I decided to get a dog at a local shelter and I have to admit there are a lot of rules. I went three times just to walk around and visit with the animals and one of the interesting things is not just the restrictions with young children but also with other species of animals such as cats. You were allowed to adopt a small dog that they knew needed a lot of care. My question to them would be why allow the adoption of such a
hyperactive dog where there are already cats in the home? Maybe they were a little star struck when they gave you the dog and now it is gone back to bite them. In the end I have decided to get an English Lab Pup from a reputable breeder as that is what I truly want. Best wishes to you Ellen and keep on saving our fine furry friends.

Hey Ellen
I just saw a piece on Tv last night, I think, about a man starting a web page that counts down how many days a dog in a shelter has until it is "Peacefully put to sleep"! Maybe the Mutt place should check out!

Dear Ellen:
I saw the segment concerning Iggy and think the threat was over the top though you are not the only one who has their shelter pet removed from their home and family in such a rough way.
I thought I'd share our own sad experience with a shelter dog, Kiley. Kiley was a beautiful English setter, about two years old who had been abused. After signing our adoption contract, similar to the one you signed, the shelter staff told us she was a digger. We enclosed our yard with a six foot fence which we sank one foot into the ground as a deterent to digging. We brought her home, showed her the yard to acclimate her and low and behold, she was not a digger but a jumper. She cleared the fence magnificently, went for a little trip and returned home in about fifteen minutes. A neighbor reported us to the shelter from who we received a stern warning. They recommended putting up a run which we did only to find that she risked choking herself by jumping the fence only to hang herself. Of course we rescued her and removed the run. Over the next few days, we only had her for a week, we tried to break her of jumping. As in all dog training it would take awhile, with slow, steady day-to day work. Our children were aged five, three and two and so were too small to walk her yet by themselves letting her out ot go to the bathromm when they thought she needed to go. Of course this led to more adventures, each time we searched for her, each time she returned within fifteen minutes. On the last day we had her, the same neighbir reported that she had been "allowed" to run free numerous times to the shelter. On this last occassion, the shelter took her from us as my children and I begged them not to. we were already in love with her. We explained that given her history of abuse it might take awhile of steady, gentle training to rein in her need to flee. The shelter refused us and made us leave their premises because the children crying was disturbing other possible adoptive families.
You have our total symphathy and I wish you and Iggy and her new family all the best in resolving this matter in a positive way for all of you. As you can see we have walked in your sad shoes ourselves.
With understanding,
Susie Howard

Hey Ellen, what's up with some people in this world today...don't they have a heart ! Maybe you should invite them to the show and let them explain their actions to your fans and least of all to the whole world...c'mon !! Keep being cool and I'm supporting you 100%.

Hi Ellen,
Im in Australia and i just saw you talking about Iggy. Its such a terrible story. I cant believe they took him away from a great family. I thought the whole purpose of animal shelters was to make sure they end up in loving homes.
Seems awfully ironic they took Iggy away from a family who love him.
I hope they can get him back. He looks like such a cute dog.
It was sad seeing you so upset, but at the same time it was good seeing you so passionate about this.
Hope it all works out for the better
Cheers, Gaby

Ellen,

When your show came on yesterday and you starting talking, I knew right away that something was wrong, something serious. I was in the kitchen getting my snack so I could watch but instead dropped what I was doing and ran into the living room to hear what was going on. As you starting telling your story and the tears were coming down your face, the only thing that I wanted to do was jump into the TV and give you a great big hug, as you would want to do if some stranger was on the TV telling the same story. I think that this is absolutely wrong. What were they thinking doing this to two children that have no idea what " small print" even means. I think that the people that have done this did it completely wrong, and further more never should have done it to begin with. It breaks my heart to see you have to deal with such a thing. I just want you to know that when you laugh, I laugh and when you cry, I cry.........that's the affect you have on so many people. I sincerely hope that they do the right thing and give that puppy back to those kids. I am behind you 100% of the way and my thoughts and prayers are with all. I have two small children myself and I know that if this happened to them, I wouldn't stop until they got that puppy back.

Monique Yorgensen
Vernon, CT.

hey el, can you find out if the woman that took iggy away from the girls has any kids , then you can take one of them away and see how she likes it.
i believe because you didn't know you and the family and this deranged woman can work something out... love ya girlfriend, so glad you are back.

Ellen, it sounds like that woman you adopted Iggy from has her own agenda and jumped at the chance to stand on her soap box. I am so sorry but as you know, millions of dogs are killed each year because no one adopts them. Find another dog. Iggy will okay because he is high profile now. You saved him even if that bitc- took him away. Anyone who doesn't adopt to children, and these girls are not babies, must view pets a ojects instead companions anyway. Iggy will be okay...pick another dog. Get your money back!!! We love you...Suzanna, mom of 5 kids and five stray dogs

Hi, Ellen!! I am so sorry!!!! So many animals don't have homes but you sure made sure this little puppy has a home!!!!!! I have never done this before, that is taking the time to respond!!!!

Sincerely, Joellen

Ellen, It upset me so bad when I saw you crying. I started crying to befor I even knew the reason. I love you so much. You are my insperation to get out of bed each day. I have Fibromalsia, and suffer from depression because of the constant pain that I'm in. The first time I watched your show, you came out and did that crazy call..I busted out laughing so hard. My husband was in shock that I responded that way. Now, I try to never miss your show. You make me happy, and smile alot. I'm sorry about your puppy. You would think they would be happy that he has a good loving home. You are a wonderful, loving person that is not afraid to show your feelings, and I love you for it. it just hurt me to see my girl cry! I love you, and you keep smiling.
Donna