Ellen. Rescue. One week later.
Ellen Degenres brought “rescue” and “shelter” to the media. A good thing because when people talk, issues are better understood. It’s been a week. Let’s review.
Public reaction
The public response was swift, polarized, and far reaching. There were few surprise reactions with the exception of Craig’s List pet forum. PM was somewhat surprised by how the pet forum responded. Because this pet forum is an experienced, emotional, pro-adoption group, we expected the forum to attack the shelter for taking dogs away from a home, from children. On the contrary, CL sentiment was that Ellen should have read the contract, called the shelter, and not take this public on her show. The shelter got death threats.
The skinny
The inevitable inaccuracies are identified. We learn that her new dog was at a dog trainer for most of the days under Ellen’s care. That the shelter, Mom’s & Mutts, didn’t go to the media first. That the dog was finally, and confidentially, placed. That taking this to the airwaves is not going Ellen’s way a week later. That the shelter has not budged telling Ellen “If Ellen wants to place dogs and decide what’s a good home, then she should start her own rescue group. But I’m the one doing this and I know what I’m doing.” We learn that Ellen has given away a pooch(es) before.
Rearview mirror
It could be concluded that this was a fight between a star and an animal rescue group. Both sides trying to do what they thought was best for the dog. That there are two sides to whether the animal should be returned to the shelter: The American Humane Association “recommends” a more open adoption process that does not require the animal be returned to the shelter. Mom’s & Mutts, among other shelters, are standing fast: return the dog to the shelter. Most everyone stresses that the shelter or adoption agency should be kept in the loop and made aware of the pet’s whereabouts.
On the Internet
Because of Ellen’s story, adopting animals is on PM’s mind. It seems to be on everyone’s mind. Thank you , Ellen, for that. Here are some things PM discovered when we searched for “rescue, shelter, adoption,” that tie with Ellen, pets.
A search for “top pet rescues” brings up a list of 20 different dogs: Boxer, Golden Retriever, English Bulldog, Yorkie, German Shepherd, French Bulldog, Pug, Great Dane, Border Collie, Chihuahua, Doberman, Beagle, Boston Terrier, Dachshund, Poodle, Labrador, Pitbull, Shih Tzu, Rottweiler, Basset Hound. Horses, Cats, Birds are the runner-ups.
A search for “top pet adoptions” brings up pages of adoption blogs, web sites, and services, again mostly dogs.
An adoption search in our zip code using “Walmart/pets” and “petfinder.com” brings up
450 dogs in chicago metro
300 dogs chicago 40 mile radius
775 cats in chicago metro
575 cats chicago 40 mile radius
750 dogs and 1,350 cats. In just my zip code today. Maybe big generic numbers, on display everywhere, are sometimes lost on me. Put all the local listings together and it’s a different story. I don’t think I am alone.
People vs pets
This media event also provoked many comments saying it’s a shame that pets get more attention than kids when it comes to rescue and adoption. Maybe, maybe not. Do a similar search less “pets” and we find an assortment of breaking news, blogs, Web sites, and services for adopting children, children looking for their birth parents, parents looking for their children. The reality: there are “other” stars that are having child related issues along with a star that is having a pet issue. Write a story and they will come. Thoughts?
Animal population facts
If anyone wants to pick up where PM left off and look in their local area regarding pet adoption, let PM know and pass on the results. We can maybe have a “Roll Call” by zip codes. Anyone can add up the numbers and then speak their mind. If in the mood.
Comments/zip code tallies
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Story links and details
* Top pet/animal rescue listings: buzz.yahoo.com
* The skinny: huffingtonpost.com/linda-milazzo
* Animal population facts: pets90210.com
* Walmart petfinder: verybestpetnetwork.com















Maureen Adams
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