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Binks was adopted on 2/20/08 and was not one of the unfortunate caught up in the drama. She had been surrendered by her previous family because they could not 'potty train' her. |
114 S Sporting Hill Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
AnimalHouseCo.com
SERVING DOGS IN OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 10 YEARS
AS THE [DOG] WORLD TURNS
The Ongoing Drama
with
Homeward Bound Animal Rescue
http://homewardbound2u.rescuegroups.org
03/10/2008 - I am going to forewarn you that this is an extremely boring story, littered with lots of details & facts. It's the type of reading that puts one to sleep at night ... that is, unless you enjoy a good soap [opera] with lots of drama. I was VERY hesitant to write this for fear of being seen in as catty and simple a light as some of the characters, but my hand has been forced. This is snowballing out of control, with more and more deranged individuals jumping on board every day. So ......
It is with a heavy heart that I relate this story. It appears as if I have jeopardized the Animal House and it's reputation by getting into bed with the rescue, Homeward Bound (http://homewardbound2u.rescuegroups.org). I am also guilty of not being a good judge of character, as I'm sure some of you can relate. I am writing this to inform, clear the air, and hopefully answer any questions. If I have the time and/or energy, I will update the story, fore I'm sure Animal House has not heard the last from Homeward Bound. I feel as if I have already wasted too much negative energy and definitely too much time on this situation.
Also, you must forgive me if at times I sound sarcastic. This story is nothing short of a soap opera and it embarrasses me to know that I have allowed myself to become mixed with such a radical group. "Sharon, aren't you being a little melodramatic, yourself, in using the word radical?" you ask. As the Animal House has learned, the individuals associated with Homeward Bound (HB) are radicals. I have received hate emails with the truth twisted to such an extreme that it's hard to believe these individuals can sleep at night. They have written, emailed, or called every dog that was adopted from the Animal House to 'inform' them that their dog may have been exposed to disease, thus creating panic and confusion. THESE PEOPLE ARE RADICALS.
And to add melo to the word drama, on top of this 'parting of ways' between the two organizations, we have two disgruntled Animal House ex-employees, and Personalized Greyhounds (www.pgreys.org) jumping on board. It is amazing what comes out of the wood work when a fire is lit.
~ who were adopted just prior to the start of the saga ~ |
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Adopted 2/03/08 | Adopted 2/16/08 | Adopted 2/25/08 |
Ok, enough introduction. What the heck am I talking about? Well, as many of you know, the Animal House fosters for several rescues. We had started specializing in dogs with behavioral issues. If a rescue had a dog that they deemed "unadoptable", the Animal House would assess the dog and evaluate whether we thought the dog was 'salvageable' for lack of a better word. Many of the dogs were bounce-backs (returned dogs). Almost all of the dogs just needed structure, which we provided. That's how we met Homeward Bound.
Homeward Bound started in the rescue world about 1.5 years ago. The Animal House assessed, rehabilitated, and found homes for several of their 'problem' dogs in 2007. It wasn't until the beginning of 2008 that things started spiraling out of control both in numbers and in 'problem' dogs. By March of this year, Animal House was fostering a lot of Homeward Bound dogs. Some we had requested, some were dumped on us.
Now for the first parenthetical to our saga. Jen Richardson & Carol Line (both groomers) terminated their employment when a personality conflict developed between them and Animal House's new manager. They were both so angry when they left that they both immediately started a campaign to bring down the Animal House. It is these two woman whom we have to thank for the anonymous letter to Dog Law outlining a 'dungeon of horrors'. These two woman are responsible for contacting every person within a 50 mile radius with an axe to grind whether that axe be directed towards the Animal House or not. Richardson and Line's stunt is so typical of the manner in which they worked ... setting fires and standing back to watch them burn.
OK, back to our saga. Dog Law inspected our records and identified several fosters who did not comply. Most of these were dogs between the ages of three (3) and six (6) months. They also would not accept anything as proof of vaccines except the piece of paper that is clearly marked across the top "Rabies Certificate or "Vaccination Certificate". Semantics, but none the less, the rules. They also identified two dogs whom they required to be seen by a veterinarian within 48 hours because they were 'coughing'. Now remember, while Dog Law was present at the Animal House, every dog was observed for this dungeon of horrors that had been so vividly described in the now infamous 'anonymous' letter. They found nothing that could not be reasonably explained and/or backed up with documentation.
Sue Hollenbach, President of Homeward Bound, and I spoke about the inspection and we had decided that a mobile vet was to be utilized to bring all dogs into compliance as soon as possible. An appointment was made with a mobile vet and she was expected on Friday, 2/29/08.
On 2/28/08, the Animal House received a surprise inspection from Officer Sandstrom of the Humane Society. He stated that he was required to follow-up with the Dog Law complaint. He was given a tour of our facility. Officer Sandstrom did not find any dogs to be suffering from neglect or being abused. According to Officer Sandstrom, "The only thing you ladies are guilty of is having too big a heart. Next time say no." We intend to follow his advise.
When Dr. Frankeny (the mobile vet) arrived on Friday , we discussed why she was there, the particulars about the dogs in our charge, the two dogs Dog Law had specifically singled out, and two other dogs who we were 'concerned' about. Dr. Frankeny, gave wellness check-ups to the dogs, gave vaccinations where needed, and looked at the two dogs that Dog Law had specifically pointed out. Nothing was found wrong with the first dog, and the second dog had a 'slight' Upper Respiratory Infection (URI). She instructed us to give the dog antibiotics.
As for the dogs the Animal House was concerned about ... One was a very young puppy, Sweetie, who had come into the Animal House on 2/16. She had taken ill the day before and we were 'concerned' because of how suddenly she had become sick. As it turns out, Sweetie was too ill to be saved and the vet recommended euthanasia. Dr. Frankeny was shown the second dog, Mercy, who came to AH on 2/17. She had come into the AH ill and was being confined to the infirmary with her 'best friend', Pepsi. She had started to improve but we were concerned because she showed no zest for life and would 'squint' her eyes when she looked at someone. After a wellness check-up, Dr. Frankeny deemed her very ill and her chances of recovery were iffy. After a discussion, the decision was made to euthanize Mercy. It was a sad day at the Animal House.
Our attention now turned to the 'healthy' dogs. What had been wrong with Mercy & Sweetie? Why had Sweetie taken ill so suddenly? Was it contagious? Was it distemper? Was it Parvo? All of these subjest, as you can imagine, were discussed. Dr. Frankeny's response was, "I don't know." It could be Parvo, or Distemper, or a number of other things. This is where the communication went awry and Animal House got to see Homeward Bound's true colors as they tucked their tails and ran for cover .... pointing a 'disease & illness' finger at the Animal House as they crested the hill.
Now I think it should go without saying here but none the less, indulge me. The Animal House kicked into a lock-down mode with all foster dogs being isolated in the kennel room until there could be further discussion and evaluation. We cleaned, scrubbed, and disinfected .... and then we cleaned some more. I think most of us would have had one expert call the other expert (i.e. vet to vet) and proceed with the recommendation. But no .... this is where things started to get really dysfunctional.
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Adopted 2/26/08 | Adopted 2/16/08 |
On Sat, 03/01, Hollenbach showed up with two unknown individuals. We have since learned that one of the individuals was Lynda Martin, Char-lyn Kennels, but we still do not know the identity of the other person present. The three individuals entered the Animal House during open hours and Martin, rather than introducing herself and explaining why she was there, proceeds to tell us how we were to conduct business in the future. When it became a shouting match, the woman was asked to leave. Hollenbach was specifically invited to stay so that we could 'discuss' the issues instead of shouting about them. Instead, without saying ONE word the entire time, Hollenbach turned and walked out behind the other two. We all looked at each other in disbelief. Denise Glass, an AH employee who managed the 'rescue side of our business' ran out into the parking lot and proceeded to have a conversation with Hollenbach. I know Glass told me what was said when she returned but I was in such disbelief at the scene that had just unfolded, I was numb. Things had turned nasty so quickly.
We received numerous phone calls that Saturday from Homeward Bound representatives. First we received word that a vet from Boiling Springs (HB's vet) was coming to the Animal House on Sunday to euthanize all HB dogs. Then we were informed that it was to be all dogs who had not received their 3 series of vaccines. Later, it became, all puppies. We decided that this had gotten ridiculous enough. We would wait until 'their vet' got to the Animal House on Sunday to find out what was going on.
When Dr. Pitelli arrived, and after introductions, I told her I wanted my opinion noted 'for the record' before she euthanized any dog under the Animal House roof. Dr. Pitelli told us she had been told by Hollenbach that Dr. Frankeny had drawn blood and had confirmed conclusively that the puppy, Sweetie, died of distemper. We told her that was not the case at which time she left the building to make a phone call. When she returned, we were informed that she had changed her 'chore' and was to give all puppies wellness check-ups and all puppies she thought well enough, were to be taken to Hollenbach's house. Thirteen (13) puppies went to Hollenbach's house that day via an HB rep and 2 went to Boiling Springs with Dr. Pittelli because of 'concern'.
Now, as it seems, the line had been drawn and people were quickly choosing sides. Things were to get a lot uglier before the week was over. Mud was starting to fly.
Since Hollenbach was waving the 'disease & illness' banner at the Animal House, I insisted that all HB dogs be removed from the property. Communication had broken down and trust was no longer present. The battle bounced back and forth via phone and email until finally, Hollenbach remitted and the dogs were to be removed on Tuesday 3/4/08.
Meanwhile, enter Louise West, VP Personalized Greyhounds (PGInc). Here comes the next parenthetical to the drama. West and this writer had a difference of opinion about her 13 year old daughter, Jillian ... a difference of opinion that had us parting ways. West used her position with Personalized Greyhounds to post a message on the PGInc Yahoo Group website detrimental to the Animal House and with no first hand knowledge whatsoever as to the facts of the story. When I went to verify the posting, I discovered that I, along with every other AH member had been barred access to the group, even though three (3) of us have adopted PGInc dogs (and previously had access to the group). I learned later that when two individuals went to respond to the postings, asking for facts to substantiate the allegations, those postings were removed. West had also been reported to have called and email all AH greyhound customers, informing them of her 'new' opinion of AH.
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Adopted 2/16/08 | Adopted 2/09/08 | Adopted 2/02/08 |
On a rainy Tuesday, 03/04/08, at about 3:00 PM, Homeward Bound volunteers arrived at the Animal House to begin the process of removing HB dogs. Among the 'volunteers' are Jen Richardson/Carol Line (the 2 disgruntled AH ex-employees, Louise West (VP Personalized Greyhounds), Louise's 13 yr old daughter, Jillian, along with Peggy Levin, Pres. Personalized Greyhounds, and many of you may remember my ex-partner, Christina (Tina) Garner (don't ask why she was there or what she thought she was going to do) and her [Tina's] boss, Angie Eyler, owner of Angie's Bark Avenue. When we saw the entourage, Hampden Twp police was called to avert any confrontation and problems. All 'uninvited' individuals were escorted off the AH property. As we discovered later, while sitting across the street during the 'turnover' of the dogs, the 'unwanted' were calling news stations telling them that the Humane Society was 'confiscating' dogs from the Animal House. (All I can say is that when I make an enemy, I do it right. If anyone would like some pointers, please feel free to contact me.)
But to get back to a more serious situation, Homeward Bound volunteers arrived with two large Penske trucks to remove the dogs. When we were told that their plan was to put 30+ dogs in the back of the two trucks, loose, Denise Glass, an AH staff member, stood up and refused to allow one dog to leave until a safer method of transportation could be arranged. HB volunteers huddled in an attempt to find a solution. Then Vicky Church, an HB volunteer, entered the picture. It was her suggestion, that since each of the dogs were currently in a crate, why not use the Animal House crates to transport the dogs. Initially I said "NO" because of the distrust in the air and the fact that these crates were needed by AH to conduct business. Later, I agreed when Church gave her word that the crates would be returned.
Church was later told by Hollenbach to step aside and allow her to take care of the return. As of this date 3/10, only about half of the crates have been returned. Again, distrust had entered the relationship, even at the expense of one's own member.
On 3/06/08 Officer Sandstrom of the Humane Society had stopped by the Animal House to answer yet another animal abuse complaint against the Animal House lodged through the Hampden Township Police Department. We informed him that the HB dogs had been removed on 03/04/08. And the beat goes on ...
Numerous emails have been sent by this writer, reminding people of the facts, but as soap opera's go, no one is interested in the facts. Only in the drama. These people are scary.
Since the dogs have left the Animal House, another chapter has opened up regarding the dogs. I have received word from various sources that many animal loving groups have climbed onto the drama wagon. They are calling it a 'crisis'. When the dogs were housed here at the Animal House, why wasn't it a crisis or emergency then? Why didn't we need supplies donated? Why didn't we need people to walk the dogs? I have learned through this experience that there are a lot of radicals in the rescue world who really don't want to help but merely to cry about the situation and guilt you, into helping. As Hollenbach so wisely stated in an email to me, "With having all these people to rely on to do the other tasks, I can concentrate on what I do best. Suck people into fostering, stroking, and getting the animals here at a good price."
The Animal House has fostered and adopted out many dogs over our 10 years and many of them to you, our customers. Not one dog has ever been returned for behavior problems and not one dog has ever been adopted out with health issues. Our reputation speaks for itself. As a dear friend said, "It takes years to build up trust, and it only takes suspicion, not proof, to destroy it."
I have received many well-deserved lectures by well intentioned friends. "Next time, stay clear of the radicals and do it your way."
Sincerely,
Sharon A. Eckenrode, Founder/Owner/CEO/President
Animal House & Co, Inc
To view the dogs turned over to Homeward Bound, click here: "The Dogs".