She's needle happy AGAIN!!!

[moosmom]

Okay, I TRY veeerrrrrry hard to give people the benefit of the doubt. But now this woman has totally pissed me off.

I went to the Dearborn Animal Shelter volunteer Christmas party on Thursday night. Do you remember me posting this picture???

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid89/pe6513ca030fe7da1d870e9351fbbfece/fa775d7b.jpg

Well, mama is DEAD. Why??? Because Elaine Greene, the Director of the shelter THOUGHT she had ringworm and played God!!! :mad: :mad:

I am so outraged, I want to file a complaint. I have told her many times that if ANY cat is THOUGHT to have ringworm, that I would foster them and treat them till they were well enough to be put back up for adoption. Evidentally, she didn't think this cat was worth the trouble!!

So, anyone who would like to file a complaint against this woman, please do!! I plan on it. I will try and get an e-mail addy to do so.

:mad: :mad: :mad:

I am SO furious I want to cry right now.

[slick]

Oh Donna, that's so sad.:( :( Would it do any good for me to complain?? After all I'm in Canada and don't know much about the shelter except what you tell me.

Is the Shelter a charitable organization?? Is it run by a Board of Directors? If so, I think only the B of D can fire her, but any and all complaints should make a difference.

[shais_mom]

Oh Donna I am so sorry!
Please give us an email and I will email a complaint/concern also, if you want to post an address, I would even be glad to send a snail letter.
I think this woman needs ousted and YOU need her job! what a witch

[carole]

Donna I don't know whether I can help at all, but if sending an email of complaint from NZ helps, count me in , let me know ok, I for one would LOVE to see this horrible excuse for a human being FIRED and YOU take her place.

[moosmom]

I've decided to write a letter to the editor of the Detroit Free Press. It's the only way people are gonna know what this $itch is up to. I am also going to register a complaint with the Board of Directors. This woman needs to be stopped. She doesn't hesitate to keep a dog or puppy with a suspicious skin problem. I am making a visit to the shelter on Tuesday when she's due in and I'm going to voice my opinion yet AGAIN to see what she has to say. I am also going to put a note ON FILE that if ANY cat, regardless of age, SHE suspects with a case of ringworm, to call me and I will foster and treat it till it's adoptable again.

BTW, don't you think that if the Mama had ringworm, seeing as I worked in the nursery and handled her quite frequently, that I'd also catch it? Coincidental???

I have never hated anyone in my life. But I LOATHE this woman!! :mad: :mad: And everytime I think about this precious mama, it makes me cry. :( :( Another cat killed needlessly at the hands of a woman with ice water running through her veins.

[catcrazylady]

Post email and snail mail address' and I'm in with you! I don't know if it will do any good for those of us who don't live nearby to do it but I can't imagine that it will hurt. It may have more impact coming from far away places!! Is there any animal rights organization that can be contacted too? The more people that get involved then the more likely they are to stop this WITCH!! Is this supposed to be a no kill shelter?? It is bad enough that she does this but when you continually offer to take in any possible ringworm kitties and foster them until it is cleared up, then there is NO POSSIBLE EXCUSE FOR HER BEHAVIOR!!
Let us know who and where to mail and if anyone knows of a group that would get involved post that info too. Someone could contact them as well. Whatever it takes we will try to help stop her!

[CatDad]

Oh Donna, I am so sorry to hear about the poor kitty.

I am not sure if a letter(email or snail) would help from outside of the area, but if it would post it, and think that it may make a difference, I will write.

RIP mama kitty, have fun at the rainbow bridge.

[trayi52]

What about the kittens? Isn't this the second one she has put down for ringworms? Lord, don't anybody get ringworms around this woman, she will put you down.

Poor mama, she really looked good in the picture. I just don't understand, I never thought ringworm was that bad to start with.

There should be a way to get this person who has elected herself as God, to be put out of there.

[PayItForward]

Originally posted by CatDad
I am not sure if a letter(email or snail) would help from outside of the area, but if it would post it, and think that it may make a difference, I will write.
I think that letters written out of the area will be useful. I'll write give me the address, it will vent my anger about this person's actions, if nothing else. :mad:

Oh, if you send your snail letters registered (can't get lost) and state that this is an offical complaint letter and you demand an response asap. That means they'll have to respond to you.

If you were on the board of directors and local people were complaining about one of your employees, you would look into it but if you were getting letters from all over the world explaining how we are ALL unhappy with this ONE employee, you would think harder about how this negative publicity will affect funding and donations.

BTW the press idea is great....I would send photos & brief outline of all the cat lives lost before their time because of this lady and email to all local/national papers. Good Luck.

The more this person's actions are known the more likely something will happen.

[shais_mom]

Is this the correct Shelter Donna?
I remember you talking about Dearborn.

http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/MI02.html

[BastetsMum]

Maybe someone should explain to her that dogs get ringworm too. Suspicious skin conditions in dogs are more suseptable to being attracted to humans and that not only is she risking her skin but the dog's as well. So why isn't she putting dogs down for human safety as well? (No offence to anyone here I am just airng my concerns).

What does the registered Dearborn vet have to say when he doesn't see cats for treatment but dogs?

[moosmom]

Shais_Mom,

Yup! That's the one!

I wrote the letter this morning. I got the name of the President of the Board of Directors and I will be mailing the letter out today. Here's what it says:

Dear Ms. Cote:

My name is Donna Ploss and I am a volunteer at the Dearborn Animal Shelter. I am writing this letter on behalf of the hundreds of cats whose lives hang in limbo at the hand of the shelter’s director, Elaine Greene.

I began volunteering at the shelter back in April. At orientation, I was told that the ONLY time any animals were euthanized was if they were very ill or a danger to themselves and other people.

Since that time, Ms. Greene, who takes it upon herself to decide the fate of the animals, has euthanized many cats. Why??? Because they were critically ill?? No. Because they were a danger to themselves or others??? No. Simply because SHE “suspected” they had ringworm or because the cats were “too old to be adopted”. Yet she decides to keep other animals, such as dogs, which also have skin conditions and are deemed unadoptable because they are either food or dog aggressive. At no time were any cultures done to rule out ringworm. I guess Ms. Greene didn’t think they were worth the bother.

Ringworm is easily treatable and contagious ONLY if contact is made with the area. It is not an airborne disease such as Distemper, which can be fatal.

The dictionary defines “shelter” as a place to provide cover and protection. Nowhere does it say, “kill”.

These animals depend on us for love and care while awaiting new homes, something their humans could not or would not provide. Ms. Greene’s job is to do just that. It is quite obvious that Ms. Greene’s judgment has become impaired. It’s time to find someone who has the animal’s safety and well being at heart, rather than Ms. Greene who is more concerned about cage space and whether a cat’s age will prevent it from finding a permanent home.

I am respectfully requesting that Ms. Greene be held accountable for her reprehensible actions, and that the Board of Directors request Ms. Greene’s resignation.

Respectfully submitted,



Donna E. Ploss

[jenluckenbach]

Sounds like a good letter.

[CatDad]

I like it. I know that you are upset about this, as we all are, but I think that you put it into words very nicely. You got you point across without being rude.

Let us know what happens.

[moosmom]

Trayi52

Yes, she also put 2 of Sydney's kittens down because she "suspected" they had ringworm. :mad: :mad:

I'm going to the shelter this afternoon and plan on telling her point blank "If you decide to get needle happy again because you SUSPECT a cat has ringworm, here's my number. Call me immediately!!!"

I mailed the letter yesterday. I also talked to my friend Courtney who is the Vet Tech in the nursery. I told her what I was doing. She said I had way more guts than she does and she's glad someone is doing something about it (I guess she doesn't want to lose her job). She also told me that they've had a bout of Parvo at the shelter and I have to stay out of the nursery for a while.

Gee, I wonder if the Angel of Death will get needle happy with the dogs she suspects has parvo???

[moosmom]

BTW, here is the snail mail addy:

Ms. Stevie Cote, President
Board of Directors
Dearborn Animal Shelter
P.O. Box 1943
Dearborn, MI 48120

Please mark it "Personal & Confidential" as the Angel of Death does occasionally pick up the mail.

Thanks guys!! I'll let you know what happens.

[moosmom]

Well, I am now BANNED from volunteering at the shelter. I went there this afternoon and was stopped by Elaine as I walked in the door. She took me into the volunteer room saying "We have to talk".

She told me she knows about my letter written to Ms. Cote about her euthanizing cats. I told her that it has happened FAR more in the last few months, regardless of their policy. I also reminded her of Carrie, the 14 year old cat euthanized cuz "they needed the cage space and no one is doing to adopt an old cat". I went on about ringworm (the story is far too long to go into detail) and how it IS treatable yet she shows favoritism to dogs. She said that I badgered her staff with my phone calls. I told her that I simply called to get the information I needed and when asked why I was doing this, I simply told them. I badgered no one.

She told me that I "stole" a cat from another rescue organization (Eli) I told her that wasn't true. So, she said that I cannot be trusted and until the board decides whether to allow me to continue volunteering, I am no longer welcome.

What people DON'T know is that animals are being euthanized by uncertified vet techs there. The girl (I USED to call her my friend till she told Elaine exactly what I was planning to do) who took my friend Cathy's place (she's the certified Vet Tech who ran the nursery before quitting) is uncertified and runs the nursery. She has no "formal" training (certificate, license, etc) but was simply trained by Cathy for 2 weeks. She vaccinates animals, euthanizes them, etc. Everything a CERTIFIED vet tech does.

The Shelter Mgr, Heather, is the one who put down Carrie. I'm not sure she's certified either. But I think that the Director, Elaine, really is nervous about being so closely watched by the Board of Directors for fear they'll find out.

I would hate to have anything happen to the animals at the shelter for my "whistle blowing". But her Angel of Death act is definitely putting the cats at risk. And simply because SHE "suspects" they have ringworm. She claims that they were euthanized at the direction of the Medical Director, Dr. Cheryl Good. I know of NO veterinarian that would put down an animal for a virus that is so easily treatable, or without having a culture done first.

When I left, I told her that her actions are OBVIOUS that she doesn't care about the cats and definitely has something to hide, because the only ones that will be hurt by me not volunteering are the cats. I told her that she is the Angel of Death and needs to be stopped before anymore innocent animals are killed.

I am SO tempted to go to the tv stations and newspapers about this. But I'm thinking about the animals welfare.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Oh Donna, I'm sorry this is such an ordeal. I'm glad you wrote the letter, I just hope it finds it's way into the hands of those who need to see it. I find it interesting that you are the one that's banned when she is the one that is needle happy. It sounds to me like she is not only needle happy, but is "high" on the "power" she believes she has, over the animals and over you and other people there.

Please keep us updated, and it might not be a bad thing to write another letter explaining how banning you is only harming the cats, which is just further proof that she doesn't care about their well being and is only interested in her own personal motives. And if you do write another letter, don't tell anyone at the shelter to make sure it gets into the hands of those who need to see it.

[trayi52]

Oh my God, what are these poor cats going to do without you? She will get them all. Maybe you should write a story to the paper and tip off the tv networks, surely there are networks that would love to get a hold of a story like this. Send in a couple of those pictures and see if you can get something going on.

I hope they get rid of the Elaine beast. I will keep my fingers crossed. I wished they had people like you running thes shelters instead of somebody playing God.

I am so sorry for everything:( . I am also very angry:mad:. Don't understand some peoples hearts at all. :confused:

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by moosmom
I am SO tempted to go to the tv stations and newspapers about this. But I'm thinking about the animals welfare.
I think that getting the public involved would really be good for the animals' welfare. That lady needs to be fired. How sad. :(

[BastetsMum]

The first thing i would be doing is writing to PETA - those animals are treated inhumanely - and that euthanising animals that are otherwise healthy except for skin conditions is deplorable. Secondly, I am sure that the Veterinary Asociation would LOVE to know that animals are being euthanised by untrained people. Vet techs in Australia are NOT allowed to euthanise animals except in emergency situations. The drugs used can kill a human being if used incorrectly. Also if the dose is not big enough the cat may wake up. That to me is the sick part.

I would then get the newspapers and media involved - do you have a friend who can create a website for you? Do not use any defamitory statements but state your facts and get your voice out there. You certainly have my support and I am sure that there are other people out there who would support you as well.

It will certainly help the animals. It would also help you. By being banned from volunteering at a shelter that probably needs volunteers to me states that she does not know how to manage her staff let alone a shelter properly.

Please PLEASE do something to help the kitty's. Get word out and get that woman sacked!

Sorry for the long post but I needed to vent I am so angry at this.

BTW can the ASPCA investigate abuse in a shelter?

[moosmom]

Bastetsmum,

I want so bad to blow the whistle. Some of the stuff I've said here most people are not aware of.

I know for a FACT that the girl running the nursery is NOT a certified Vet Tech because she told me the only training she got was when Cathy, the certified Vet Tech quit and tried to show her what she knows in two weeks, AND...I was in the nursery when this girl actually put a small kitten down (the kitten was barely alive and could not be saved).

Mugsy suggested I go to a board meeting and bring up all this stuff.

I can't sleep right now because my mind is racing about this whole damn incident. I can't do anything to help these cats by way of volunteering, and I also can't justify sitting back and keeping my mouth shut, letting this lady kill them "just because". :( :(

[kimlovescats]

I just don't understand the hype over ringworm. My remaining two bottle babies also have ringworm, and guess what, they gave it to me too!!! BIG DEAL!!!! Even if it's left totally untreated, it goes away on its own. No, I don't have these kittens in with the rest of my cats, no need to start an itchy, hairless epidemic ... but my gosh, it's not fatal!!!! Most cats have been exposed to it at some point during their lives .... its just that most cats are immune to it as an adult ... it is more likely to affect young cats, kittens, or weakened immune system cats. Yes, they can be carriers, so how would you know? You could go to your neighbors house, and bring ringworm spores home on your shoes and clothing to your own cats, and never even know where they came from!!! So...... do we euthanize all cats????
STUPID WOMAN!!! :mad:

[BastetsMum]

Moosmom,

I know it isn't my place, but I will say what is in my heart. You NEED to blow the whistle on the Dearborn Shelter. They are acting worse than a shelter here in Australia that was selling kittens for disection. The person who blew the whistle on that little scam said she would only ever work for the RSPCA who at least have morals.

Needless to say, if you don't blow the whistle those cats and kittens still will die. They won't have anyone there who cares enough to ring to find out how they are going or to actually TREAT the minor ailments. They don't have sufficient medical staff there to deal with major problems. What happens through lack of care if cat flu or worse goes through the shelter?

I think if you don't your conscience will get you. You are a great advocate of the human race to all creatures great and small. I couldn't possibly do what you are doing. Don't let the stupid woman win. Don't let *legalised* cruelty win. Worst of all don't let apathy win.

Thats my two cents worth, sorry if I sound mean. Do whats right for yourself and those cats and kittens. I am most definately behind you even if I am in Australia.

[moosmom]

I've been up all night wrestling with my conscience. My volunteering days are over, that's for sure. I'm just afraid that my whistle blowing with shut the entire shelter down, and jeopardize the cat's lives. The shelter HAS done alot of good with the animals, via pet adoption days, fund raising, etc. But this thing with Elaine still bugs the hell out of me. I'm not sure what the policy is as far as employing uncertified staff.

I just don't know anymore :( I tried calling the President of the Board of Directors for over an hour this morning and the line was busy.

Do I "snitch" or just let it go??? :( :(

[emily_the_spoiled]

Donna,

If you voice your concerns, it is highly unlikely that the Board of Directors will not shut down the entire shelter (especially at Christmas time). I know that I have not weighed in before, but I have read all of your posts about the shelter and it breaks my heart.

Given that you are unable to help the animals from within the shelter, I think that it is time you helped them from the outside. And if that includes talking with the Chariman of the BoD, then so be it.

I wish you luck...

Cheryl

[moosmom]

I finally got through at the number I was given. It turns out it was the number to the shelter!!! :eek: I immediately hung up.

I'm going to write another letter and see what happens and try to attend the next Board meeting. There's not much more I can do.

[shais_mom]

I have sent my letter (with Flames on it :)) in today!!!
marked personal and confidential to addressee only and
on the letter itself marked 'official letter of complaint'

[moosmom]

Staci,

Thanks for the letter. I HOPE it will do some good. Elaine has tried to turn this around and make it about me, but it's not. It's about her needlessly killing cats.

Kim,

You're right, what IS the big deal about ringworm??? My kitten Marina Mar (RB, 2001) had it for 3 months! I isolated her and treated and and she was fine. What upsets me is I made it KNOWN that ANY cat suspected of having ringworm, to call me and I'd treat and foster them till they're well enough to be adopted. I guess that's not gonna happen now. :( I pray for the remaining cats at that shelter.

[emily_the_spoiled]

Maybe it is time you considered getting the press involved. Afterall Christmas is the season of sentiment... most people do not want to hear about cruel people this time of year and they may actually do something about it.

BTW, have you considered looking up the Chairman's home phone number on something like 411.com or verizon.com?

[moosmom]

Emily_the_Spoiled,

I actually looked up her name on Google and found a link that gave me her husband's name. I called information and they gave me a number. Unfortunately it was the number to the shelter.

I'll check out the other links and see what I can come up with.

The only problem with getting the press involved is I am afraid that it would be detrimental to me getting employment, or jeopardizing my job at Bed, Bath & Beyond, and would label me a "trouble maker".

[catlady1945]

Please be careful in accusing this woman. You could be inviting a law suit.

[Logan]

Donna, I admire your devotion to these cats so much and I'm saddened that yet again something unnecessary has ended the life of another one. :( Awareness is what that board of directors needs at this point......asking for her head on a platter is probably not what they need, nor will it affect the outcome of her job, but they have the power to change policies if they are made aware of the issues at hand, if they are willing. Boards like this (talking about the Board of Directors) are usually very politically motivated in my experience, which doesn't always bode well for making wise decisions and rules. I have seen those "figure heads" at work on the boards of many charitable organizations from Girl Scouts to bank boards, and unfortunately many times it is a resume enhancer or something good to "throw" out there when tooting one's own horn, with no real concern or care about what actually is going on. I hope that isn't the case with this group.

I'm just so sad that because of your stance on this issue, they have sent you packing when you were one of the few "blessings" in the lives of these cats. :(

[BastetsMum]

Maybe you just need to alert the press to what the shelter is doing. state to them clearly that you do not want to be named or implicated because of your employment. That is well within your rights to do so. That way you help the cats - the story gets told and hopefully something gets done. You just have to be clear that you do not want your name mentioned. If they do mention your name then, that is defamation.

[moosmom]

After giving it ALOT of thought and talking to Cathy (the former Vet Tech) I've decided that I've done what I could do to alert the Board. I'm finished. It is THEIR loss that I'm not there to work with ferals, and the other cats. I would love nothing more than to be able to go back to the shelter and do what I do best. But I always have believed that things happen for a reason. I absolutely will not grovel. Maybe this was my "cue" to take a break from volunteering and move on. I don't know.

Cathy pointed out to me last night that you cross Elaine and she'll cut you off at the knees. She's been in that position for a long time. And she also said that Elaine has had to make difficult decisions when it comes to the Isolation Unit where cats, kittens and dogs are VERY ill. She said that the Michigan Humane Society puts down FAR more animals than the Dearborn Animal Shelter. I'm not making excuses for this witch, believe me. But I'm just tired of it all.

I thank everyone for their love and support. It's time to concentrate on finding a full-time job, and directing my heart to my furbabies. They've put up with alot these past several months with the comings and goings of foster kitties.

Love you guys!!!

[leslie flenner]

Argh! This reminds me of a bad experience at Northeast Animal Shelter (Salem, MA) this past summer.
I went with my friend that does heavy duty rescue work (rescue, foster, vaccinates, fluids etc) to Northeast Animal Shelter, a place we hate to go to because the women running it are so mean. But the Animal Rescue League- Salem branch closed in May so we are stuck with no help... (we had made friends with the staff at ARL to the point that they'd call us if someone wasn't doing well so we could come get them, do the medication and return later- all very hush-hush-don't tell!)
Anyway, we brought 4 kittens to Northeast, one was black and the fur on the tips of his ears was thin, so Angela (Northeast staff) grabbed him and said "Looks like ringworm!" We assured her that there has been no ringworm in the house and besides, why would one kitten have it and not the siblings and mother? Well, Angela was indignant, "It looks like ringworm so we'll have to put him under the light first and then let you know". And, AMAZINGLY enough, this woman who was convinced the kitten had ringworm, hugged the kitten into her long hair going in the exam room AND coming out. So, if you think a kitten has ringworm , why would you put him in your hair? She's a control bitch.
And so to continue, Angela checked over the other 2 or 3 kittens we'd brought in, she was handling them like they were evil, diseased infested rodents which pissed me off, so me and Angela got into a verbal fight (because I called her on her ringworm call which was neg. in the black light or ultravioletlight or whatever it is) so I told her she was "looking for a problem and who makes the rules here anyway, where is the owner, what the **** is going on here?" and I walked out (cuz my friend told me I should, I was too pissed and yelling in front of "customers"), but my friend stayed to see if they'd take the babies. But apperently, Angela told her that because of me, she wouldn't take my friend Jan's kittens.
Well, we know the REAL reason. They had plenty of kittens and didn't want anymore!
We drove to a shelter in Peabody and begged and pleaded, Even though they had no room, the manager tolok the babies till the shelter had room for them.
Tonight, I found out that Northeast has been calling some of the rescue people in this area to see if they have kittens (********- ok-be picking and create new rules when it's kitten season then call us when you need kittens...what a world we live in.)
Jan has a slew of kittens right now and we've seen a few preg. females in our area (chelseal, revere, east boston, lynn- all crappy areas). What to do with this magnitude!?
Well, we'll see, Jan has found someone to bring some kittens to Northeast in her behalf (since we're banned).
But there's more in Dorchester we need to get before they freeze! There's an alzhiemer's woman (I mean for real- she yelled at us last year that we are good for nothing teens that should get jobs (we're in our early 40s.) She's feeding a bunch of cats and kittens. the only warmth they have is under a car that's unused and under a carport, there's dry leaves under there that keeps them warmish.
I hadn't been over there in a year and made the mistake of checking on her house last week while in the area (I'm never in the area again cuz i changed job locations), So I walked around to the back of the house and saw probably 20 cans of cat food open up on a wooden table. Then, I crouched to look under the car that never moves under the carport. There were 3 cats huddled together and one was an orange emaciated-eyes-glued shut with illness huddled in there. Well, this was the beginning of a long project for us. I saw no kittens until I got in my car to leave and saw a funny white and black shape curled up inside the carport, against the house and not moving, I walked up to this and so quietly crept in case it was a kitten but questioned my eyes, (it looked like a rodent of some sort), The minute I realized it was a kitten, I scruffed it, it went nuts, nearly lost him but got a good grip and put him a sweatshirt i had in the car, and then in a canvas bag. Turns out he's a siamese and even though probably 12 weeks old is socialized already (7 days). Went back the next day, Jan butterfly netted 2 orange, 6 week old males- no other siblings evident.
So with all this going on....
The shelters are so picky- they'll only take cats from their town and small towns (like mine-Ipswich), ask what street, what address, etc, because they know the names of all the pets supposedly.

[leslie flenner]

i accidently unsubscribed. I swear, this computer stuff is eventually going to conquer me or I will conquer it!

[rosethecopycat]

Donna,

I think you may know, I was born and raised in Dearborn:(

That's my hometown, although I'm now in FL, I have a friend who donates or volunteers or has ties with Dearborn. I'll ask her to read this and tell her friends.

We do what we can, and much is out of our hands.

How 'bout the save just one at a time approach. Like I do with Siamese Rescue.

We really do Rescue these babies from places just like Dearborn.