Disqus - Latest Comments for jennybean

Re: Smiley’s day in court ends - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:22:06 -0000

Donate them to the WAIF thrift store, of course.

Re: Smiley’s day in court ends - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:19:54 -0000

Smiley was allegedly offered to a doggy retirement home, but was too young for it. There is an allegedly dangerous dog on the prowl, but WAIF doesn't seem that concerned about it.

If you look back at the old articles in the Whidbey News Times,
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/whidbey/wnt/news/38723394.html, WAIF is now in the position of animal control, but doesn't want to give up its cuddly image.

Most of all, from the previous article, it appears that the WAIF board and staff have no clues or common sense whatsoever. They need a total stranger to do a therapy session, before dragging them to solutions.

They are supposed to be leaders, but are desperately floundering. I hope they take it upon themselves to learn more, instead of waiting for their fairy godmother to drop shelter dollar out of the sky.

Re: Former volunteers raise concerns at WAIF board meeting - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 10:03:00 -0000

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/whidbey/swr/news/21590399.html

I think you're right. WAIF is an above average animal control facility, but not much of a humane shelter. The words from the previous contractor are indistinguishable from the current WAIF management, with widespread illness (giardia at the WAIF shelter) and euthanasia seen as inevitable.

Re: Former volunteers raise concerns at WAIF board meeting - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 09:46:47 -0000

So they feel bad and they cried on cue, to once again place the focus on their feelings and redirect attention from the fact they don't know what they're doing. They waited this long to make a list of goals? Seriously? Do they not have initiative or common sense? Good grief.

They need to put the animals first. Make a list of repairs for the current facility and have a community building day. They could reach out to squadrons or civic groups or a churches, as well as the public. People are generous in this community, as long as they know what they're helping and believe it will do what it says it will.

"Smiley was not old enough for Dog Haven." If Smiley was suitable (but for his age) for a retirement home, you would think he would be suitable for the dog training facility in Bothell or for Oasis or for Moran and Baker. Interesting. Were any of them worried about Smiley's whereabouts?

Considering prior task forces and groups, Ms. Jhueck is not the first person to make those suggestions or to try to push WAIF out of its really low standards. We'll see if anything concrete happens or if it turns out to be more wheel spinning with new people i the car.

Re: Still no sign of Smiley the stolen dog - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 21:35:55 -0000

"No - she stated that under the law, the case had no merit. That is not the same thing."

No - luvadog did not say that she actually made a statement with those exact words. Notice the lack of quotations marks. He or she simply stated that that is the implication of her ruling. It is true that none of those groups apparently have the standing to do anything, which is the point of the ruling.

"Can luvadog PROVE (using objective facts) that there is widespread, DELIBERATE torture taking place? Because that's what GITMO is - widespread, DELIBERATE (on purpose) torture. If not, this is a wildly groundless accusation. "

Yes, actually there were expert reports from a national expert (Christine Dahl) and a veterinarian, both of whom noticed and reported that WAIF's deliberate methods were inhumane.

"In the absence of "the email" proving this as the reason, and documenting where "the email" actually came from, charging that the color was worn in support of killing is a wildly groundless accusation."

Perhaps luvadog does have the email. You don't have to believe it exists. I don't have the email either and don't know if it's true. However, lots of people do get email notices from WAIF and it would be easy for you to verify, if you're truly concerned about it. I recall some news footage of the courtroom and perhaps some photos in the Whidbey News Times, but don't recall what anyone was wearing.

"I know many people who have quickly and easily adopted animals. This statement is not true, and so is a wildly groundless accusation."

But many people have come forward saying that it is difficult to adopt animals and the evidence in the case show at least eleven families were not able to adopt a dog (when he was still adoptable. It may not be entirely accurate to say that WAIF never adopts animals, but it's not "wildly groundless" to say it is difficult and WAIF's standards appear to be arbitrary.

"In the absence of competent psychiatric evaluations declaring every supporter of WAIF clinically insane, this is a wildly groundless accusation."

Anyone with basic reading comprehension would understand that luvadog was not making a clinical diagnosis. WAIF's attitude is easily seen from news interviews and the comments here. It has lost its brain, along with its heart.

"If you consider those characterizations to be civil, you ought to be just as comfortable when they're coming from the other side. After all, one person's "frustration" is another person's "garbage.""

Right back at you. I don't believe I've ever been uncivil, but using negative language to describe negative behavior is fitting.

Re: Still no sign of Smiley the stolen dog - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 21:28:33 -0000

THank you for fighting the good fight. :)

Demwoman is trying to nitpick your arguments by making increasingly nonsensical arguments. If she's interested in knowing whether the email existed, perhaps she could call WAIF and find out, but I suspect she's just here to hassle you. She doesn't even have the grace to try to be funny, like dedicated Crackalacken.

Re: Still no sign of Smiley the stolen dog - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 21:22:51 -0000

Excuse you? People do have passion for people, as well as animals. Prove that they don't, since you want to make this about citations and objective evidence. What could you possibly know about what people care about, in addition to animal welfare and neglect?

Re: Still no sign of Smiley the stolen dog - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 21:21:06 -0000

If WAIF would like to clarify its policies (the WAIF director and shelter manager's demeanor and the color of people's clothing is at least partially on television for anyone to see), it should publicly do so, instead of leaving it increasingly nonsensical and ultimately self-defeating supporters to bully commenters on a community website. Anyone with basic reading comprehension would understand that luvadog is reporting her or his interpretations and observations, which don't require a peer-reviewed study before communicating it to others.

I suggest people look into the pleadings and reports, before deciding for themselves, instead of following WAIF's blindly loyal followers in their ludicrous satisfaction with incompetence, learned helplessness, and feeling nice instead of striving for better.

Re: Still no sign of Smiley the stolen dog - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:13:08 -0000

http://www.sciencedaily.com...

New studies confirm that choke collars and aggressive treatment cause anxiety and aggressive behaviors. It's only common sense, but perhaps WAIF could bother to click the link and learn something.

"The study, published in the current issue of Applied Animal Behavior Science, also showed that using non-aversive or neutral training methods such as additional exercise or rewards elicited very few aggressive responses."

Re: Salami used in Smiley theft - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 14:47:53 -0000

It is a tragedy that a woman jumped to her death. It is simply unfathomable that the jail allows perpetrators to call victims, and the county budget is still being hashed out.

There isn't much to say about them, because there isn't much debate. The number of comments doesn't equal the level of commitment.

Re: AA given 30 days to find parking - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 14:44:30 -0000

AA took the initiative to find its own meeting space and Concordia Lutheran graciously offers parking space, so I hope the community doesn't lose out due to a technicality.

Re: Salami used in Smiley theft - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:08:32 -0000

The doublespeak from WAIF supporters is very interesting. Thank you for reminding people of the facts.

If anything Baker & Moran are examples of what happens to people that donate time and money to WAIF.

The resistance to new ideas and *free* opportunities are very unfortunate.

Re: Salami used in Smiley theft - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:04:23 -0000

They seemed to do a lot of things, prior to seeking help from the court. How would you suggest they "do something about it." Other people are trying to "do something about it," but no one was there when they showed up for WAIF's alleged public board meeting. It is very sad that it has to go to court, but that's entirely WAIF's fault.

Re: Salami used in Smiley theft - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:00:07 -0000

I would be happy to donate to a WAIF fundraising effort aimed at training, but I can't force WAIF to accept help or to keep track of its funds. It says it won't do any of those things, which does not inspire confidence.

All reports suggest that she is the one that makes determinations about danger, yet you admit she is unqualified to do that. If that's the case, WAIF needs to look for other help.

People have offered WAIF expert opinions, advice, and suggestions that would not cost that much. (Ms. Bibich could take a few minutes to borrow some books from the library or call an expert. The board could send letters out, asking for donated training). People are willing to donate or volunteer, but how are they able to help, when WAIF is so unwilling to change?

You keep repeatedly deflecting WAIF's responsibilities onto people that want to help, but only WAIF is responsible. It is not good enough to say someone is underqualified and leave it at that. If WAIF or Ms. Bibich aren't willing to learn, whose fault is that?

Re: Salami used in Smiley theft - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:50:41 -0000

If she dangerously unqualified, then she has no business determining when dogs are dangerous enough to be euthanized. Her judgment cannot be trusted in that respect, yet she appears to be the primary person involved in those determinations.

I agree with you completely that WAIF's director and board have a lot to answer for, but, if what you say is true, Ms. Bibich has no business being in charge of the shelter either. WAIF could raise some money to send her to training or she could take the initiative to learn on her own.

Re: Salami used in Smiley theft - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:48:03 -0000

Where was WAIF's volunteer outreach? WAIF can't wait around and expect people to spontaneously show up.

Re: Salami used in Smiley theft - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:48:38 -0000

They could take at least the same measures WAIF uses to ensure the dog can't get out of its facilties.

Re: Salami used in Smiley theft - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:34:58 -0000

Making fun of her name is unnecessary and low.

Re: Salami used in Smiley theft - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:33:15 -0000

A lot of the people that have left messages volunteered at the shelter. Baker and Moran volunteered at the shelter. According to the court documents and comments, volunteers were turned away for thier beliefs.

Volunteering at the shelter is important to the dog you walk that day, but it - as you admit - doesn't prevent the ongong problem of WAIF euthanizing dogs when they think the dogs "lose it." What you're saying is that dogs are to blame for not lasting forever under WAIF's conditions and that WAIF isn't going to do anything about that.

That's the kind of enabling attitude that is the problem, not the solution. Again, WAIF should be the leader on these issues, get some training for its staff, partner with community agencies, and acting like its helpless.

Re: Salami used in Smiley theft - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:25:41 -0000

Isn't WAIF suing Baker and Moran? It's not like they can ignore that.

Plus, there is only a short time for appeal. If Smiley turns up, they'd be out of luck.

Re: Salami used in Smiley theft - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:24:25 -0000

Is WAIF?

Re: Smiley gets another reprieve after judge sides with WAIF - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:42:52 -0000

1. You state people should not care, because they should look at other shelters.
2. You state WAIF should behave like a grocery store and dispose of 'expired' animals.
3. You state people should not be considered stable, because they think they know best for a dog.
4. Then you state death is best for him.
5. You claim he's just one dog and we should focus on other dogs.

1. WAIF operates where we live and it's responsible to work for issues locally.
2. WAIF does not portray itself that way, so it's not unreasonable to think it should be what it claims.
3 & 4. Dogs are surprisingly resilient and Smiley could have gone to a number of other places.
5. He is one of a series of dogs and a symptom of an ongoing problem. "Moving on" to another dog would leave WAIF off the hook for its ongoing issue, nor would it be helpful to WAIF.

It sounds like you, like other WAIF supporters, seem to think euthanasia is the solution, which is contrary to WAIF's mission. Either WAIF needs to be open and honest about its policies or should actually do what it says it does. If WAIF is determined use euthanasia in place of having trained personnel, it should revise its charter. If you believe in what you say, you would agree.

Re: Smiley gets another reprieve after judge sides with WAIF - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 02:01:14 -0000

Wow. You're projecting a lot.

Re: Smiley gets another reprieve after judge sides with WAIF - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 01:58:41 -0000

The judge is paid regardless, as are electricity and water and other services. The parties also pay filing fees, which help cover paper and ink - if you really care about that.

Re: Smiley gets another reprieve after judge sides with WAIF - Whidbey News Times

jennybean — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 01:55:09 -0000

No, for expressing violent wishes about a missing dog. If the Sheriff's office needs leads to see who wishes Smiley harm, he should look to the person that confesses (in other articles) to shooting dogs.