Andrea Rosebrock 
Many of you may know or remember the story or Oreo, the pitbull that was beaten and then later thrown off the roof of a six-story housing project in Brooklyn by her owner, 19-year-old Fabian Henderson on June 18. Oreo was rescued and treated for two broken front legs and a fractured rib among other injuries.
Called a miracle when she survived, Oreo was taken to the ASPCA and surgeons completely reassembled her front legs and gave her time to recuperated enough to walk. In July Oreo underwent a behavior evaluation which didn’t go well.
Now she is about a year old and had undergone 59 almost 45 minute sessions of training to help to modify her behavior without success.
In a second evaluation in October, she continued to act aggressively, even attempting to bite her handler when the dog was distracted by another staff member.
Her behavioral prognosis in October and in a final evaluation on Wednesday was listed as “grave.” Over the months the dog had been in their care, Oreo underwent 59 sessions of nearly 45 minutes each that were aimed at modifying her behavior. She did not improve significantly.
“It took very little for her to become very tense and respond in an aggressive way,” said Stephen L. Zawistowski, a lead animal behavior expert with the ASPCA who helped evaluate Oreo. “Once that situation had been created, she then showed aggressive responses to a wide variety of things.”
He described her anger as causing her both physical and emotional strain.
“Think about if you were constantly angry about something — punching a hole in the wall angry — the stress this would place on you,” he said.
That she would even attempt to lash out at her handler was another sign of uncontrollable aggression, he said, making it likely the dog would be impossible to handle in an adopter’s home. He said a sanctuary was also out of the question because the dog would require her own space and would need to live in relative isolation from other animals. (AP)
“Everything we’ve tried to do for her has not worked,” said Ed Sayres, the president and CEO of ASPCA. “And she has gotten more aggressive.”
Sadly, after months of time and untold amounts of month, much caring and dedication, the ASPCA has come to the sad decision that Oreo is too dangerous to ever be placed with a family or to even be able to be with other dogs. They’ve questions what kind of a quality of life she would ever have, having to be completely isolated and although they are grieving, their decision was to euthanize which will happen on Friday.
This is so heartbreaking to me and I know to so many. We like to think every dog can be rehabilitated but sadly that can’t always happen. Even with time, effort, love, money, sometimes a dog has been so damaged so deeply that there’s no coming back. Oreo was just a puppy when she was beaten and brutalized, for who knows how long, by her then owner, Fabian Henderson.
Honestly, I am so mixed about this. I want to think, more time, more effort and maybe she can be saved. I hate to see any of these babies lost, especially those who have been through so much. Honestly I believe the ASPCA is one of the better organizations out there. None are perfect, some are abysmal. I believe they tried and gave it the best effort they could give. I don’t want to see Oreo die but I also don’t want to see her without a live, just an existence. If someone could step in and step up… maybe.. maybe…
Henderson was charged with felony animal cruelty but of course there was a plea agreement and he pleaded guilty Oct. 20 to aggravated cruelty to animals. Free on his own recognizance, he;s due to be sentence on December 1. Doubt we’ll be in for any surprise when he gets little more than a wrist slap. Pity they won’t be able to add Oreo’s death to his list of crimes because ultimately he killed with his brutal abuse.
My heart goes out to Oreo and I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow as she crosses to a more peaceful place where she can let go of the anger and just be a puppy again. I write this through tears; tears of loss for her innocent heart, tears of anger for the waste that turned her into this, and in the end, tears for all those who never had a chance, who never had a name, who left us with no more than a whisper on the wind. Our souls and hearts know and will remember.
Go peacefully Oreo….
Update – Since the news broke that Oreo was going to be euthanized, there has been at least one, if not more offers to take Oreo and continue to work on rehabilitating her. We can only hope that the ASPCA will hear the pleas to save her life and give her another chance with someone who is willing to try.
Email for Ed Sayers at the ASPCA – esayres@aspca.org
I once had a dog who behaved as Oreo did. The ASPCA made the right decision.
I would feel differently about this decsion for Oreo, IF the ASPCA were not supporters of and have employed in the past, the infamous, self proclaimed animal behaviour expert Sue Sternberg and her unscientific and unproven Asess-A-Pet Test. She has been responsible for the euthanasia of more animals in shelters than any 5 ACO’s and shelter staff. In addition, the ASPCA still clings to the notion that euthanasia is still one of the needed solutions, albeit sad, to the pet overpopluation problem. It is not, it is simply the one that most people accept.
I seriously doubt that Dr Zawistowski, was the ongoing behaviorist. As Execitove VP of the ASPCA, Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois, School of Veterinary Medicine, and editor and contributing consultant to numerous groups, when would he have had the time?
This is not to say that I am certain that the decision was either correct or incorrect, but that the article is written in support of the ASPCA position, without other input, or sources. In addition, it leaves the impression, that Dr, Zawistowski, was the behavoirist doing the numerous and ongoing eveluations and training.
Peggy, one of my Facebook friend is rallying to rescue Oreo and give her another chance. Like I said, I have mixed opinions on this one. I believe the ASPCA believes they did all they could but that doesn’t mean all that could be done. I would like to see them give her a chance with someone else who is willing to try. I know that every dog cannot be rehabbed, but dogs that have never really had a chance, I really feel strongly that they need to be given every opportunity possible! Here is an email for Ed Sayers – esayres@aspca.org and the person who is trying to get Oreo a reprieve is Jamie Downey. She has American Dog magazine and has offered Oreo a chance and absolved the ASPCA of any and all responsibilty. They have nothing to lose!!
D.
THANKS D…..So great, and so glad I am still up to read this wonderful news. This is tremendous, and as you have told me, a very good reason for me to get my old act together, join the 21st Century and learn to use and be on FaceBook. I use to think Ed Sayres was wonderful and really all pro animmal, until I attended a conference and heard him speak. It changed my mind.
BUT SO MANY thanks for as my students would say “this AWESOME NEWS”. And a huge thank you, bless you and round of applause to Jamie Downey.
Peggy, not wonderful yet. We have to hope they get her email in time and will actually give Jaime and chance with Oreo. I sent off an email too, now crossing my fingers and saying my prayers.
D.
I am facebook friends with Jamie Downey and a fan of her American Dog Magazine. Facebook is a wonderful vehicle for saving dogs. I really like Jamie an awful lot. She does so much for the animals.
Boy, I would be angry at the world too and non trusting as this dog is. Leave the poor pooch alone, stop pocking and etc. Let her get a grip first of what has happened to her. WEll, imagine if we were to euthanize prisoners in any country, or even road rage no way, they have rights, well so dont animals have rights, a right to be upset when something horrible has been done to us. euthanize ah, what an easy way out. there are certain sanctuaries that will work with dogs that have been through trauma, humans go through it we dont kill them, they get help. WEll, get Oreo some help she needs.
Too bad we can’t “euthanize” the “animals” in our prison system that have proven time and time again how they can’t be rehabilitated. There is no “stay of execution” issued for poor babies like Oreo. Maybe she suffered a brain injury – I know that can sometimes cause abnormal reactions in people so why not animals? I hope she gets her chance on this side of the Rainbow Bridge, but if not; she won’t suffer anymore on the other side. Go with God, little one.
I sincerely hope our Oreo is given one more chance! She deserves it!
Do keep me posted, please!
Thank you…
I Think it is best all around if Oreo crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She has been through the worst of it and is in constant mental anguish and pain. Thus her lashing out it is sad that we can´t save them all but with have to have her best interrests at heart and be willing to let her go with love. She has been evaluated by professionals more than once and has failed to respond positively. It is heartbreaking but we can be the voice for the voiceless to speak out against cruelty by telling her story and alert others to the plight of mistreated abused dogs the world over. Saturday November 9 was one of the worst days I have come across in a long time. Three skinned whippets were found in a remote area in Northern Jutland. A place called Dokkersdalen. A coupel were out walking their dogs the dogs were of leash and had a marvelous untill they took of down to a waterhole small lake and found the skinned boddies of three whippets. The sight is marcab three precious snuffed out and had their skins and ears removed the last disgusting indignity. There are no leads thus far. This trio will never be forgotten the blatant cruelty of this henious act will never be forgotten. Rest in peace and play at the rainbow bridge in life you suffered not even death did you get dignity we will never forget we will remind everyone we come across that mistreatment and cruelty is worldwide even in a country as peaceful as Denmark do things of an unspeakabel nature happen. Evil will prevail if we don´t alert others about these henious crimes. Some say people who commit such henious crimes are animals but I say they are not worthy of such an honour. I say they are monsters far worse than any we can think about or dream up in our worst nightmares. They are instruments of evil. So let us be the voice for these innocentvictims of unspeakabel cruelty and murder. Let us never forget that these monsters exist no not under the bed of hidden in darkness they are cowards they are evil they are monsters and the victims should be remembered. If we remember the victims we give them voice we shed tears we even love the precious souls who never knew love and even when they felt love for the first time they were unabel to respond as their souls were already broken in a thousand pieces that could never be healed again let us remember them with compassion and love they deserve it as much as the living. Sincerly Lisbeth Mønsted Larsen Greyhound Action Denmark.
She probably has brain damage. Have they thought about that? After a fall like that I would think she would.
This just in from the New York Times, the ASPCA is being bombarded with massive calls to stop the execution. There is a sanctuary the IS willing to take her. Here is the article.
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/13/deluge-of-pleas-to-spare-oreo-dog-thrown-off-roof/
In that event there is not much they can do other than let her cross the Rainbow bridge. I had a nine month old whippet puppy that I loved with all my heart he was diagnosed with a cerebral tumor and haemophelia nothing could be done to save his life. Even if they could have operated there was no gaurentee that his quality of life would improve. He had begun to suffer from seazures not unlike epelepsy. The last seazure he was unconcious and certainly not himself and when the vet had examined him and the diagnosis was a cerebral tumor I had to let Alex go with love. As difficult as it was as devestated as I felt it was the best most loving thing I could do for him. Yes I still miss him and yes it still hurts to know that he died long before his time. However since his life would not improve and he would get worse because of the diagnosis he was given it was the kindest thing to do and in the case of Oreo I think that it is far better that she be allowed to cross the Rainbow Bridge with love than to let her suffer because I am sure she is suffering. I will never agree to put a young healthy dog down for any reason but in cases where everything has failed and she has gotten worse we have to think about her and the state of mind she is constantly in. If that is not more suffering I don´t know what is.
wow. how sad is this? look at that beautiful face. i SO have mixed feelings on this 1. the HORRORS that sweet girl had been put thru in her short life. i’ll keep this baby in my thoughts n prayers….MIRACLES DO HAPPEN…..honest they do…
I’m sad to say I’m with Grey.dk on this one. The ASPCA gets bombarded with phone calls to save this ONE dog – who is clearly so traumatized or ill that even a month of concentrated effort to help her have make basically no difference – where are those people any other day? Every day – right now – there are dogs just like Oreo in shelters all across the country – all across the world…all these people that are suddenly willing to help Oreo – why won’t they help the countless other dogs who are well, socialized, ready to enter a home RIGHT NOW without extra special work?? Those countless other dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, etc. all have stories too – maybe not as dramatic, and maybe we don’t know the story at all – but they’ve all become homeless somehow. It seems all this hopeful and helpful energy would be better spent with animals who have a real chance at a full life.
“where are those people any other day? Every day – right now – there are dogs just like Oreo in shelters all across the country – all across the world…all these people that are suddenly willing to help Oreo – why won’t they help the countless other dogs who are well, socialized, ready to enter a home RIGHT NOW without extra special work??”
Who are you to judge what I spend my free time on? I’m not all up in arms when someone chooses to watch TV instead of rescuing bully breeds. I don’t get out of shape, yelling that someone played tennis, or went fishing, or any other activity, instead of driving a 45 minute transport. http://onebarkatatime.blogspot.com/2009/03/question-of-great-stupidity.html
How do you know that I don’t advocate just as hard for other animals that don’t have the media behind them? Because FYI, I do. You want to know where I am the other days? I’m right here, spending countless hours networking for bully breeds ALL over the country, in addition to running a breed specific rescue in my state. Where was I? I counter with, where were you?
Some people get mad that “animal people” fight for animal rights, and not for human hunger. Some people get mad that “animal people” fight for aggressive dogs to go to sanctuary and rehab, and not for the non-controversial shelter dog that will get euthed also.
Me? I’m glad there are people out there besides us who are fighting for ANYTHING at all. And I have no intention of spending my time being angry that someone didn’tuse *their* energy and resources and money on something on causes that *I* thought were more important.
What Bully Girl said. Bully Girl, if you are on FB, I would love to be your friend.
I agree with you. I truly feel cases like this are the reason we will never make a dent in the rescue community. Everyone wants to spend countless hours and dollars on this one dog when there are so many others out there dying at this moment who are ready to go into a home with no issues, dogs that would give people a positive impression of a shelter dog. It is horrible what happened to Oreo. Her abuser deserves to be thrown over a balcony himself. However, in a time when we are having to fight to keep our well behaved, well socialized pit bulls, we do not need to be spending all this time on one that is broken. Hopefully, in the future, it will be her time, but right now is not the time for dogs like these. We have too many dying daily who don’t need work and could go straight into homes, that could use these resources and people stepping forward to take them. I find that just as sad as I do Oreo’s story.
For those of you advocating for the “countless other dogs, cats, hamsters …” other than advocating for Oreo I, and I dare to say, others, would like to have a few things made clear.
First, is it your position that no one should have advocated for Oreo because there are other “healthier or readier or something” better than Oreo? If that is the case, then I guess that no animal in shelter, in any kind of need other than perfect should have advocacy and defenders. The advocacy here, was that there was a place for her, and the ASPCA refused to honor that.
Second, is it your position, that there is a time limit to rehabilitate a life, and that once that time limit has been reached, one throws one’s hands up and says no use, no hope, no more trying? If that is that case, how is that time limit decided? Who decides, and when there is someone who offers, more use, more hope, more time it should be disregarded? If this time limit exists and the animals needing this are given a chance, I would suppose that on your arguments, you would also disagree with the time, effort, funds and tears that were and are being spent to give the Vick dogs a chance, for they too took the place of those who no one came for.
Third, is it your position, and I have to say it seems to be, that for those who advocated for Oreo, that we are not advocates, activists, and fighters 24/7 for every other animal out there, in need, in shelters, longing for a place, a home, a loving hand? Your messages indicate that you feel that way. When we advocate for one, we advocate for all.
To even suggest that advocating for one injustice eliminates advocating for other injustices, or that to take action for one means that you are not taking action for others, or even worse that for those who are working diligently with their hearts, souls, hands, funds and time are not making any “dent in the rescue community” is a slap in the face to everyone who advocates for animals in need. It is an insult to everyone who is active, by whatever means possible, in rescuing animals in need and bringing an end to the needless euthanisia of animals in shelters.
We will not put a dent into the rescue community until those in rescue, and all of those who truly care for animals say enough is enough, and one way or another, by actions, by education, by sterilization, and yes, even legislation, that we will not accept that euthanasia is the any part of the solution. The dent in the rescue community will come when those in power, those in shelters and those who say “be realistic” there is no other way to handle pet over population but euthanasia will cease to believe that, cease to accept that, and cease to do that. Then we might make that dent.
I hate to think of how you might excoriate Oskar Schindler who was also a rescuer and an advocate. He too could not save all, and many he could not save had no issues, who were ready, without needs, except to be saved. He could not save them all, but he saved some.
What Peggy said. Totally.
Well said Peggy, Bravo.
Peggy, leave it to you to say it like it is.
One of my favorite phrases is “One for all, and all for one” – I always think about that phrase when people do not understand animal advocacy. Sure, more people might step up when there is a national story, but there are thousands of other dogs who need rehabilitation, medical needs, and a new home. When we speak of one dog, and work for the animals, we are talking all dogs.
What happened to Oreo is very sad. The ASPCA was probably looking at dollar signs, as to how much time, engery and effort was going to go into Oreo, as a lone dog, when they have hundreds of other dogs to take care of also.
But, when you have viable rescues opening their arms to help rehab a dog, which does not happen overnight, or in a month or two. Reteaching an animal to trust is a long term relationship with that animal. Oreo has mistrust in her eyes, she has no idea what it is to be loved, cuddled and spoiled. It could take years, but within that time, she will learn to be the dog she was born to be, and be happy, having a place to call home, and doing all those terrible pit related things to her new parents like licking them to death, hogging the sofa or bed, body wags, etc.
Every dog is like that, and every dog is entitled to be treated as such.
I want to throw a comparison out there, just for arguments sake. There are thousands of children who have been abused, there are thousands of children who have suffered some sort of brain injury, whether they were born with it, or got the brain injury during their short life time. Would any of you just give up on a child who has injuries, whether it be brain or broken limbs? I am sure the answer is no, and to many of us, all the fur babies are our children. They are our four legged children. And whether it is a rescue dog I am working with or one of my own, giving up in any sense in not in my vocabulary.
Thanks Susie,
Saying it like it is, or at least as how I see it and think it is, has always been my “natural bent”. It took me years and years to recognize that this is not a generally appreciated personality trait by others. But then, if it were, Hans Christian Andersen would not have had the inspiration for “The Emperor’s New Clothes”.
Your comparison is so right on and so true. But then people would argue, well these are humans that is different. I would argue back, no, we are talking about life and our willingness, for all but human life, to take the easy road, the cheapest path, the quick decision, the “be realistic” solution that euthanasia is the only solution to pet overpopulation, and that just as in the Holocaust, that the weakest, the sickest, the troublesome, the least likely to be “useful” will die. As long as we accept that this is the realistic solution and the only one, then euthanasia will continue. People will shake their heads, say how sad and lament, “it is the only solution.” It is not; it is the easy solution and the least troublesome for most. It certainly was for ASPCA and all invovled in this “final solution” for Oreo. They chose to take the heat than take the chance that they might be wrong and that she could have been saved. If only they cared enough. If only they had not bought into the “euthansia solution”. Let’s call it what it is the killing solution. Kill as the solution to resolve our pet overpopulation or other shelter issues.
Peggy, I have been known to speak what I believe is the truth, and I know many people who do not appreciate it, but I will tell you that I appreciate your forthright honesty and feelings when it comes to animal advocacy, as we share the same feelings.
People can argue with us that we cannot compare children to animals, but they are oh so wrong. We are all creatures of God. Killing is not the answer to anything.
I must get a minimum of 500 emails a day on dogs needing to be saved before a certain day, then they will be pts. I cannot tell you how many times I have cried myself to sleep because I could not help a certain dog that caught my attention. I sincerely wish every judge and attorney could spend a day or two with us who are out in the field, or work with a shelter or rescue for 48 hrs straight to comprehend and finally get the picture, because none of them get it. It is not that difficult to understand – an abused dog? Let them see first hand that they all deserve better than what they were dealt. Patience, training, repitition and more patience is the only thing that will change an animals attitude.
A month is not an especially long time to work through agression issues. Seriously.
When you look at Oreo, you can see the distrust in her eyes. She needs to go to a home without children and get the attention she needs. I’m sure she must have been severely tortured for her to act the way she is. It will take a long time to trust again. I hate the thought of putting her down. I know it will take just the right person to love her unconditionally for her to gain that trust again. I will pray she gets that chance. God will guide her.
I know what Oreo needs: to see that ignorant POS beat all the hell out of and then thrown off of the same building as she was. That I’m sure would give this little girl some relief of all the indignation and pain and suffering that she had to go through at the hands of this no good, yellow bellied SOB. His mother should do the right thing and administer what this piece of trash deserves.
Go this update from a friend on Facebook and although I am not surprised, I am still in tears. It would have been wonderful to have seen her have another chance…
“Oreo was euthanized by the ASPCA even after Emily was there at 11 am this morning to transport Oreo to a sanctuary. Oreo had a home to go to and the ASPCA chose to kill her because they couldn’t train her, they weren’t about to let another rescue try to rehab her. Shameful and soooo sad……..”
It is shameful and it is one of the reasons that I no longer support the ASPCA. Your point about not letting another rescue or rehabber or trainer try to save Oreo is right on target D. Check out what Nathan has to say about them, or their support (at least in the past) of Sternberg, or that Dr. Stephen Zawistowski is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and advises on guidelines for laboratory animals. Excuse me, but humane guidelines or not, how is ANTI CRUELTY TO ANIMALS and ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION not an oxymoron.
Is this the same ASPCA that is featured frequently on the Animal Planet Channel New York Animal Cops? That has all the commercials with big name stars that beg for money? I am glad I was never able to be able to send them money as both my husband and I are on disability; but I did give it some serious thought, going without a meal each to help with the care and protection of abused and homeless animals seemed a small price to pay. How dare they bilk the country like that? I think that Animal Planet needs to take those ads off or at least find a better representative than the NY ASPCA. I may be a cat person but I care for all animals no matter what their species are.
Hi Bobbie,
I cannot for 100% speak for the AP ASPCA they feature out of NY but I think so as ASPCA headquarters are also in New York. I can answer for all those ads with all the big name stars and all the sad animals tell you a big YES. It is the ASPCA who runs those ads, and who gets that money. None other.
While I know this is a dog blog site, therefore maybe a bit OT, I find it hard to comprehend that the ASPCA has as a VP, a person, expert in his field that he is, who consults for and writes guidelines for the care of laboratory animals, the ones that are harmed, maimed and killed in the so called name of science. Dogs constitute a portion of those animals that are experimented on and killed, cats too. How is that possibly anti cruelty?
She crossed the bridge.
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/13/oreo-is-dead/
I am devastated at the loss of Oreo and the ASPCA’s unwillingness to let another expert rescue organization give her a chance. I have withdrawn all my support of the ASPCA from my website and from my donation list.
I am also sick to death of people criticizing us for rallying together last night and today trying to save Oreo but otherwise ignoring the plight of all the other animals in shelters. That implication insults me and my fellow advocates.
Those of us who work in animal advocacy are all too painfully aware of all the animals that are sitting in shelters and waiting for good homes. We are also all too painfully aware that there are not enough good homes for these dogs to go to. I do my part as much as I can every single day and I am sure that my collegues in advocacy do what they can do every single day as well. It’s not like we all just jumped out of the woodwork overnight because of Oreo. Oreo is a symbol of all the frustration, disappointment and grieving we endure as advocates on what some times feels like a completely lost cause. Normally this grief is caused by individuals who have complete disregard for the pain and suffering they inflict on animals. However in this case, it was one of “our own” who lost hope and gave up on an animal that deserved as many chances as we could give her to recuperate and enjoy a long joy filled life.
This case was brought to the public light by the ASPCA so if they reap a whole lot of bad publicity for it, well I guess they asked for it didn’t they?
I so agree Cher. Could not have said it better myself. When we speak for one, we speak for them all.
I’m going to have to follow in your footsteps, Cher, as regards the ASPCA. No more support or donations. For me they have gone the way of HSUS and Wayne Pacelle and his gang. My support, in this case, is going to transfer from ASPCA to American Dog magazine. I would rather support a group who is not so willing to give up on a tough case.
I cannot accept that Oreo was PTS when another rescue wished and made it known to the ASPCA, that they wanted to work with Oreo….if she were a human child, beaten and abused, would we not have given her every chance and then some? She was an innocent and she had another option and ASPCA chose to kill her. I donate monthly but will rescind my donation and give it to a rescue who would have behaved better, much better. RIP little Oreo ;(((
And there are so many that could use your donation Cher and not have done this. Maybe a small, all volunteer rescue with many needs, willing hands but few funds. The big guys get the money, they do not always do what is right. Some never do what is right but rather what is expedient. Whenever you hear someone say “be realistic” you can bet they are speaking of what is good for themselves, and often what is good for their bottom line. It is my hope, that even with all the sad and heartwrenching “fundraising commercials” that they continue to run, that this unwarranted action hurts their “bottom line”.
ASPCA made this choice, when they had another, it would have done them no harm, accept of course, should the receiving rescue prove to be able to rehab Oreo and give her a life. Perhaps that is why they made the decision. I do not so much as see distrust in Oreo’s eyes, as I see confusion, unsureness, and concern as to what this day may bring. Just as too often doctors say no hope, and then there is. There is always hope, but not with the ASPCA. As you so clearly stated, they “chose to kill her”. Let that not be forgotten, as we remember Oreo.
They killed her anyway. Here is the ASPCA press release.
http://www.aspca.org/pressroom/press-releases/111309.html
I’ve sent off my letter to Sayres. He won’t read it, since the press release says they expect to be bombarded with irate letters and calls. NOTHING about the offers from the rescues to take her. Not a THING.
My heart is broken.
Oops sorry. My page wasn’t updated and I didn’t have the new posts where it said she was already killed. I just want to scream about this.
Many of us scream with you Bonnie. I hope those screams are heard around the world and echo through the halls of the ASPCA. I cannot imagine the screams and the tears, that Emily and those at the welcoming sanctuary who offered hope, must have, as well as their despair.
Possible brain damage from being thrown six floors, not to mention ongoing beatings.who could fathom such horrible cruelty…poor scarred Oreo…this so called disgusting human should be PTS….
The ASPCA accomplished what Fabian Henderson failed to do.
They carried out Oreo’s death sentence after what the New York Times describes as a last meal of “premium quality” kibble and canned dog food.
How can anyone favor the death penalty for innocent animals who are only reacting to their abuse at the hands of humans?
There was another choice, to give someone else the opportunity to work with her, but that would have been admitting the ASPCA had failed.
Too often, the HSUS and ASPCA argue that too much focus is placed on one dog and that it’s costly and time-consuming to deal with the most difficult cases at the expense of other dogs in need.
If these two groups combined their vast war chests to build no-kill shelters and rescues, there would be no need for any dog to ever be euthanized except in the case of a painful and terminal illness.
The life of this dog mattered. Extinguishing it will cost the ASPCA just as lobbying to kill all the Vick dogs has cost the HSUS.
RIP, Oreo, you deserved so much more from those mistakenly entrusted to save you
What Casey said. For sure! these two groups have a bottom line, but it’s not always in the best interest of the animals. Sayers and Pacelle enjoy their salaries too much. Anyone looking for an alternate organization to support? Try Best Friends. Even though they are a big organization, they really do care about the tough cases. They have done an amazing job with the Viktory Dogs. They are truly awesome and don’t kill animals with issues, unless those issues are terminal diseases or untreatable injuries. There is alway a home there for the tough cases, for as long as the animal lives, if necessary.
I agree Rosanna that BF does do good work, but they have pretty big war chests too, as well as big salaries and their Board of Directors has now gone corporate. There are so many all volunteer organizations, large and small, just begging for money, who do wonderful work and do not spend their resources on PR or salaries. There is at least one in almost every community, there is at least one for every breed or need a person could want or be interested in. They spend their monies on the animals and that is it. Nothing else. They need our support.
Do you know of any resource for a listing of good small groups? I prefer not to give to breed-specific rescues
A ton Casey, a ton. I keep and monitor, to the best of my ability lists that include breed specific, not breed specific, need specific (age, disablity), issues specific (puppy mill, dog fighting, abuse)or just those who do good and do what they canto help where they can an dhow they can. Large and small groups and need help. As it is D’s policy, which I agree with, to generally not allow solicitation here on the blog, I do not think I should put it out here. BUT, send an e-mail to D and ask her for my e-mail address, then send a note to me. I will be happy to get you started. Just put your name and “rescue lists” in subject line. Thanks and every volunteer and small group thanks you to. Their money “goes to the dogs”.
Peggy, Yes, I know Best Friends has “pretty big war chests” but if you think about it, they are able to do a LOT with that. And, yes, I don’t doubt some of their staff get large salaries, but as far as I’m concerned, they deserve it. The full time vets, trainers, behavorists, and other workers at Best Friends do great jobs, and their salaries ensure they continue to get the money to make them want to stay on and work their hearts out to make life better for the animals. You get what you pay for, truly. And historically, the top executives in any company get the top salaries. Well, if that’s what it takes to save the animals, I don’t mind contributing to it. Kenab Utah is a long way from nowhere, and it would be very difficult to get staff people to come and live in such an isolated place without offering some sort of incentive. As long as they don’t betray our trust and start killing animals that they are responsible for caring for, like HSUS & ASPCA did. They take in animals from ALL OVER THE WORLD. And those animals wouldn’t have had a chance anywhere else. I have been involved in their 1st Home, Forever Home program, where petfood is collected in local neighborhoods (for local animals) so that people who are having trouble feeding their animals in today’s economy might be helped enough that the don’t have to give their pets into shelter. And more and more, people have been giving up their dogs because of this horrible recession. This is just one of the pramgrams Best Friends has come up with to try o make life better for our animals. I refuse to get into the “big companies are no good” mentality. As long as they are doing so much good for the animals, critizing them because their ceo makes a lot of money isn’t what I’m about. The fact that their organization does so much for so many animals from all over the world, could only happen due to the great leadership of that organization. They take in a lot of animals that smaller local rescues send or take to them. A good leader anywhere is worth his weight in gold. With a good leader, things get done right and in a timely manner and good decisions are made. Best Friends didn’t and doesn’t kill pit bulls just because they have some behavior issues. Best Friends is home on any given day to about 2,000 dogs, cats, and other animals, who come from shelters and rescue groups around the country for special care they can ONLY receive at Best Friends. I appreciate they do this, where no one else can. I refuse to become a part of the “They make so much money, they must be evil” mentality. Until or if they do abuse my trust (and my money), I will continue to support them. They are in a position to do a LOT of good for the animals that others would just euthanize. I still give donations to other small rescues. It goes without saying. And what I do more of by far is driving animal rescue transports. A large percentage of my charity money goes there, and I feel very good about myself because I’ve been able to save the unwanted animals that would have been killed. So please don’t critizize before you look at the big picture.
awwww, Oreo. i’m so very sorry, sweet girl. u just needed a wee bit more time. now u’re in a better place. a place where nobody will torture u, hurt u n throw u out windows…
I am truely sorry that she was so badly damaged that she was euthanised. However there is always the next one. I am not saying she diden´t count in fact I will say that it is important that we remember her and the plight of her breed and use her as an exampel of how these dogs should not end up, mistreated to the point of no return.I may sound like a cynic nothing could be futher from the truth. There is a tap constantly dripping greyhounds and galgoes. Young healthy dogs who never knew love or what having a home was like. Most of them are dead before they are three years old. Those that slip through the cracks are the lucky few.Countless pittbulls are bred for fighting and hundreds end up like Oreo the point of no return. By alerting others to their plight lives are saved. Yes I mourn the dead on greyhound remembrance day. I light candels what else can I do. Making a diffrence in a dogs life saving a life is priceless to see a once abused and mistreated dog gain his/her footing and being happy and loved is well worth it. I have a small organisation and we concentrate on saving one precious life at a time. We alert as manny as we can to the plight of the racing greyhounds and the mistreated galgoes from Spain. If there is one thing we have to live with it is the fact that we can´t save them all no matter how much we want to. None of us can save the world but we can make the world better for those we have saved and by alerting others to the plight of these dogs wether pittbulls or greyhounds and galgoes lives are saved as we speak. Let us all do our best to prevent cruelty when we see it in our neighborhood and all around us let us show others what worthy familymembers our chosen breed of dogs make let us work to help rehome as manny as possibel. and mourn those who never stood a chance and even when they were given a chance they still could not be saved. Rest in peace sweet Oreo play at the bridge one day a rescuer will come and you will be touched and be abel to cross the rainbow bridge restored and healthy. We must remember the pups born they all start out with love manny of those never stand a chance but a few do let us try to help those and prevent dog fighting and the inheriant cruelty of greyhound racing.From Greyhound Action Denmark.
I am not sure if we are at cross pruposes or if it is that we are misunderstanding what different people are saying. I can only speak for myself and my position but I believe, from many of the posts that I have read, that it is similar to the issue that others are rasing. That is, not so much that Oreo was euthanized, but that she had a chance, the same that so many here have written that they offer to those in need, and that the ASPCA denied that chance. Just as HSUS has denied chances to pitbulls and babies – six week old babies – even though recuers, with strong rescue backgrounds and tremendous rehab experience stood at the door waiting and willing to save them.
That is the same case with Oreo, and that is what I believe the most of us posting here are in great lament about. The ASPCA and its staff are no more the end all and be all of “saveable” and “not saveable” assessment abilities than the HSUS was for the Vick and NC dogs. The ASPCA did not kill Oreo because they had no room, or because there were others in need, or because they had no funds, they killed her because they said she had NO HOPE and they did not want to give anyone else the chance to prove them wrong. In my book, that is indefensible.
Peggy, you hit the nail squarely on the head. The issue is that the ASPCA was unwilling to end up looking like the failure, and would rather have Oreo come off that way, even though it meant her death. They rolled the dice on this one, knowing full well there would be outraged backlash, just as their press release states. They are gambling on the public not seeing through this veil they created and that this will just be a small bump in the road, after which they can get back to business as usual.
I hate to tell them, but the HSUS has still not recovered from its decision to euthanize those pit bull puppies, and even less from their decision to partner with Michael Vick. They are reviled by those of us who take the time to read the whole truth in the actions of these organizations, and who don’t just accept the spoonfed pablum they try to shove down the throats of the rest. I couldn’t write my scathing letter to Sayres fast enough. That letter let him know that I knew the truth about the other rescues out there, one actually standing in their lobby, ready and willing to take whatever time was needed to help this precious girl. I let him know that he is fooling very few with their spin on this whole sordid mess.
I also agree that this was not an issue of choosing just one dog to stand up for. Oreo was the poster child for what rescuers deal with every day. It’s not that we singled her out to the exclusion of all others. It’s that we saw in her the opportunity to save a life and at the same time get the word out to a lot of mainstream America about the plight of shelter dogs who have been abused. Had she been allowed that chance, I know she would have turned the corner and would have made it. I know it in my heart. That success story would have helped to keep the momentum going from the Vicktory dogs and let the world know that no matter how damaged by humans, dogs CAN be saved. Being a pit bull made it all the more important, since she also represented her breed. Now we have yet another “vicious” pit bull scenario where the precious life ended up snuffed out due to pride and ignorance.
None of us exclude any animal. It’s just that sometimes a battle comes up that cries out for a unified voice, and Oreo was that battle. Sadly, Sayres had made up his mind and he was not about to let some lesser rescue come along and do what the almighty ASPCA couldn’t do. Because of that, they have now fallen into the basement of my respect right along with the HSUS.
You will never be forgotten sweet Oreo. I’m so sorry the world let you down.
I must agree with Peggy. I also must say, why in the world wasn’t a different trainer or method of training experimented with? The techniques and trainer they were using obviously weren’t working. This is just sad. I loose more and more respect for the ASPCA every time I read articles about them. What a shame.
Let this be a “lesson” for all of us. All of the “biggies” such as the SPCA, HSUS, Best Friends, just to name a few, are in the business for the “big bucks”. Most of your contributions go for the big salaries and
“perks” and do not benefit the animals. I have made a pledge to support rescues in my general area who really do good for the animals and get no “big bucks”. Keep your dollars local and help those who need it the most. You can see where your dollars go and how it helps those who are truly in the business to save animals. If everyone would do this we could make a difference.
I just read that Rescue Ink even physically went down to the ASPCA and tried to get them to allow Oreo to come with them. We all know how much success they’ve had with these “hopeless” cases. They have numerous contacts who also would have taken Oreo. But, they were told no and sent away as well. There were so many organizations willing to help her.
I have added comments to two articles at the New York Times website. I’m sickened by the number of people who have now jumped on the bandwagon of “another vicious pit bull”. That’s thanks to the ASPCA as well. They had the opportunity to help dispel that myth, but their actions and their press release have just added fuel to that disgusting fire about pibbles. One comment was “Thank goodness you can’t rip off a baby’s face if you’re taking a dirt nap.”
I wish Rescue Ink would air footage of that on its TV show, might open some more people’s eyes
Just emailed you another story about this. Not the happiest story about it. A story from one of the shelters willing to give her more time, and a stay at their sanctuary. It seems the ASPCA had no interest in getting her more help. They made up their minds. I feel so bad. She looked like such a gorgeous girl!
Hey Drea
Is it possible to post that story and or the link to it if there is one, for the rest of us? It is certainly not that any of us need more depressing news, but as they say “ignorance is bliss”. What that really means is “if I do not know, I do not have to act”. I believe that many of us here want to act, and so need to be as informed as we can be.
You are so right Bonnie about many of the NY Times comments. Not only are some just downright sickening, but they certainly add to fuel to the bad press about all the PB breeds. Such trash, such wrong information. We can thank ASPCA, Ed and don’t forget Stephen (the PhD expert) for this also. And you are right about Sayres’s ego, if you have ever been to a conference and heard him, it comes through loud and clear. He also still buys into the myth that “euthanasia is a sad reality of shelters”. As long as that is accepted, it will always happen. The reality is that it could be changed, but like anything else, changing the mindset is the first step toward any change. As we have seen that has not occurred.
ASPCA Tries to Soften the Blow about Oreo
Good Grief talk about a spin job, and then that Care 2 publishes it only gives it further credence. What is even worse, is the number of comments that support ASPCA and HSUS and say how wonderful they are, and how much they do and that it was the right decision about Oreo. It is hard to believe the vast number of people who refuse to see the truth, even when you put it right in front of them. But then there is always the story of The Emperor’s New Clothes.
Just for interest, I have included a link to the 2007 financials on ASPCA. To shorten things up…here is a summary, in 2007 they took in 85 million dollars in revenue and Ed Sayres was compensated (read SALARY) just over $445,000.00 for that year. And one commenter on Care2 had the nerve to claim that those working for ASPCA did not have lavish lifestyles. Half a million a year seems to buy a pretty good lifestyle as far as I am concerned.
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3286
He makes more than $445,000? That puts Wayne Pacelle to shame
$446 something in 2007….and offline me on e-mail as I do not think it puts Pacelle to shame I think there is “another part” we cannot access at least not easily
I just finished reading that Drea, if it was the Pets Alive people and Amilia, the dog so much like Oreo in the “hopeless” category. I think Rescue Ink went to the ASPCA on behalf of Pets Alive. My heart is just breaking, knowing she could have been saved, had it not been for the huge ego of Sayres.
I hope they realize that this won’t just die down and go away. I saw a TON of comments at the New York Times from people who are yanking their support. Great! The ONLY way to get through to these places that have gotten far to big and have lost sight of what it’s supposed to be all about it to hurt them where they want it most…….the wallet. It’s working at HSUS, and it will work here as well.
Pets Alive was one that offered, here is the news link that they put out today on this. Just awful, and ASPCA and Sayres wonder why people are calling in all angry and with bad language. MURDERERS is right
Pet’s ALive Oreo News Link: http://petsalive.com/
RIP Oreo……you are at peace now…..God Bless You little one
A song written by my friend, Maria Daines, for Oreo, and all the dogs lost due to the ignorance of humans. Where Do All the Angels Go?
http://www.maria-daines.com/music-97.html
She would like the names of other dogs you would like memorialized on that page. What a beautiful and heartwrenching song.
What a heartbreakingly beautiful tribute, I keep playing it over and over and reading the lyrics.
What a lovely soul your friend has
Here is the link to the Blog by Matt, of Pet’s Alive, on Oreo, ASPCA, and every other big group. I would copy and paste but it is long. If you already have your eyes opened, great…..you will learn more. If you still do not have your eyes opened as to the actual nature of the big organizations, this will give you food for thought. Hopefully, after all has been digested your eyes, too, will be open. This is an excellent piece for all of us to share to bring the truth, not just about Oreo, but about what really is is the agenda of these big organizations. They claim to be about humaneness, and anti cruelty, and saving lives but in reallity in the business of making money. They are the Robbber Barons of the new age.
http://petsalive.com/blog/2009/11/14/failing-oreo/
That is an excellent statement from Pets Alive, thank you for sharing it. I posted a link to it on the ASPCA online community discussion forum about Oreo and hope others will read it there
Hi Nancy
Glad you found it worth reading. I have printed it out, and am going to make copies to hand out whenever I run across a well meaning, but ill informed about ASPCA, PETA, HSUS or other large groups, supporter and proselytizer who sing their praises and donate. Hopefully, it may help to open some eyes. With even greater hope your posting on the ASPCA online community will open some eyes also. I would love to hear the reactions that your post recieves.
If you worked in anyway during the Karina disaster you would have cried every night, to see some of the acts, as well as the lack of humane acts by many with the HSUS. Yet they used their presence to garner tons of media, raise millions in addtional donations and made a serious and concerted effort to have themeselves be declared as “the ones in charge” The ASPCA is the same, just not as big…..yet.
destroyed twice, first by the bastard who ruined her mind and took away her ability to love and trust, then by the ASPCA. if another org was willing to take her and give her more time, they should have done that. meanwhile, where is this monster who tossed her? free to do it again, and he will, and maybe next to a child, then the courts will take it seriously, because it matters so little what happens to animals here. not progressive America, not at all, we have those laws to protect and so what? they are treated so lightly.
yes, we will read about Henderson again, unfortunately, people like that don’t torture just one time, they love the thrill of their own violence. HE is who should have been put down, that would be a mercy killing for us all, before he gets to one of us, our children or another animal
Just when I thought I had heard it all, a poster on Care2 suggested this morning that the attitude of the dog is what caused her 19-year-old master to treat her that way.
What an eye-opening statement about the kind of person who would defend animal abuse. I bet she also thinks rape victims “ask for it”
http://www.care2.com/causes/animal-welfare/blog/aspca-tries-to-soften-the-blow-about-oreo/?fbnew=2
GOOD LORD! What kind of malarky is THAT? It’s gross and insulting and confirms they are an imbecile. I hope that poster gets their backside served up on a platter.
It did by me, and many others. Likely some type of abuser themselves. Abusers always, always blame the victim. “I did not want to (FILL IN, THE BLANK) but you made me because you (FILL IN THE BLANK)”. As Nancy suggests, rapists like this excuse, as do spousal and child abusers, pedophiles and I’ll bet serial killers too. Scarey to think that there are people out there who can even suggest that this heinous act could be excused becasue it was Oreo’s fault.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/demand-resignation-of-aspca-pres-ed-sayre
I just received this petition, I can’t understand how we can waste so much money trying to rehabilitate the monsters who do this crap to dogs, but give the abused such little time to find there way in this life. I am just having a real hard time with that, it makes no sense, pity the criminal and punish the victim, oh, well, isn’t that how it usually goes?
You know, there’s aparently something wrong with the nations main rescue groups, so would it be possible to start a new animal group, that is a no kill facility? And how would one go about doing it. I’m as dumb as a stump when it comes to proceedures and all that go’s with it, but I am a hard worker, I just lack the know how.
Hi Excal
There are tons of smaller groups that do not fall prey to the temptations of power, fame, money, and political correctness. If you are interested send D an e-mail directly and ask her to send you my blog e mail address, I can send you a list and some ideas.
Thanks Peggy,have done : )
well if we can support some people indefinitely on welfare, baby after baby out of wedlock, then why not have more mercy on animals? they aren’t looking to use the system, just stay alive in it.
they need financial support for sure, so rather than send to those larger orgs than gather millions, send to your local shelters, the no kill in particular, that’s who you can monitor, and see your money at work.
spay/neuter will help this so much, so many animals end up on the street, lost, or backyard females pregnant. I have friends with the electric dog fence, their 3 girls all wear collars, but one is not yet spayed. she can’t go out alone because a male is roaming the neighborhood. he can get in, regardless of her getting out. so many puppies in this country end up dead.
poor Oreo may have been bred purely for fight, that poor girl, did she ever get a fair chance in life?
support spay/neuter programs!