Ellen Degeneres & Pet Adoption*Update post #16*

[critter crazy]

Agency Wants to Keep DeGeneres' Dog
By BETH HARRIS
Associated Press Writer
LOS ANGELES


Ellen DeGeneres' doggy drama intensified Tuesday when the agency that took the talk show host's adopted dog back said they were keeping it.

The dog adopted by DeGeneres and later given to her hairstylist's family in violation of an animal rescue agency's rules will not be going back to the family, a spokesman said, amid threats of violence against the agency.

DeGeneres made a tearful plea on her talk show that aired Tuesday for the owners of Mutts and Moms to give Iggy, a Brussels Griffon mix terrier, back to her hairstylist's family.

The dog was removed from the hairstylist's home Sunday. The owners of Mutts and Moms claimed that DeGeneres violated the adoption agreement by not informing them that she was giving the dog away.

Mutts and Moms owners Marina Batkis and Vanessa Chekroun were in possession of the dog and will not be giving it back, attorney Keith A. Fink told The Associated Press.

"She (Marina) is not going to give them the dog," said Fink, who is not legally representing the owners but is authorized to speak on their behalf.

"She doesn't think this is the type of family that should have the dog. She is adamant that she is not going to be bullied around by the Ellen DeGenereses of the world ... They are using their power, position and wealth to try to get what it is they want."

DeGeneres' attorney, Kevin Yorn, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Fink said DeGeneres' partner, actress Portia de Rossi, signed the agreement. DeGeneres originally said on her show that she (DeGeneres) had signed it.

DeGeneres' publicist Kelly Bush confirmed De Rossi signed the agreement, although DeGeneres' name also was listed.

"She (Ellen) was wrong by not reading the agreement," Bush told the AP in a phone interview. "She thought she was doing a good thing. She's notorious for rescuing animals and finding them good homes. She found the dog a wonderful, wonderful home."

Fink asserted that DeGeneres and De Rossi breached the agreement.

"If you adopt a dog and you no longer want the dog, you can't unilaterally decide who you want to give the dog to," he said. "She's trying to tell a story to make herself look good."

As a result of the ensuing publicity, Fink said Batkis and Chekroun had received voice- and e-mail threats of death and arson, and their Paws Boutique store in Pasadena was besieged by media Tuesday, disrupting business. The women handle the volunteer, nonprofit Mutts and Moms rescue agency out of the store.

"It's very upsetting to hear that someone is getting those kind of calls," Bush said. "Ellen just wants the dog reunited with the family."

DeGeneres had said her hairdresser's daughters, ages 11 and 12, had bonded with Iggy and were heartbroken when the dog was taken away.

Fink said Moms and Mutts has a rule that families with children under 14 are not allowed to adopt small dogs.

"It's for the protection of the dog," he said.

DeGeneres said on her Tuesday show that she spent $3,000 having the dog neutered and trained to be with her cats, but Iggy did not mix well with the cats so she gave him away.

"She got rid of the dog not because it didn't get along with the cats," Fink said. "She didn't like the dog."

Not true, according to Bush.

"She loved the dog," the publicist said.

Four-month-old Iggy was trained by Zack Grey at his UrbanTales pet store in Los Angeles.

"Ellen and Portia followed the process every single day," he said. "It just didn't work. It had nothing to do with not loving the puppy."

[Ginger's Mom]

Oh, , I am sorry to hear some of the comments made by the rescue's attorney. They may have been better off to have said nothing. It makes it sound like they are more concerned with appearing to be "bullied by the Ellen Degenereses of the world." Most rescues say age 12, and even with an age of 14, these children are not too much younger and may have proven that they are responsible enough to co-exist with at small dog. And any comments by her as to why Ellen got rid of the dog are inappropriate.

I hope the dog finds a nice quiet home where the media cannot find him and he can be loved and spoiled.

[smokey the elder]

My group has the same clause in the adoption agreement, and legally it actually has very little teeth (at least in New York.) A repossession done before my time required the use of a lawyer and several thousand dollars. They were NOT able to just barge in and take the cat. Maybe the rules are different in California.

[loveallfurryfriends]

I understand the reason for the rules. I do think that this family should be given the opportunity to adopt this poor pup. Ellen was honest about the whereabouts of the dog, and that should count for something. It seems like the rescue could have given the stylists' family the chance to apply for adoption. Those poor kids!!! I am sure the doggy is so confused!!!

[moosmom]

Loving family vs. cage at rescue organization.

Something is definitely wrong with this picture. It's sad that it's resorted to this. Shame on Mutts and Moms for not considering what is in the best interest of the dog.

[Freedom]

In some earlier posts in this thread, people mention the dog went to a shelter, but I am not sure of that? I think maybe this rescue, like many and like the rescue I am with, uses foster homes. Just not sure.

I think the rescue was right in enforcing their rules. Let the hairdresser's family submit an application, go through the background checks and adopt the dog properly IF they qualify.

I REALLY dislike the fact that Ellen is using her TV program to lobby for breaking the rules and letting the family KEEP the og without the proper background checks.

Poor doggie.

[Craftlady]

Ellen just mentioned on today's show (Wed) that her name wasnt on the microchip(she was told it would be added). They scanned and didnt show her name thus she cant have the animal back. She was telling the audience to make sure when your pet is microchiped to that you (owners) names on the list.

The story gets more interesting.

[CathyBogart]

How do ANY of us know the rescue is not looking out for Iggy's best interest? Frankly, if I had been receiving threatening phone calls regarding an animal in my care I would be reluctant to place it back with the people who brought it to the attention of the folks making the threats.

Personally, while it was her right, I think Ellen would have been better off not to mention the name of the rescue. Maybe she didn't realize how vehemently people would react, but this is definitely the sort of thing that would sour someone's attitude towards a prospective adopting family.

How does one spend $3,000 training a four month old puppy anyways?

[CathyBogart]

I saw this on Dogster and it made me go

"She got Iggy on September the 20th. She says on her show that the hairdresser had it for two weeks. That is two new homes in less than 1 month."

So if she only had the dog two weeks, what $3,000 training did she have done? and how is a 4 month old puppy supposed to learn how to get along with cats in under 2 weeks?!

[Ginger's Mom]

I think many of the people on this thread have said the same thing, that the rescue group was just looking out for the best interests of the pup. I just feel that the attorney who is speaking for the rescue has said some unfortunate things. I, and others, were defending their actions. As to how long Ellen had the puppy, how much she paid to "train" it, and whether she was reasonable in her expectations or not, it really doesn't matter. What matters now is, is this rescue making decisions based on the best interests of this dog, or are they just digging in their heels and saying they won't place the dog there because they won't be told what to do by Ellen Degeneres? My hope and assumption, is that Iggy is with whatever foster home had him before so that he is not expected to learn yet another person's rules and habits. But at this point, any decisions as to where this dog should be placed should be made by a third party, looking at all of the options, including placing him back with the hairdresser, not by someone who is emotionally involved.

[lizbud]

Ellen just mentioned on today's show (Wed) that her name wasnt on the microchip(she was told it would be added). They scanned and didnt show her name thus she cant have the animal back. She was telling the audience to make sure when your pet is microchiped to that you (owners) names on the list.

The story gets more interesting.

I didn't get to see today's show because it was preempted by GWB's
BS news conference. Missed the entire first half of the show.

Did she comment any more about the rescue group or the dog itself?

I do think the group was wrong to say they only wanted to do a house
visit when their real reason was to take the dog back because they are
po'd with Ellen.

[zippy-kat]

I have to add my 2 cents into the mix...

My first question was, if the family still wants the dog, why can't they fill out an application for him? Apparently, that was answered by the "no kids under 14" law. Still, I'd apply... what could it hurt?

I commend Ellen on her previous rescues and for trying to rehome this fellow. That said, the excitement of a puppy shouldn't interfere with reading the adoption agreement IN ITS ENTIRETY! And, my goodness, expecting a puppy to change in such a short amount of time?! There had to be more to the story than just a training issue.... maybe Iggy was cat aggressive?

I don't fault the shelter for taking the dog back and/or not allowing an exception; afterall, if they made an exception in this case, they'd have to allow one for all who apply. That said, I think I'd be hiring a new lawyer and/or PR person.... *cringe*

In all of this, I feel most sorry for Iggy.

[sweetpatata6]

Here is a page with a Video in the middle of her on the show talking about it

[JenBKR]

I feel bad for the dog and the kids. It sounds like the family really bonded with the dog.

And, my goodness, expecting a puppy to change in such a short amount of time?! There had to be more to the story than just a training issue.... maybe Iggy was cat aggressive?

I heard on the radio that Ellen's cat was being very aggressive towards the dog, and kept attacking him. Don't know if that's true or not, but that was what I heard. I honestly do understand that sometimes when you adopt a pet it is not a good match for the family for whatever reason. I hope that Iggy can find a happy home after all of this - actually, with all of the publicity that he's getting, I imagine there will be people lining up to adopt him.

[Pam]

my goodness, expecting a puppy to change in such a short amount of time?! There had to be more to the story than just a training issue....

I don't fault the shelter for taking the dog back and/or not allowing an exception; afterall, if they made an exception in this case, they'd have to allow one for all who apply.

In all of this, I feel most sorry for Iggy.

Absolutely agree 100%. Ellen did not read the contract. I'm sure she'll be more careful the next time she has a contract placed in front of her. I applaud the rescue group for not backing down. I think we are all sick of seeing celebrities getting special treatment. Personally, I couldn't help but think that Ellen deserved an Emmy for her performance. Don't get me wrong. I occasionally watch her show and think she is very funny. I just smell something fishy with this whole thing. To melt down in front of millions of people over something like this just doesn't add up. I am sure Iggy will have no trouble finding a new home. The publicity has been good for him too. People will probably be lined up for a chance to adopt him. Let's hope the next family reads the contract.