From Abbey
I like your no bull$#!+ attitude. It's the reality of it all.
Posted on December 30, 2009 | Link
From Heidi
Hi Steve. I wanted to say thanks again for taking the time for our conversation yesterday. Even though I was unable to save Oz's life, I feel that discovering that you and your sanctuary exist is going to open many doors and opportunities to saving the lives of even more dogs. It's a breath of fresh air to know that I'm not alone in this battle. Below I have attached a picture of my dogs and myself. I hope that in the next couple of weeks, I can make it up to Forks and do some volunteer work for you. Thanks again and take care.
Posted on December 29, 2009 | Link
From Ellen
Hi Steve,
I saw the article about your mission and was so impressed.
I live in Lancaster County PA, where we have those horrible 'puppy mills'. We rescue abused puppy mill companion dogs that are bred out and due to be destroyed (we currently have 3 Chihuahua mixes.)
Warm Regards and Happy New Year from our girls, Zoe, Olivia and Emma.
Posted on December 29, 2009 | Link
From Jenna
Hi Steve,
My friend told me about your website and I just spent the last hour reading every inch of it. I just want to say that I think what you are doing is the most incredible thing in the whole world. I only wish I knew about you a year or two ago. See a friend of ours had this boxer mix who they say bit people. I was "bit" by him once and it was not more than a nibble to the back of the leg. They said the dog, Fredo was his name, lunged at a boy and tried to bite his face (whether that was true, I don't know) and anyway, since I love dogs so much (and my goal in life is to have a rescue facility of my own) they told me that he was going to be put to sleep if I didn't find a rescue place that would take him. Well, I spent every waking moment trying to contact different organizations and even some out of state. None would take a dog who bit people. Even tho I begged his owners to let me have him so I can get him the training that he needed, to my horror and absolute dismay, Fredo (a truly wonderful but misunderstood dog) was put to sleep. I will never forget him and will never forgive myself for not finding him a place but his owner was very strict in not letting me have him and only finding a rescue organization that would take a dog who bites.
I am so thankful that I know about you now and just wanted to say thank you so much for what you are doing for these dogs.
I was attacked by a couple of dogs last year (yes, the kind where I had to go to the hospital) but that didn't put even the slightest damper on my love for dogs and my desire to help them in any way I can. Like I said, it is my goal in life to have a rescue organization of my own that will keep these wonderful animals from being killed.
Posted on December 28, 2009 | Link
From Shelley
I read your story in the LA Times. As volunteer with a breed-specific rescue group, I can only imagine the number and type of contacts you have with people about their dogs. I'm sure you're inundated these days, but I hoped to just offer a clear "thank you" for your work. Your page on Placement is probably the best piece of writing I've encountered on-line from any animal group. Loved it!
Posted on December 28, 2009 | Link
From Leslie
Dear Steve,
I read about your wonderful organization in my local paper today, and I wanted to thank you for rescuing these animals. The behavior of dogs is as a result of their training, or lack of training, and as such, people should be held accountable, not the dogs. They are all wonderful in their own way, and I commend you for recognizing this and giving them a sanctuary. You are an awesome human being, and I thank you for doing this!!
Posted on December 27, 2009 | Link
IdeaMensch.com Interview
Check out Steve's latest interview at IdeaMensch.com.
Posted on December 24, 2009 | Link
From our Facebook Fans
Posted on December 24, 2009 | Link
From Donnelle
Hi Steve,
I just had to write to you real quick to let you know your are one of the most amazing people I have ever heard of in my life. The work you do with those misunderstood dogs is incredible.
The animals in this world need more people like you.
Thank You.
Posted on December 21, 2009 | Link
From Cliff
Hi Steve,
I'm sure you're getting plenty of fan mail so you can add this to the pile. What you're doing is truly brilliant. Every dog deserves to live its life in a healthy, patient, compassionate environment free from violence and fear. If I wasn't on the opposite end of the country I would want to volunteer or something, but I guess I'll just have to buy all my clothes at your online store from now on since I can't participate directly. I hope you get all the support you need to provide a home to every hard-case victim of abuse and bad training that comes your way.
Posted on December 21, 2009 | Link
From Caryn
Hi Steve,
I just came across an article about you and your sanctuary - Just wanted
to say THANK YOU and bless you for what you do for these animals. I am
a strict advocate of a no-kill philosophy, as I believe the dogs are
born to be loving, feeling beings - it is us humans that influence them
into "bad" behavior.
Again - bless you and your animals - Happy Holidays!
Posted on December 19, 2009 | Link
From Rod and Barb
I just need to say I was very touched by the recent article I read about this sanctuary you provide for "these canine criminals of society". It is humans that are to blame largely for what these animals do. All animals need love, just as we do.
God Bless you Steve!
Posted on December 19, 2009 | Link
From Antonio
Steve:
read an article about you in the Chi trib today. My wife and I want to personally thank you for your efforts, we rescue pittys and wish we could do it full time but we have yet to retire. Thanks again, the country could use a million more like you
Posted on December 18, 2009 | Link
From Roger
STEVE -
I read the excellent article in The Times about you, the dogs, and your sanctuary. You are that rare commodity -the right person for the right job. I congratulate you!
Posted on December 17, 2009 | Link
From Cathy
Hi Steve,
I saw your article in the LA Times and I then read your website and am very
impressed by the information you are putting forth to people. I especially
love how you address people who wish to relinquish their dog because they
think it will save their marriage, oh how I would LOVE to be able to post
that on my own rescue website, LOL!
Posted on December 15, 2009 | Link
From Jill
Hi Steve -- I just read an article about your organization and the wonderful work you do in the Hartford Courant (CT).
Bless you for the amazing work you do.
Posted on December 15, 2009 | Link
From our Facebook Fans
Posted on December 13, 2009 | Link
From Louisa
Hello,
A friend showed me the article in today's Tacoma News Tribune and I almost didn't read it. I thought, 'Not another macho dog guy.' I almost didn't make it through the first half of them recounting all the horror stories of 'bad' dogs. I hear enough of those in my line of work. Then I read what prompted me to write:
"...the secret to taming the untameable is not being tough. It's giving dogs their space until they are ready to let him in..."
I then found your blog and like what you said in 'A Word of Advice'. Not many people quote Turid Rugaas. :)
Ah, sweet relief! Someone who gets it. I am a veterinarian with a special interest in behavior problems. I have been working and studying and learning about pet behavior for 25 years and have seen the whole alpha thing come and go and come back again. I see the pain we inflict on our dogs in the name of training or from misguided trainers. I see dogs that are merely defending themselves and get deemed 'aggressive'. It breaks my heart, especially when I get the whole 'dog whisperer' garbage spouted. Sigh...
Thank you for spreading the word.
Posted on December 13, 2009 | Link
From Melodie
I'm so glad I had the opportunity to meet you and Tom last evening. Hearing you talk about your sanctuary, your plans for the future, and your love of the dogs no one else wants just reinforced my feeling that this is the right place for Pixie.
Thanks so much to you and Tom for making this long journey. You are very special people, and I look forward to seeing your plans for an expanded sanctuary come to fruition.
Thanks, again, for everything.
Posted on December 13, 2009 | Link
From Yvonne
Hi Steve
I just spent the last hour on your website and think that the sanctuary is great - and a lot of hard work. Keep up the good work.
Posted on December 12, 2009 | Link
From Claire
Steve,
Saw the L.A. Times article. Visited your web site.
What you are doing is phenomenal!!!
Posted on December 12, 2009 | Link
From a Secret Admirer
After reading through your website I just have to say...............I think I'm in love with you. :)
I've spent the past five years volunteering with animal rescue and my local shelter and I'm honestly kind of sick of them, the people, and how many of them handle rescues and their incredibly backwards views on animals, especially the "unadoptables". I hope they all study your site and words. You are so incredibly right on.
Posted on December 12, 2009 | Link
From Nancy
Hi Steve,
I read the article about you in today's LA Times. What a wonderful purpose you have!
Much love to you and the animals!
Posted on December 11, 2009 | Link
From Ben
Keep up the good work.
Posted on December 11, 2009 | Link
From Amy
You are doing an awesome job, and I just wanted you to know that. Have a
great day....
Posted on December 11, 2009 | Link
From Sue
Hi Steve -
Thanks for the work you do w/ animals!
Posted on December 11, 2009 | Link
From Jim
Yo Steve;
Read the LA Times this AM.
I feel compelled to commend bravery. Your courage is a standard that sends a wonderful and positive message to all that come across your mission and its effect.
I must tell you how helpful your view and methods re: biting dogs have helped me to deal with a "99.9% wonderful dog buddy" who has bit me 3 times in 7 years.
Your remark about handling a dog who is grouchy when he wakes up (I am the same way) was simple, yet profound and all revealing to me. I am pretty bright but sometimes, the simple stuff , stuff of baseline importance, flies by under the radar.
Keep your philosophy of clear and logical thinking around our canine support group in the limelight.
Job #1 for all of us is: Leave a better place than you find". Boy, are you ever doin' that.
Posted on December 11, 2009 | Link
From our Facebook Fans
Posted on December 10, 2009 | Link
LA Times Article
A huge thank you to Kim Murphy of the Los Angeles Times for her article about Olympic Animal Sanctuary. The article appears on the front page of the newspaper for Friday, December 11. If you don't receive the paper, you can read the article on the LA Times website.
Posted on December 10, 2009 | Link
From Mary
Mr. Markwell,
Read the article about you and your work in the Los Angeles Times this evening. Went straight to your site and of course I am thankful for what you do but even more thankful for your directness.
I like your philosophy and the way you address the situation that our dogs find themselves in.
Hello to Snaps. I can't say anything more with regards to his personal situation because I fear what I would write but I will say thank god he is with you.
Posted on December 10, 2009 | Link
From our Facebook Fans
Posted on December 4, 2009 | Link