I thought this story might interest some of you. The website where you can read everything on it including court documents is www.bringhomeduganandjake.com

This website has been updated as of October 30, 2007.

IT HAS BEEN NEARLY ONE YEAR…12 MONTHS…358 DAYS and counting…that two beloved and well-cared-for senior Golden Retrievers named Dugan and Jake have been HELD HOSTAGE from their owner by a dog rescue group based in Scottsdale, Arizona known as the Arizona Golden Retriever Connection (AZGRC).

The owner, 39-year old Joanne Williams of Chandler, Arizona, has passionately, relentlessly, and exhaustingly tried every potential avenue to reclaim Dugan and Jake, ages 10 and 9 respectively, whom she has raised since puppy hood.

She mistakenly turned them over to the volunteer rescue group on December 2, 2006 yet asked for their return with 72 hours. At the time, she was suffering post-traumatic stress disorder as well as situational depression and anxiety from a pregnancy loss at six months and was under medical care.

A legal battle has waged since February with no end or trial in sight. AZGRC’s leadership remains steadfast in refusing to publicly discuss its reasons for not returning Dugan and Jake to their owner citing “legal restraints.” Public outrage and debate, as well as a recommendation from its national golden retriever rescue committee to return the dogs did not bring home Dugan and Jake.

The leaders refer to Dugan and Jake as their “property”, claiming they now “own” the dogs, since a dog is considered “property” in Arizona as in many states. They also claim that returning the dogs “would set a precedent” as well as it being “in the best interest of the dogs” to not return them to Ms. Williams.

This “legal paper shuffle” is estimated to have already amassed combined legal fees and expenses exceeding $100,000. AZGRC reports itself to be a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 volunteer organization relying upon donated monies to support its operations. It governs itself and reports to no one.

From a consumer protection standpoint, there is currently NO agency in the state of Arizona that provides oversight, regulation, control or licensing of non-profit corporations including animal rescue and animal welfare organizations. There is also NO person, organization, or agency in Arizona with which an individual can talk, file a complaint, or request assistance regarding an issue with an Arizona non-profit organization.

This allows a non-profit organization, like the Arizona Golden Retriever Connection (also dba Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue) to do what it wants without any fear of reprisals. The leaders are judgmental and authoritative, believing they have the superior knowledge on who should have a dog and who should not. They are out of control and demonstrate no concern or compassion for anyone who differs with their decisions and viewpoints.

So nearly one year later, the questions still remain…

Why won’t Arizona Golden Retriever Connection rescue return Dugan and Jake to their rightful owner, Ms. Williams, who has begged, pleaded, and is spending her life’s savings for their return to her?

Why does AZGRC want to waste the Maricopa County court time and taxpayer dollars along with donated funds to pay legal fees from the two most expensive law firms in Phoenix to stall and drag out this legal battle by filing motion after motion?

How does the AZGRC leadership justify its actions to its dues-paying members when its mission clearly states it is dedicated to finding safe, loving, and permanent homes for unwanted Golden Retrievers in Arizona?

Maybe its members and donors simply haven’t been told the story about Dugan and Jake.

An overview of Dugan & Jake’s story can be read by clicking on this link.

Brittany, Karen is right. If you have animal control in your area, they may be able to help. Even you local human society is there to provide assistance with cruelty cases. Beware that if you involve them, you will also come under investigation. Your neighbor will try to make it all your fault and your animals and property will also be scrutinized to see if the neighbor has a valid complaint. If he is doing what you say, there is no justification for his actions.

Brittnay,

My suggest to you and your mom would to be to take this to your local animal control agency. Unless this man works for them or something, they could help with getting an investigation going. All they need is you to suspect that he did it. That will spark an investigation, and he could be formally charged with killing your pets.

At one time where I lived, a very prominent Indian doctor,in our area was raising dogs to use for his families consumption. I was recruited to go investigate this myself. I did, and I dont want to talk about what I witnessed. It was horrible. I dont know if this man was ever charged. It was years ago, and back then the animal rights laws were different. Animal cruelty was a misdemeanor, not a felony in those days. Its now a felony , thank the good lord above.And thank P.E.T.A. and the A.S.P.C.A. also.

But that is my suggestion to you, and sometimes we have to involve the media on things like this. I know you dont want to do it, and your mom doesnt either, but getting it out there may stop him or at least start an investigation on this man.

Also , im so very sorry about Ebby. Im sure you loved her very much.

Hope all goes well for you and your mom

Brittany:

That sounds like an awful experience. I do not quite understand why the police do not do anything? What is this person to the town/city?

I guess I would need to know more about this person and what seems to be the problem with mobilizing your law enforcement to investigate him? Something seems off. Is it that there isn't enough proof to initiate an investigation into this figure? What is his relevance to your community?

If you have a problem with how the police are responding to your complaint there are other people you can take this to. I am not sure who or where you go, but I would imagine you could write your elected representatives, like your mayor, or even try speaking with someone further up the food chain at the Police Station—the Chief of Police? Something sounds off though, so I would start with who this person is and what seems to be the hang-up on investigating him. Try your District or States Attorney, as well.

I am not sure if that helps, but if this guy is doing what you’re saying he’s doing than someone will help you, you just haven’t spoken to the right one yet.

Looks like somebody is trying to be an instigator. There aren't fights going on here and people are discussing their opinions and ideas without being attacked for them. Sounds kinda nice doesnt it? Jones had his opinions just as we all have ours. He has made many points and chose to challenge people to bring facts to the table. Some people behaved aggressively and some chose to remain civil. Most people felt more strongly about one side or the other but remained open minded enough to try to debate. It is not our place to forgive either of the parties involved. This is their issue and should they feel the need to forgive, they can do it for themselves. We all know Marina acted rashly and Ellen let her emotions get in the way of working this out quietly. What's done is done and Iggy wont be returning to Cheryl's. If she or Ellen feel there has been an injustice, it is up to them to pursue this. We cannot hold their hands and none of the arguing, name calling, personal attacks, challenges, and nasty behavior here will change any of that. Anybody who chooses to post or not to post here, does so of their own free will. Jones is a strong individual who has made his case and probably sees no reason to continue to repeat himself. Im sure we all have something better we could be doing.

Brittany Bazemore
I know where you can get help. You need to sign up on a brand new forum and then post your story, and the people there will help you. You have to sign up before you can post there. You may get some help here, but there are some nasty people here who may pretend to be your friend, so be very careful here,

Go to:

ellensblogaholics.freeforums.org

Hopefully...but I wouldn't bet on it. They want my blood like they want Marinas.

Bye.

Here is the problem with getting opinions from other rescues. They are judging this situation first, from outside of it and with 20/20 hindsight of what happened with Marina's handling. You know what I mean? It's hard to get at what they would do when facing Marina's choices with all that was occurring. First, I will admit that Marina probably was acting on both her and Iggy's interests. And I don't mean financially. If I were Marina and I had just found out that Ellen had given away a dog that I was suppose to be included in on, I would at first be upset. But if Ellen worked with me and seemed genuinely understanding of my position I probably would be able to keep my wits about it. But it doesn't really sound like Ellen did that. She didn't try cooperating with Marina when things were still in the position of being salvageable. Even after her initial outcry on air, she came back the next day and said, "This is ridiculous, the dog needs to go back to the family." I mean its sort of a slap in the face first by not following the contract, but than it got furthered along by being dismissive. I think Marina acted like a person who had been overlooked and dismissed, so she decided to fix it herself. I mean my biggest problem with Ellen is why didn't she just comply with Marina once she realized her err. Marina, like anybody, needs her autonomy in what she does, just as Ellen would expect and demand in her own world. That notion has been overlooked because Marina was failing to keep her responsibility with the dog, but she can't do that with out respecting herself first.

I dont begrudge her the opportunity to tell her side of the story. I did not see the interview on Inside edition (I think thats what I was told) Im sure she was overwhelmed in the beginning and thats why she basically hid. Wouldnt you if someone threatened your life? I know that as a rescuer I would have been floored to face such a powerful person and see my whole carreer flash before my eyes. I have emailed maybe 4 or so rescues at this point to ask how they would handle the same situation and have gotten one response already. So far it is 100% in favor of allowing the transfer of the dog to a person of the adopters choice provided they are a good home. You may ask who decides what a good home is. Obviously the rescue does but I dont see them purposely saying a home isnt fit just to get the dog back for more money. It isnt about that like some people think it is. Granted, some people are in it for the money and thats a shame. They are the ones with a revolving door and move the animals in and out quickly without making sure they are properly vetted first. Some people would argue that is what Marina did. We know she made at least one mistake but we dont know that she has a history of that so we cant judge based on one incident.

Behold, Ace and any other AKA's , I am not intimidated by who you are or your opinions. I am her to discuss them as you are so I know we can debate civilly. I understand your point about Marina being an underdog, but I guess Im wondering why she has decided to go on television now, after everything has died down. Of couse she has lost her business and her credibility as a rescuer. Unfortunately she is partially responsible for that. I am not an Ellen supporter, I dont even watch her show, so please dont assume I am taking sides. I am merely trying to understand why each party chose the route they took. Marina had pleanty if time to go on the news programs in the beginning. You cant expect me to believe she wasnt swamped with offers for an interview. So why didnt she and why now? Its just reopening old wounds and I dont think its necessary at this point. Do you?