Give a Dog a Second Chance - how about giving these dogs a FIRST chance?

[NTD; - comments NOW closed on this post - see Comment section for further explanation]

The reality is that I don't want to think there are people out there that use the genuine compassion, caring natures and generosity of true animal lovers to enrich themselves.  That use the many terrible realities of abandoned, distressed and abused animals to tug at heartstrings and more importantly (from their perspective), make a buck.

But people like that exist; people with an absence of morals, an absence of compassion and a venial belief in their own entitlement that supersedes the broken bodies they climb over to their goal of easy money. 

Last week, as detailed in detail on Facebook in various forums (here in RAWW'S site and in the Toronto Pet Daily here and here ) as well as in my two blogs below, four distressed, ill and abandoned dogs were ostensibly 'rescued' by a group which calls itself Give a Dog a Second Chance (but is actually now a Doggy Daycare with an rescue element according to their site). 

On this site here (Storm's Animal Allies), apparently a chipin in fund was established (currently at $310) to help vet the animals; BUT, due to legitimate concerns about funds going to an amphorous chipin versus directly to the vet clinic (which is the preferred and most logical way to donate, as there is then transparency AND, more importantly, no question about where the funds are directed), a subsequent genuine and legitmate sequence of questions about the dogs, their location and their condition erupted in yet another litany of accusations, countersuits and squabbling.

While the abject failure of the Peterborough Humane Society is also an issue, the true tragedy here lies in the broken, distressed bodies of four innocent lives that through no fault of their own, have been betrayed on every level by every human being with whom they have come in contact.

Abandoned and neglected in a home in foreclosure - the entire story of what unfolded at 541 Sherbrooke Street, Peterborough remains to be known.

The Peterborough Humane Society won't talk, just (in true OSPCA doublespeak) denies culpability.

The ostensible "rescue" Give a Dog a Second Chance" had such wildly varying renditions of the events that at this point is impossible to really understand what has happened over the past few days.

A storm of controversy, vitriol, allegations, counter allegations and accusations have flown through the virtual air of the world wide web.  At the heart of the matter were genuine animal lovers who were frantic to know the dogs' conditions, where they were located, and most crucial, whether they were getting the medical intervention they so obviously required.

But some things speak for themselves:

After contradictions, outright lies and obvious and blunt dissembling, as of Sunday night, the dogs had NOT been to see a vet.  Despite hyperbole and purple prose about their terrible state, they continue to be secreted in a as yet unnamed location - "too scared" by the "rescue's" words to see a vet - although apparently it was kosher to see  a groomer and a vet tech (whose qualifications are unknown).

But, apparently, these obviously traumatized little dogs, unvetted, unneutered, with NO time at this juncture to de-stress, with absolutely NO opportunity in this small window of time to properly assess their true natures, ARE UP FOR ADOPTION.

The pictures above were screen shots - taken from The Doggies Place (which is where the link brings you when you google Give a Dog a Second Chance) - the Doggies Place so-termed "rescue" page.

This too is a screen shot - one of several I took as I am fairly certain once the duplicity and outright immorality of this self-termed group is revealed for what it truly exemplifies, it will quickly be taken down (no doubt to arise in another form shortly thereafter). 

What you see above is broken trust.

What you see above is broken promises.

What you see above is betrayal in its most revolting form.

And most of all what you see above is total irresponsibility.

For these dogs are in an unknown medical state - by their own words, this organization purports that the dogs have ingested drywall and other potentially life-threatening and inedible materials.  Yet as of last night they had not seen a vet (again, by their own words, they asserted that the dogs would be vetted today but I would highly doubt that)

The temperament of these dogs is also unknown; while dogs, by their nature, are remarkably forgiving - and insofar as the ONE pit bull involved - the MOST loving dog breed of all -   past abuses and neglect must contribute to a questionable state of mind.

A responsible rescue would first and foremost have the dogs under close medical supervision.

A responsible rescue would secondly, have the dogs in a safe, secure and loving place where individuals with the expertise and patience would be provided with the opportunity to first DE-STRESS the dogs - which requires TIME and an understanding of how to do so. 

Only after the dogs have been stabilized medically and given the chance to re-establish a sense of trust and security would it then be possible to assess their temperaments and ascertain what type of remedial help and training would benefit.

Rehabilitation is neither simplistic nor is it quick - but can mean the difference between a dog that runs out of chances to one who finds a forever home.

Unfortunately, these dogs are clearly not being provided with anything - other than a way for an irresponsible and money-hungry individual or individuals to make a quick buck.

FAIL - and betrayal yet again.

Poor dogs.

and SHAME on your Give Dogs a Second Chance or Doggy Daycare or whatever the hell you call yourself now ...

SELLING abused, medically compromised and emotionally unstable dogs (and while we're at it, poor Bullet, also listed there I HOPE is being treated for the case of mange he seems to be sufferring (which is painful and can worsen dramatically if left untreated)) is unethical, cruel and so obviously a ploy to make some money it defies belief.