is the delight of many staff.ADOPTED

Patience, - lovely old GSD (12 years) with incredible energy for any dog, even one years younger than she is. Patience ADORES running the fence although due to some arthritis has been relegated to on-leash only. She is a wonderful dog, and like any GSD took time to bond, but even with `strangers`NEVER aggressive just not demonstrative. Patience deserves to live her last years in comfort and in the loving embrace of those who love her.  Several of us offer NOW to take Patience if they decide she is "too old" to be adopted. Patience has many healthy and happy years ahead of her! ADOPTED

Cuyita - another beautiful rottie mix - older dog with wonderful manners. Cuyita loves long walks, to sit in your lap in the warm sun and visit with other dogs through the fence.  Yesterday, Cuyita and I hung out in the park on the structure built there, basking in the sunshine, her butt in my lap and her head close enough for those tickly scratches under the chin.  Like many rotties, she is wonderfully affectionate. ADOPTED

Charli- darling rottie mix pup- still a baby - needs some in-depth training but only due to type of breed, not mean, just high energy and needs a firm hand.  Charli is a sweet tempered, high energy bundle of joy - bursting at the seams to find someone to spend some time with her - to teach her some manners but mostly to PLAY PLAY PLAY.ADOPTED

Crowe - wonderful wonderful mastiff mix - adorable with whingey, whiney voice that makes all of us laugh. There is NO mistaking when Crowe thinks it is HIS turn for a walk.  Crowe is a darling boy who would make a wonderfully affectionate companion to anyone! ADOPTED

Princess - pit bull mix - white with an adorable black ring around her eye - she looks exactly like the pittie from the old Our Gang tv show, sweet nature, not tempermental or dominant - lovely dog.. Princess is a perfect advocate for her breed.  She has dignity, is delightfully affectionate and has no aggression issues.

Bandit- poor sad bandit- more lab mix than anything. Court Order years ago, destined to live in Tim Trow's office, never let out on the grass or anything. Very unsocialized but once he gets over his fright, so happy to be out in a park.  Bandit is the one dog in all this that has actualy benefitted from the raid. Relegated as he was a twilight life, he is only now learning there is a great world out there.