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From Julie

Dear Steve:

I just received an email that Olympic Animal Sanctuary has custody of Snaps and he would not be euthanized. I went to the link included and viewed the photos of Snaps with you. Wow! He looks positively happy and joyful that he has a new home with *lots of room* to run! (The photo of him in the kennel broke my heart with his "Somebody-help-me-please" look). Viewing those photos of him thanking you for saving him was a great joy to me. He looked so happy and thankful that you were able to help him!

God bless you for the work you are doing.

Posted on September 29, 2009 | Link

Our Model for a More Effective No-Kill Community

Posted on September 29, 2009 | Link

The Problem with No-Kill:

It's Not Enough

A lot of people and organizations in the animal welfare community have a problem with the no-kill philosophy, and we're no exception here at Olympic Animal Sanctuary. But it's probably not for the same reasons you think, so we urge you to read on.

Let's start with the way a typical animal shelter works. Shelters receive dogs and cats from owners who no longer want them or are unable to continue to care for them, and from Animal Control, who picks up animals that have been abandoned or confiscates them from abusive or neglectful owners. Those animals are placed in small, holding pens where they receive the bare minimum care, usually food, water, something to sleep on, and frequent cleaning and removal of waste from the cage. Stray animals are held for a few days, usually three to five, to give the owners a chance to come in and claim them, while the rest are made available for adoption. Those strays not claimed by their owners are put up for adoption. After a few days to a few weeks, depending on policy, any animals not adopted are killed. Somewhere between 7 and 12 million dogs and cats die this way every year in the US.

Of course, not all animals get a shot at adoption; sick animals that may or may not be treatable are killed. Old animals are often killed. Animals with temperament issues are killed. And sometimes shelter personnel just kill a bunch of animals to make room for more. It's important to note that the shelters call this "euthanasia" which literally means 'good death' -- we don't see much good in it, which is why we call it killing, and reserve the term 'euthanasia' for animals that would die an inevitable, horrible death as a result of illness or injury, or continue to live in agony indefinitely -- mercy killing, as opposed to killing for convenience, or because we simply don't know what else to do with all these animals.

The rules for killing shelter animals are that the death has to be quick, relatively painless, and as stress-free as possible, and most of us take it for granted that this is the case, but often it is not. The people administering the death drugs are usually not veterinarians, they may not give the right dosages, they may not use the right drugs, they may not be able to find a vein, so the animal endures repeated bad injections, or the shelter personnel may prefer easier, less humane methods, like intracardiac injection (needle into the heart) without first anesthetizing the animal. It's illegal in most places, but it is a lot easier.

Here's something to think about: would any of us dispute the idea that certain sadistic, abusive, predatory individuals become foster parents or seek employment at group homes, in schools, or in other places where they will have access to children so that they can have a steady supply of victims? Of course not -- we know this happens, because we hear about it every day. Most of the people in child services are there for the right reasons, but some are there to perpetrate abuse on the vulnerable. The same is true of elderly care, and care of the mentally handicapped. So does it not follow that some people enter the animal welfare field for the purpose of abusing animals? We know it happens, because we've seen it, but chances are you haven't. And since animals can't talk, and unlike child services, killing the animals is considered part of the job, these people's cruelty can go undetected for years. In fact, we've even seen people fired for animal abuse and go right on working at another facility, or even returning to the same facility after a management change!

Moving on, after the animals are killed, they're generally given to an animal disposal company, and in most cases they're taken to a rendering plant where they're chopped up and mixed up in a vat along with road kill, expired grocery store meat, dead animals from factory farms, mink carcasses from fur farms, etc. The contents are boiled, and what floats to the top is sold to pet food manufacturers as "animal fat", while what sinks to the bottom is sold as "meat", "meat byproducts", "protein meal", or other nondescript terms that essentially mean a mixture of dead animals, plastics, polystyrene, narcotics (remember the drugs they used to kill those shelter animals?), and anything else that may have gone into the vat. And we don't want to get sidetracked, but if someone ever needed to dispose of a human body... maybe it happens, maybe it doesn't.

So having read about how shelters function, how could we possibly be against no-kill? The answer is that we're not against the no-kill movement, we just have a problem with one part of it, which we'll get to, after we briefly discuss the movement itself.

The basic principle of no-kill is that no adoptable animal is killed if it is healthy or has a treatable illness or injury. Some shelters operate as no-kill facilities, while in other instances entire communities are no-kill, which is preferable, because when only the shelter is no-kill, the animals they don't have room for are still being killed elsewhere. For a no-kill community to work, there are several elements that need to be in place, and many organizations follow what is referred to as the "no-kill equation". It's not actually an equation, which only means that the people who wrote it, or at least named it, weren't mathematicians. Regardless, here it is:

Feral cat TNR program: TNR stands for trap, neuter, and release -- the only method proven to reduce feral cat populations. The neutered cats stay in the area and keep outsiders from moving in, but since they don't reproduce, the population stays within reasonable limits.
High volume, low cost spay/neuter: take away people's excuse for not sterilizing their pets -- make it as easy and convenient as possible.
Rescue groups: animals transferred to other animal welfare organizations means there's more room for new animals coming in. This requires a form of community that isn't always easy to create, but hopefully it's a reasonable goal.
Foster care: get the animals out of the shelter and into a home environment, where they no longer have to endure intensive confinement, exposure to diseases like bordatella (kennel cough) or worse, and where those nasty behaviors they pick up at the shelter don't get the chance to develop.
Comprehensive adoption plan: increasing adoptions is key, and making sure the animals go to appropriate homes means they don't end up back in the shelter next year.
Pet retention: coming up with ways to keep people and their pets together, which may include helping people understand their animals' behavior better, helping with medical bills, providing emergency assistance, etc.
Medical and behavior rehabilitation: treating the sick and injured, and fixing those behavioral issues that would keep an animal from being adopted.
Public relations/community involvement: this one is pretty obvious.
Volunteers: having a strong volunteer base is crucial, as there is always more work that can be done.
Compassionate director: it seems like this one wouldn't need mentioning, but some shelter directors aren't as compassionate as we'd like them to be. Without a compassionate leader, a compassionate community is going to be harder to create.

This all sounds good, but there's one, nagging detail that bothers us; there's one thing still missing. Remember when we said that no-kill organizations and communities don't kill adoptable animals? What about the ones that aren't adoptable? Even if an organization has a rehabilitation program for dogs with behavioral issues, won't there always be some that don't make it to adoption because they just can't get their acts together?

Most organizations use some form of temperament testing to determine whether or not a dog is safe and reliable, terms that are better used for describing a car than a live animal. It's a litigious age we live in, and no one wants to get sued, so shelters use all kinds of methods to ascertain a dog's suitability for home life: shaking a plastic replica of a human hand in the dog's face while it's eating, wiggling a baby doll in front of the dog, walking it past a kennel of barking, growling shelter dogs to see how it reacts. Of course, dogs don't recognize plastic replicas, because they don't view the world the same way we do, so that plastic hand and that baby doll are just toys, and what dog wouldn't bite a toy? And what dog wouldn't get defensive with all those other dogs barking and growling at it? But often, normal behaviors are what keep a dog from passing temperament evaluations, and even when the evaluations have some actual validity, as opposed to the methods just mentioned, some dogs simply aren't going to pass. Fighting dogs, severe abuse cases, coyote hybrids... there's only so much we can ask of these animals, and maybe asking them to change their behaviors so they can go live with the Cleaver family is a bit unrealistic.

So what do you do with a dog that bites strangers, that fights with other dogs, that kills cats, or that will struggle to the point of myopathy, potentially leading to organ failure and death, when you try to put a leash on it? For most organizations, the answer is to 'euthanize' the dog. For us, that's just not good enough.

Olympic Animal Sanctuary was created for precisely these kinds of dogs; sometimes rehabilitation takes years, and sometimes the dog never reaches that place where it can be considered completely safe and reliable. For us, that's OK -- we don't let the cat killers play with cats, we don't leave the fighters alone with other dogs, we don't let strangers, especially children, have access to any of the animals, and for those that won't take a leash, we don't make them -- sure, lugging them to the vet in crates is hard on the lower back, but we do whatever it takes, and we're pretty sure the dogs appreciate the effort. The problem is that we can only do so much -- a few dozen dogs is all we can handle at the moment, and we're turning them away left and right, often requests from no-kill shelters that have run out of options. That tells us that there are an awful lot of dogs that can't make the grade for adoption, and even the no-kill community is killing a lot of animals.

So what do we do? Well, what would you do? Not what would you do if you were in our shoes, but what would you do, you, the person reading this, whatever your name is, if someone said to you, "We have a dog that bites people, we've tried for months to rehabilitate him and he still bites people, we can't find a facility anywhere in the world that will take him, and if you don't take him and keep him for the rest of his life, he dies tomorrow. Here he is; you decide." Well, what's your answer? Do you find a way to give him a life worth living, or does he become low-grade dog food?

At this point you're probably saying to yourself that there's no way you'd take in a dog like that one when there are perfectly well-mannered animals that need homes, too, or maybe you're thinking about things like liability issues, how to keep visitors to your home safe from this dog, what it's like to get bitten by a dog -- a real bite, the kind that bleeds and requires a visit to a doctor... Hey, we know all about that stuff. But we also know that a few special needs dogs in a typical American home aren't that difficult a thing to manage for a lot of people. If you don't have young children, you're patient and flexible, and you don't mind having a dog that you can't take to beach parties or parade around in front of your relatives when they come to visit, maybe you can save this dog. Well, truthfully, he's already dead, but maybe you can save the next one, and leave the easy dogs to the people with the small kids at home, the never-ending stream of visitors, the door that doesn't always latch... But chances are there are still a few things you'll need to make it work. And to save you the trouble of sorting them out yourself, we'll provide you with a list:

Training: you need to learn from people that have done this before, so you're not dependent on trial and error (those errors can be pretty expensive). You need to understand both normal and abnormal canine behavior, and you need to learn to determine what's acceptable, what needs to change, and what to address first. Do we practice walking on the leash first, or do we work on that biting thing? Should we address the food-guarding now, or should we give her some time to settle in? These are important questions, and there are others that won't be as obvious.
Community: You need to be in touch with other people doing the same thing as you, to support you, share their experiences, and help you when you run into problems. Sometimes you'll just need to vent, and you'll need someone to listen to you. And what if you need someone to take care of that dog when you want to take a trip? We all need a vacation from time to time, but do we all have a pet sitter that can deal with a dog that eats people?
Protection: You need liability insurance. For some dogs it's not as crucial, but you need to protect yourself and your dog, and you need to have an affordable policy to do just that.

Let us now reassure you that most of the non-adoptable dogs in the system turn out to be quite sweet; they just need a little time in a safe environment. Can you provide that? We hope so, because our facility is full, and that means dogs are dying because we were their last hope and we had to say no. As far as the training, community, and protection, well, we're working on that. Our goal is to provide the training build the community that you need to take on this challenge, and maybe get you a deal on liability insurance, too. We have a long way to go, but we'll get there. With a community of skilled caregivers out there, we'll be able to focus on only the most extreme cases, while the rest of the dogs get to have a more traditional home environment.

Think you can help? Get in touch with us and we'll talk.

Posted on September 29, 2009 | Link

From Holly

Dear All,

I am writing to thank-you for making sure Snaps has the life he deserves. I was so worried about him and fearful of the outcome. Your hard work and openness to thinking outside a box is much appreciated.

Posted on September 28, 2009 | Link

From Kathy

Thank you for doing what you do.

Posted on September 28, 2009 | Link

From Louise in South Africa

Thank you so much for letting each and every one who signed the petition know that Snaps is safe, and also thank you very much for being willing to help dogs like Snaps.

Posted on September 28, 2009 | Link

From Karen and Dave

Just wanted to say a great big heartfelt thank you for what you did for Snaps, and for the gift of human kindness you are providing to so many animals in need. You are truly a blessing.

Posted on September 21, 2009 | Link

From Brandy

I was truly touched while reading the story on Snaps in the paper today. Animals need more people like you and your volunteers.

Posted on September 21, 2009 | Link

From Alma

Thanks you for taking Snaps into your sanctuary. Signing petitions and raising hell are rewarded when things like this happen. May he enjoy a deserving happy and full life.

Posted on September 21, 2009 | Link

From Lena

I wanted to take a moment to say "Thank You!!" for being tireless in your effort to save Snaps. This was a case many of us worried about, and I was very happy to hear that he will be safe thanks to your efforts. I am so glad that this case got so much attention and it has a happy ending for him. I hope that other dogs in his position in the future will have such wonderful advocates as Snaps had with you. Thank you!!!

Posted on September 18, 2009 | Link

From Alyne

Thanks for being the wonderful human beings that you are for making the compassionate decision to help Snaps. This world needs WAY more of your kind!

Posted on September 18, 2009 | Link

From Karla

Just a comment on Snaps......thank you so much for caring for these animals and taking Snaps! I'm so grateful for the work you do.

Posted on September 15, 2009 | Link

From Rebecca

Steve,

Thank you so much taking Snaps! It is wonderful to see him enjoying the outdoors!

Posted on September 14, 2009 | Link

From Deborah

Hi Steve!!

I just want to send a word of thanks to those of you @ Olympic Animal Sanctuary for taking in Snaps. Many of us from PBOC, Pit Bulls Online Community have been following Snaps' story since it first hit the news.

It's comforting to know that there are many that have seen Snaps as being victimized as well in the circumstances that led him to you.

May God bless you and the Sanctuaries endeavors in the coming years for all of the love and devotion you give to the unwanteds of this world! Please give Snaps a big 'ol hug and kiss for me!!

Posted on September 13, 2009 | Link

Snaps FAQ

What happened to Snaps?
How did Olympic Animal Sanctuary get Snaps?
Where was Snaps before the Sanctuary rescued him?
Is Snaps vicious/aggressive/dangerous?
Why rescue a dog like Snaps when there are so many nice pit bulls that need homes?
What will Snaps' life be like at the Sanctuary?
Can I adopt Snaps?
How can I help Snaps and the other dogs at Olympic Animal Sanctuary?

What happened to Snaps? Snaps belonged to a 15-year-old girl who was violent and abusive; in June, 2009, the girl and three, younger boys were seen in SeaTac, WA, kicking Snaps. When a concerned citizen confronted the children, they attacked her, and one of the boys dragged Snaps into the fight, kicking him until he bit the woman. The police were called and the children ran away, but another witness followed them. They assaulted her as well, and once again, used the dog in their attack. The second victim was hospitalized. Snaps was confiscated and held as evidence for about two and a half months at an animal shelter, where he was regarded as highly dangerous. Because he was not allowed to leave his kennel, Snaps became stressed and defensive. His behavior was assessed by representatives of two different organizations, but because Snaps wasn't removed from his kennel, the results of the evaluations were not viable. Despite the recommendations of the so-called experts that Snaps should be killed, a group of dedicated advocates fought to save his life. Petitions were circulated, phone calls were made, and the local government took notice and mandated that Snaps be placed in an animal sanctuary. (back to top)
How did Olympic Animal Sanctuary get Snaps? After Snaps had been in evidence for about two months, one of his advocates was referred to Olympic Animal Sanctuary by a representative from Best Friends Animal Society. The Sanctuary was asked if they would take Snaps in the event that a certified behaviorist was able to determine that he could be rehabilitated; director Steve Markwell said that he would be more interested if the dog was determined to be a lost cause. Steve was invited to visit Snaps at the shelter to assess him, however he did not conduct an assessment, feeling that the shelter environment would corrupt any conclusion he could draw about the dog's behavior. Steve agreed to take Snaps, and on September 11, 2009, he was transferred to Olympic Animal Sanctuary. (back to top)
Where was Snaps before the Sanctuary rescued him? Part of the Sanctuary's transfer agreement with the shelter where Snaps was being kept was that we would not make any mention of their organization on our website without their prior approval. Even though the clause was not legally enforceable, and we aren't accustomed to letting others tell us what we can and can't say on our own website, we've opted not to mention the shelter by name. It should be fairly easy for you to find out with a little research. (back to top)
Is Snaps vicious/aggressive/dangerous? Words like 'vicious' and 'aggressive' are used by people to describe behavior that they don't understand. We do not believe in such a thing as a vicious or aggressive dog, only fearful, confused, and misunderstood dogs. We believe that there are no dangerous dogs, only dangerous situations. In King County, the term 'vicious dog' is a legal designation; Snaps was declared vicious and is therefore banned from King County, however the vicious dog declaration did not follow him once he was removed from the county. Under the Revised Code of Washington and the Forks Municipal Code, a dog is not considered dangerous unless it bites when unprovoked; Snaps does not meet the definition of a dangerous dog because he was kicked and goaded into biting. It is our opinion that he does not meet the definition of a vicious dog in King County, either, however there is no reason for us to appeal the declaration because the dog will never return to King County anyway. Had Snaps been declared dangerous under state law, Olympic Animal Sanctuary would still have been able to take him, as we meet all of the legal requirements for housing dogs that have been declared dangerous, including appropriate enclosures and liability insurance. Legal designations aside, Snaps is a sweet dog who has been terribly abused and it will take time for him to learn to trust human beings, but if we were to conduct a temperament assessment with no knowledge of the dog's history, based only on his behavior in our environment, we would determine Snaps to be an adoptable dog. However, in light of his history, we do expect there to be a few behavior issues that become apparent as he becomes comfortable with his new surroundings; how severe these issues will be remains to be seen, but they will likely be fairly minor. (back to top)
Why rescue a dog like Snaps when there are so many nice pit bulls that need homes? Our skills would be wasted on 'easy dogs', and to suggest that one dog is more deserving of rescue than another because of its behavior assumes that dogs are morally culpable for their actions. We think that's insane. We fill an important niche by providing a home for dogs that can't be placed into a traditional home environment. If you are concerned about the adoptable dogs that are languishing in animal shelters, we encourage you to adopt one, become a foster caregiver, or even start a rescue group of your own. (back to top)
What will Snaps' life be like at the Sanctuary? Snaps will enjoy human companionship, plenty of exercise, a healthy, homemade diet, and if he can handle it, socialization with other dogs. There has been speculation that Snaps will be kept in intensive confinement with very little enrichment or interaction with people - this is simply not the case. (back to top)
Can I adopt Snaps? No. We are not an adoption organization, and due to the terms of our contract on Snaps' behalf, we will be caring for him for the rest of his life. If you are looking for a dog to adopt, there are millions of them available, and they all need care and nurturing just as much as Snaps does. (back to top)
How can I help Snaps and the other dogs at Olympic Animal Sanctuary? You can help Snaps by spreading the word about us and giving our website a link on your homepage or weblog; you can make a donation; you can buy something from our store; if you have special skills or experience that you feel could be helpful to us, please let us know. Feel free to contact us for more specific information regarding our current needs. (back to top)

Posted on September 13, 2009 | Link

Welcome Home, Snaps

Last June a group of teenagers were seen kicking a dog in SeaTac, Washington, and when witnesses confronted them, they used the dog to attack them. The story made headlines, and for poor Snaps, it looked like the end of the road.

But luckily for him, people took notice of his story, and fought to keep him from being destroyed. A couple of weeks ago, Olympic Animal Sanctuary was asked if we would take Snaps, should a temperament assessment show that he could be rehabilitated. We said we'd be more interested in taking him if the behaviorist thought he was beyond help. Thursday, September 3, Executive Director Steve Markwell went to visit Snaps in the shelter, and Friday, September 11, Snaps was transferred to the Sanctuary. For more information, please see our Snaps FAQ.

Today was Snaps' first full day at Olympic Animal Sanctuary, and he's loving his new life. Please enjoy these photos of Snaps, and Steve, as he gets to know his new surroundings and the people who will be loving and protecting him for the rest of his life.

Please check back for more updates, details, and fundraisers to help Snaps and the other dogs at Olympic Animal Sanctuary, and thanks to everyone for your calls and emails, supporting our work with these very special dogs.