Andrea Rosebrock 
Update 4/29/09 – Update on Smiley… er, I Mean Kyley
Smiley, the dog that was at the center of controversy for so long, is now safe. This is a story that I have been following for quite a while and had serious doubts about a happy ending.
Smiley’s story began more than a year ago when Bob Baker and Barbara Moran attempted to adopt him but they, and many others, were barred from doing so by WAIF. Then Baker and Moran decided to push and got lawyers involved, they believed Smiley deserved a chance and all of the sudden Smiley was deemed “unadoptable” and was slated for euthanization. The Morans say it’s because WAIF said Smiley is a pit mix, WAIF says it’s not about breed but behavior.
Lawsuits were files and the Smiley saga played on and on in the courtroom, media and public opinion. He was given stays of execution while a judge made a decision then something happened that changed everything, on February 6, 2009, Smiley was stolen from the animal shelter!
Eventually Smiley was found after being spotted in a dog park. He’s been living with a woman who had no idea about his background. A happy dog living a happy dog’s life but it wasn’t to last. Smiley was seized and returned to WAIF.
Finally WAIF backed down and decided to give Smiley the chance he deserved all along. Baker and Moran were gracious and appreciative.
And now Smiley is with RescuePups in Mill Creek.
There is much more to this story than I could even get into here. You can check out Smiley’s blog HERE to read many of the details.
And as I was rejoicing over the wonderful news about Smiley I got the word that, sadly, there is another pit mix at WAIF that may be looking at the same problem.
And now I get the word that there’s another “Smiley” at WAIF and his name is Howie. Unbelievable!
You might also want to write or email the WAIF board c/o waifed@whidbey.net and ask what will happen now to Howie, who, like Smiley, has been caged and denied adoption as a supposed “pit/mix” for a long time – HOWIE The board president is Don Rowan and his email address is dpr2004@langleywa.com
When you look at his page now, it doesn’t list him as unadoptable but as “The best lap dog in the world.”
Please, don’t let Howie be another Smiley. Write to WAIF and find out what’s happening with this beautiful boy.
Take the time to read Smiley’s story, the brief overview doesn’t even begin to touch everything that happened with this. If was thanks to so many people who wrote and supported Smiley and Baker and Moran that Smiley is safe now. Dogs need to be judges, not on their breed, but individually.
I’m smiling for one happy ending but will be writing to hopefully make sure that another has that same chance.
And a very special “Thank You!” to Sandra for keeping me updated!
It’s hard to believe that an organization that rescues animals would give an adopter SO MUCH TROUBLE. I know they have rules (for good reason) but this was obviously an Ego Trip. Sad. How will animal rescue orgs make a change in this world when some groups operate on Ego instead of Care. It will scare people away from adoption.
I say this about only a *minute* amount of wayward groups. The good rescues deserve all our blessings. You *good rescues* know who you are.
How adorable are these two??? How can they denie such beauty’s the love and care they so deserve? Howie is beautiful. What a gorgeous face. I pray Howie finds a wonderful home before those idiots do something horrible to him. I’m so happy Smiley is safe and in the arms of love.
My dog Fred looks exactly like Howie , a pit mix , he is perfect in every way .WAIF and Don Rowan , use you empty heads and give him a good home , who are you to judge
I just checked the WAIF website and they list Howie as not only being adoptable, but they also describe him in glowing terms. They also list a couple of people who are sponsoring him. Looks like someone got through to management at WAIF and they decided Howie is okay after all.
Susan, that’s what I mentioned in my post. They list him as being a wonderful lapdog but I have gotten word that things may not be what they look like from more than one person which is why I wanted to bring it up. If people know and show interest, maybe the same thing will not happen to him as happened to Smiley and many other dogs, and there were quite a number of others. Unfortunately there are things that I am not at liberty to share but let’s just say that things aren’t always the way they look on the surface.
I really, really hope that things have changed at WAIF and ALL dogs are given a fair chance. That’s not too much to ask.
D.
I have never had an opportunity to work with this particular rescue, but also, I have never heard of a rescue acting in such a manner.
Their responsibility is to rescue and rehome dogs. Yes, they must be diligent in proper adoptions, but their actions are just horrible.
These two, who by the way are just adorable, and show that they are happy dogs, might need a little guidance and training, but then again, what animal does not need guidance and training?
I hope and pray they both get adopted into homes where they are loved unconditionally. They deserve it.
WAIF better change their ways. I certainly would not send any potential adoptive parents I know there way.
It is so easy to attack and characterize others. What a shame that WAIF is characterized in this way. WAIF has done important work on the island for a long time and were the first to bring a decent rescue shelter to the middle of the island. Why the need to threaten and go after WAIF? Understanding and appreciating their work is an important part of finding solutions for all homeless animals on the island. I will send anyone I know to WAIF to adopt a pet. The pets at WAIF are waiting for homes and this kind of irrational behavior only hurts the animals. Go WAIF volunteers – you are doing a great job!
Penny, what they have put those two dogs thru is horrendous. Or are we talking about people who are into BSL, and just “assume”? For example, Howie, he is listed as a lap dog, but then they are not listing him as adoptable. Why? Because he is part pit? Look at the love in his eyes – and if he is described as a lap dog, what does that say?
I have worked in rescue, adoptions – from apps to home visits, transports and independent rescue and adoptions. If WAIF is keeping Howie, and not adopting him out, there must be specific reasons, as there was with Smiley. Are they afraid because of his breed? If that is the case, then why the hell don’t they get an independent behavioralist in to see what they actually say about Howie? Or is it because someone there wants to have Howie for themselves?
There are too many unanswered questions, and my belief is that rescues actually rescue and rehome dogs/cats. Sorry, I have a major problem with agencies who are alledged adoption facilities, then hold back certain animals.