I know that if WAG could they would. When the crisis first hit and every shelter was overrun and full WAG stepped up and took on dogs to assist. I know that if they had the funding for the space they would absolutely expand. I think at one point they contemplated taking over the bark house property? I support WAG over OPHS and feel that WAG should be the one to hold the county contract. Not OPHS. They train their staff and their board knows what they are doing.
Fox-Bell also offered to take it over, obviously that didn't work out. They're supposed to be starting a small humane society on their property, it would certainly help but wouldn't cover the capacity needed. They are helping the animals though, doing regular spay/neuter clinics, etc. I think they would be a good fit to run it, too.
Why do you say that didn't work out. They are operational and could be doing so much more if people would donate to them instead of even thinking about OPHS..
Fox Bell initially offered to take over Bark House itself (on Old Olympic), that's what I'm saying didn't work out. I did mention their own humane society in my previous comment and from what I've seen they're doing a lot to help the animals.
I didn't know about bark house but from what i’ve heard about the condition of it i’d say it's a good thing they didn’t take it over. Yes they have been doing a great job with the little donations they have received. I really wish more people would donate to them and not even contemplate donating to OPHS. I wish there was some way to get more people on board with having their donations go to Fox-Bell Humane Society. I’m excited for them to get everything together but it takes a village and more support from the community. Best thing I loved about the Vaughns is that they jumped right in , along with the others, to make a terrible situation easier for the poor dogs and other animals….and started with their own funds to get the ball rolling. I know that when they initially started it, they had already gone to the county and talk to them and let them know what they were doing and had a really pretty good discussion with them. I don't know. I hope that the county will back them and give them the contract but again we need help from the community to pitch in so many people are still giving money to the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society. It's crazy. I don't understand why either. Thank you hon for your response. I truly appreciate it.
WAG is ltd. by law how many they can take in and they stretch that number under supervision. They have the reputation they have because they do limit the numbers.
Center Valley Animal Rescue in Chimacum takes in vast quantities of neglected/abandoned animals of almost every species but they too have limits.
They have taken in as many as 200+- creatures At Once ...more than a few times, from hoarding situations.
It is a private organization and I don't know about the working environment but to say even if everything goes well these environments are EXTREMELY stressful on EVERY ONE AND EVERY CREATURE involved.
They are basically a 24/7 on call Emergency/Trauma Center.
I don't have the answers. We have 2 rescue dogs...that's what we can sort of keep up with at our age. I wish I had the life our dogs do!
We are failing as a civilization...corruption is rampant because there is no system of ACCOUNTABILITY at ANY level. We see how hard 'the system' is fighting Trump's attempt to correct just the financial corruption and grift/graft.
We have a neighbor who nearly killed a guy with a machete and a pipe over a $500 pickup truck and he and a buddy head-oned a car and severely maimed the occupants and he walks the streets every day...convicted felon, many years in jail and still a destructive force walking free.
I repeat...we are a failing society...there are a lot of good things going on but the bad things are virtually unchecked.
Until and unless we have true transparency and accountability (with consequences) we are sliding into hell. Blessings to all.🥸
You're not alone...we are all living in an age/time of alienation, polarization, frustration and ptsd in one form or another.
How to be kind yet firm with all those who think more control and more gov't handouts and debt and bureaucratic insanity is going to help?
Maybe we will watch it collapse and maybe we won't survive it but change is inevitable and so far every (un)civilization has either been blown away or melted away...and the beat goes on!
Is it just us...or is the whole Universe this strange?
No we are living during a time of great upheaval. Our planet and all those in our solar system are changing. It has happened many times in the past and the effect it has on all living things is being felt physically and mentally. Guard your heart above all else.
Thanks for this report. We have been constantly asked by OPHS to donate, we used to but then things started to get unexplainable so we imformed OPHS that we have withdrawn our support until they can demonstrate good management and care. This report reinforces our decision to not fund them.
I recently read a statement by the OPHS Board, stating that they’ve decided against financial transparency in the future. As far as I know, no explanation was ever provided about what happened to the…$400K I think it was…that they got not long before the shutdown. Apparently they decided that’s okay and they’d continue the policy of non-transparency. I certainly wouldn’t give them any money.
OPHS has had a long culture of sub-standard practices. I went to the "old building" on a few occasions --greeted by a cloud of cigarette smoke, and ignored by the "workers" who had no desire to actually work. Dirty and crowded cages were the norm. The new facility -- which should have been maintained, wasn't. It was BRAND NEW, yet always filthy, and smelly. Once Covid gave them an excuse to never allow anyone inside, I have no doubt it became worse. (And pictures that I have seen, confirm that.)
I have looked at all the 990N's on file, and asked many questions -- and the answers were all gaslight. I have long asked for the books to be opened to the public, and the meeting minutes. After all, it IS a non-profit (owned by no one, and supported by the people). The FACT that they have received public funds (our taxes) makes it rather suspicious that they refuse to open the books and claim they don't have to. However, honest charitable nonprofits know that financial transparency will help preserve the important trust community members and donors place in a nonprofit. Additionally, conduct that is accountable and transparent earns employees' trust and creates a positive workplace culture.
Various (past and present) board members have said they have no obligation to open their books to the public. But they have ALSO said that past 990Ns contain "errors" (which have not been corrected with a subsequent tax return). Just the massive increase in salary of the past executive director had a lot of muddied answers as to why. Many of the categories on the 990N are questionable -- and the answers I received when asked to clarify were very unclear. This lead me to surmise that this nonprofit engaged in misfeasance/malfeasance/nonfeasance.
If they really wanted the trust of the community they would have opened their books, their meeting minutes and give us some ability to understand where this large mess came from. They didn't. Instead they made a lot of happy talk, a flurry of activity, and engaged in gaslighting.
It's akin to your spouse having a long term affair, and then avoided any discussions, at all. "Just get over it."
It is abusive behavior to the community and the loyal donors. You deserve MORE. WE all deserve more.
I believe the necessity to reform the reporting process of all nonprofits, and NGO‘s is desperately needed. As far as I’m concerned if an organization doesn’t want to open up their books it’s because they have something to hide behind the guise of “doing good”.
Absolutely. And, we can all report questionable practices of nonprofits to the IRS. The more people who file complaints, the more likely it will be investigated.
We MUST USE use the ways we have to keep these non-profits in line --- if we don't use the tools we've been given, the government finds ways to neuter them.
I do not understand why the former head, manger, Not sure of official title of this lady. Received a substancial pay raise, bonus. Then seemly suddenly retired , very shortly after receiving same. Seems inadquate management has been rampant for years. This is obviously why the OPHS is in such trouble. Completely rid of this system fo incompetance. Cut off the head of hydra. Start anew. Lay off ,Re-vet all current staff. Start anew. Write a simple rule plan for all. I>E all kennels are to be cleaned on the hour. Feeding should be on an age schedule. Puppies every 3 hours, Older dogs twice a day. ETC> Get folks on board that are not argumentable, who listen, can have quiet, logical discussion, who are not self important, know it all , know nothing types, compassionate, kind, ethical, . Not the non-franchised with a trunk load of anger in them. The object is humane, animal , welfare. Fiscal responsibility, and to listen and learn.
Bugs Bunny got mad he saw a sign that said rabbit pelt 5 dollars and decided to do all these things and fill the Grand Canyon to intentionally drive up the cost of his own pelt
Not surprised! When I adopted my dog from there, I got the vibe that half the staff we came into contact with, were under the influence of substances. They lost our paperwork and tried to charge us double then what we were quoted. We fostered to adopt. And I truly believe if we would not have made contact at the end of our foster time, they would have never contacted us. Unless there is transparency, written policies and procedures, adequate training and oversight, I would not get an animal from there ever again
Well stated, Sheila. When we fostered or adopted retired racing Greyhounds, the protocols, paperwork and costs were very exacting, including an initial home visit to ensure a safe, and secure environment. which may end with a denial of fostering or adoption. The process was very similar to adopting a human child, and possibly more stringent in some cases. I had the same feeling when I last donated food to OPHS, with the person receiving not even knowing to whom, or where it would go. I do not blame the individual, that responsibility lies with so-called training by management, who are paid. Well intentioned people who adopt, are sometimes pressured emotionally, by a child, or holiday gift mentality, not planning for their new family member in-advance. or considering long-tern care, or loss of employment, etc. Most pets, if responsibly care-for will live to 10+ years of age. Animals in kennels or crates develop anxieties, and are under costant stress from the stress "going down the leash" and cross-kennel/crate neighbors They require attention, other than turn-out and feeding to assimilate into a potential family and "forever home" as it's referred to. That is a commitment often taken lightly, or non-existent, with the pet being sold, gifted, or surrendered to a shelter when things do not work out with the adopter(s) and the cycle continues. The plandemic era was a prime example of short-term, knee jerk adoptions and very disturbing to my wife and I, et al. to witness the outcomes thereof. I am pleased to hear that your pet was received by a cognizant, caring person, kudos to you and Thank you for contributing to a more civil world.
There is also no REAL dog training and rehab so most of the dogs we saw when we went to OPHS to look for dogs were so violent they couldn't even be walked and the 2 we walked were so wild we were overwhelmed by their drive and power and had to take a pass.
We were also not able to adopt from WAG but we got 2 beautifully imperfect dogs from a lady on Whidbey Island who has helped rescue over 6000 dogs from Puerto Rico over 30+ years.
The numbers of animals in need seems to be about the same as the number of humans in need...distressing to say the least.
Bless all those who do SOMETHING, anything , to help!🙂
Jeff, this post from Hope on your FB page, refers to Kitsap County & a model program they have developed for their Humane Society. Perhaps closing our facility down and seeking some help from a model program would be a viable solution. What do you think? Can the Charter Review Commission have any say in this? Thanks for all you do.
" I think your thoughts are well place and heart centered for sure though those who love animals may think twice about perpetuating the current problems by helping. And perhaps this long slow burn of dysfunction and harm could best be served by the current OPHS being shut down with their funds put into escrow. Then a professional shelter group such as from Kitsap be organized to create a published plan (for the community to see) to be implemented for a truly professionally run OPHS with a separate oversight group to help prevent the problems the animals have/are experiencing now. Just my thoughts.
Great question, Renee. The Charter Review is considering a resolution that would mandate non-profit organizations contracting with Clallam County (like OPHS) to "open their books" for review to ensure fiscal transparency and accountability for taxpayer dollars being used.
That should be minimal. We watched the commissioners had out the money as fast as fast as they could to OPHS without any research or oversight. In fact, if you listened to that meeting now it would make you sick
It's only money and time...lots of money and some kind of time but I agree we just need to shut it down and start from scratch...can't fix a broken pot (very well).
THE DOGERATOR! We love you, Jeff! And we love each other or we wouldn't bother with all this craziness! We be doin' our best!
Numbers! Numbers! Numbers! That's our power...but it's getting to be a full-time job just responding and submitting comments to CCWD and the corrupt unaccountable agencies. I guess the building consciousness part has to happen before the boots hit the ground. I hope we are ruthless enough because these NPC's aren't likely to go away. Non-Player-Character...a non-sovereign character controlled by someone or something else. They are hypnotized (maybe all of us) and can't 'help themselves'.
Most of the Young Global Leaders created by the W.E.F. are under mind-control.
Think of Justin (Castro) Trudeau, Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron, Gavin Newsom and many others...Look up 'alumni of young global leaders'. These beings are not there by happenstance! They are a mind-controlled asset of the globalist regime and there is no good to come of it.😁
One of the things that makes parvovirus so dangerous is that it is extremely contagious. An infected dog begins shedding the virus in its feces days before they show any signs of sickness. Recovering dogs can shed the virus up to 10 days after signs disappear. That means puppies could be exposed to a dog that’s not currently showing any signs of sickness, and you’d have no way of knowing.
It spreads when your puppies come in direct contact with an infected dog or with contaminated feces. Even sniffing contaminated feces could expose your puppies. Indirect contact is also a concern. Parvovirus can live on surfaces like kennels, leashes, clothing, and bowls. It can even spread from clothing or hands of humans who have been around an infected dog or the hair or feet of dogs that have been in contaminated areas.
Parvovirus is also hard to destroy. It is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying. That means it can live in the environment for a long time. Indoors, the virus can live for a month or more. Outdoors, it can live even longer – even up to a year in the right conditions.
From the film of the kennels and surrounding area, it looks like a parvo mine field.
I watched a series, can't t remember on which streaming platform, about a dog trainer who takes rescues an/or dogs with behavior issues. He then trains them and finds them homes. There was one episode where a lady was running a rescue shelter to save dogs. The problem was she was running it alone. No help and a minimal donation income. It got to a point where she was overwhelmed with dogs. She didn't have enough funds to buy food for them nor provide adequate shelter. She was putting dogs with severe behavior issues with dogs that had none. She knew she was way in over her head. It was killing her to have these dogs in this type of an environment but actually thought she was both saving and helping the dogs from an even worse fate. She didn't know what to do at this point because there was no where else she could take the dogs. You could tell she was extremely devastated from her circumstances and didn't know what to do. So this training guy came in an assessed some of her dogs and was able to take a few of them to retrain and find families for. She was crying so hard that he stepped in to help her and couldn't thank him enough. The rest of the story revolved around his training the dogs he took in. What happened to her and the other dogs I don't know. I just can't understand how the OPHS was able to function for such a period of time under the radar. It's sickening to even believe that employee's/volunteers would both work under and allow these conditions to have occurred. There should be arrests and prosecutions of everyone involved. I never knew where the actual reason was for them closing their doors but this is an extremely sad story and I hope that every individual involved is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. As far as WAG is concerned, you'll never find a more loving caring dog shelter. I've volunteered with them a few times. There is not a more loving care provider than Mel. If you want to provide help and love to dogs in need, there is no greater institution than WAG. They go far and beyond the love and care for each and every dog they have, if there is such a thing. They work with all their dogs and their trainers work extremely hard to retrain dogs with behavior issues and then try desperately to find a loving homes for every one. When they reach their limit, which is sadly often the case, they will NOT take in extra dogs regardless of the circumstances than they can handle. If you're both a nature and dog lover as I am, then please consider making a donation to them. Both WAG and I would greatly appreciate it, but even more grateful will be all the dogs who desperately need your help.
Instead of hiring junkies, it seems to me that 2-3 full time diligent employees and a veterinarian could handle the workload, not a handful of drugged out addicts off the streets.
I'm going to be the bad guy here. It is impossible to run any dog/cat shelter without talking about a no kill policy. ALL shelters are overloaded and bursting at their seams. Is it humane to save all animals in inhumane conditions? Just watch the video of the poor dog shivering in misery. No shelter is immune to this question.
Jennifer you are not the bad guy. Its a valid point. All my dogs have been rescue dogs. My previous veterinarian went broke running a rescue operation under a "no kill" policy. (Sunny Skies Animal Rescue in Puyallup) I don't know all the ins and outs of her business failure but I would hazard a guess that it was just too much. Dr. Burton the owner was huge hearted and had many volunteers and lots of community support. What I witnessed was many animals that were never socialized and without Herculean effort would probably never be a good pet. I also saw animals that were elderly and with little chance for adoption. I wonder if Sunny Skies would have made it if Dr. Burton would've euthanized the animals with a history of aggression or that were elderly. In that case Puyallup would still have a functioning rescue operator and not have lost a really good veterinarian.
No animal lover likes euthanasia. Like any subject there is a fringe element that believes in extremes. I’m very matter of fact that we are supposed to be taking care of our animals especially as they age out. I remember years ago telling my veterinarian that my terminally ill dog seemed to still be happy. She would wag her tail and smile at me. He explained that my dog was hard wired to make ME happy. That with great effort she was completing her job to give ME happiness. That the next few weeks were going to be miserable for her but she would do everything to please me. I tearfully put her to sleep immediately to end her suffering. From that conversation forward I vowed to never let my dogs ever live past their ability to be able to “dog stuff”. I know it sounds cruel but if they can’t get up on their own or control their functions I feel it’s cruel to let them suffer because it hurts us so much to say goodbye. Now I’m the bad one to some folks but I’m sure my Vet would agree. I’m writing this as my black Pit/Lab is giving me the eye… Wonder if she can read my thoughts…
Lawrence that made me cry, it made me remember the dogs in my life and remembering their names...always wanting them to outlive me. I don't think there will be a reader on this substack that hasn't felt the unconditional love of a dog.
As a nurse, I have seen suffering. It is painful to watch.
You are not the bad guy here. You are just asking a question no one of us wants to posit.
We do live in a finite world with finite resources ( of water and chemical-free arable land)
2/3's of Earth's land surface is in fact desert...look at Google Earth (if it's real).
There is A LOT of space but not so much livable space so I don't personally know how many of us and animals can sustainably occupy the planet but something IS going to give!
We put our old girl Shanti down when she was in a lot of pain and losing mobility...she had a last walk in the woods and then when she was leaving her body the last thing she did was big tail wags which she had not been able to do for over a year due to severe back-end pain. Enough said!☺️
WAG is a no-kill rescue. That is why they don’t take in more dogs, when they are out of rooms. One major problem here in this county ( and I’m sure many other places) is people not getting their dogs and cats spayed and/or neutered. No cost/low cost clinics are being organized by a few vets from the area, and they fill up very quickly.
Clallam County needs to have laws that are enforced for people who do “backyard breeding”! Never should dogs or cats be sold out of a back end of a truck or car! Edmonds just passed a law making it illegal to do so.
Also there is a large portion of the population here that doesn’t believe in spaying or neutering their animals. And if people would keep their animals contained, and not just say “they keep escaping “. That’s a bullshit excuse, just fix the problem! Or otherwise spay or neuter your pet.
If the over breeding problem is fixed, no-kill shelters are possible.
Becky, I totally agree with you on all you say and propose. WAG from what I read IS a true humane shelter.
My point, where do the animals go that are turned away? There are just too many animals for the very reasons you pointed out. There is just no way to pay, care, clean, love and all the other things that animals deserves without further torment as long as people are irresponsible pet owners. I'm sorry, but I don't see people changing.
What a travesty. I have been a major financial supporter of OPHS in the past. I have not been providing that support since they closed the Bark House and not feeling confidence in it reopening safely for the animals. I am horrified after reading this latest account of conditions. It needs someone with the authority to shut it down to be brave enough to do so. The County Commission has forfeited its oversight and responsibility and should not provide further funding. Shut it down!!!. The dogs there now should be "rescued" from OPHS by more responsible shelters.
I know first hand many of the statements in this article are true. There is only one way to fix this problem and make sure it won't happen again. Start fresh.... All new board members and employees. A new broom sweeps clean and this is the very least we can do to protect and provide proper care for the unfortunate animals in our area... IMO.
You cannot fix things in the dark. Without a full audit of all books -- meeting minutes, memos, etc -- and some claw back of monies paid that were not proper, there is no "clean start". Just a bunch of "NEW" board members, and a new director is not the fix. It's been done, already. The past executive director left, the past board members have all been swapped out, the new board president (also acting as the executive director) puts out happy talk constantly, but, still refuses to give the people a clear view and examination of where they went wrong.
I suspect the culture is bad.
Get rid of this nonprofit, close it down. Let a NEW nonprofit start up and use the same space. More than a new board -- burn down the old culture, and build new.
There is something malevolent with this old-time, long-standing non-profit, and there is something/someone/somewhere that keeps this rotten culture secretive.
I totally agree. They can’t keep running from the past without explaining what happened. I they keep saying that ,they don’t want to look back, only look to the future”. In my opinion, they don’t deserve any donations until they do explain with documentation of what happened.
Jeff, this is so disheartening. The degree of dysfunction you describe leaves me suspect about ever supporting this entity again. However, no resolution can take place without exposure. This organization appears to be a complete sh-- show and needs to be dismantled from the top down. If that could be accomplished, how do we as a citizens' group, develop a comprehensive plan and protocol for a well functioning Humane Society that rebuilds public trust? The vision is to implement a transparent, sustainable Humane Society that works for the animals at risk and for our community. There is no doubt a humane society is needed. Where do we go from here? Asking for a Friend.
Hey, friend. Don't worry. This whole thing is just a bad dream...we'll wake up and realize (with real eyes) how we've been duped and befoozled and we WILL make a new creation of it all...sorry I can't tell you which life time! Peace, Truth, Justice, Liberty and Tough Love!😊
It looks like there are a lack of boundaries in many directions. Taking in more and more dogs from out of county and even out of the country appears to have overloaded an already bad situation. Our society needs to regulate pet ownership. We have allowed irresponsible ownership, breeding mills, for profit shelters, etc. to run rampant.
Education about pet ownership is also quite lacking. It could start with educating children in school about what constitutes responsible pet ownership and modeling it perhaps with a few pets in the school. I used to keep a few pets in my science lab when I taught middle school students and it was highly instructive. I agree that this is an important issue in our society that deserves attention and appropriate funding.
Caring for stray, abandoned, and/or surrendered animals, at any scale, is not a simple task. I feel badly for the dogs.
All indicators seem to suggest that WAG has their act together, but I don't know that they deal with such a volume of pups.
Thanks for your tenacious reporting, Jeff, and to the courageous whistleblower(s).
You're welcome.
I know that if WAG could they would. When the crisis first hit and every shelter was overrun and full WAG stepped up and took on dogs to assist. I know that if they had the funding for the space they would absolutely expand. I think at one point they contemplated taking over the bark house property? I support WAG over OPHS and feel that WAG should be the one to hold the county contract. Not OPHS. They train their staff and their board knows what they are doing.
Fox-Bell also offered to take it over, obviously that didn't work out. They're supposed to be starting a small humane society on their property, it would certainly help but wouldn't cover the capacity needed. They are helping the animals though, doing regular spay/neuter clinics, etc. I think they would be a good fit to run it, too.
Why do you say that didn't work out. They are operational and could be doing so much more if people would donate to them instead of even thinking about OPHS..
Fox Bell initially offered to take over Bark House itself (on Old Olympic), that's what I'm saying didn't work out. I did mention their own humane society in my previous comment and from what I've seen they're doing a lot to help the animals.
I didn't know about bark house but from what i’ve heard about the condition of it i’d say it's a good thing they didn’t take it over. Yes they have been doing a great job with the little donations they have received. I really wish more people would donate to them and not even contemplate donating to OPHS. I wish there was some way to get more people on board with having their donations go to Fox-Bell Humane Society. I’m excited for them to get everything together but it takes a village and more support from the community. Best thing I loved about the Vaughns is that they jumped right in , along with the others, to make a terrible situation easier for the poor dogs and other animals….and started with their own funds to get the ball rolling. I know that when they initially started it, they had already gone to the county and talk to them and let them know what they were doing and had a really pretty good discussion with them. I don't know. I hope that the county will back them and give them the contract but again we need help from the community to pitch in so many people are still giving money to the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society. It's crazy. I don't understand why either. Thank you hon for your response. I truly appreciate it.
Ask them where they are going to find enough dedicated and skilled/trained staff to expand.
It ain't that simple!🧐
WAG is ltd. by law how many they can take in and they stretch that number under supervision. They have the reputation they have because they do limit the numbers.
Center Valley Animal Rescue in Chimacum takes in vast quantities of neglected/abandoned animals of almost every species but they too have limits.
They have taken in as many as 200+- creatures At Once ...more than a few times, from hoarding situations.
It is a private organization and I don't know about the working environment but to say even if everything goes well these environments are EXTREMELY stressful on EVERY ONE AND EVERY CREATURE involved.
They are basically a 24/7 on call Emergency/Trauma Center.
I don't have the answers. We have 2 rescue dogs...that's what we can sort of keep up with at our age. I wish I had the life our dogs do!
We are failing as a civilization...corruption is rampant because there is no system of ACCOUNTABILITY at ANY level. We see how hard 'the system' is fighting Trump's attempt to correct just the financial corruption and grift/graft.
We have a neighbor who nearly killed a guy with a machete and a pipe over a $500 pickup truck and he and a buddy head-oned a car and severely maimed the occupants and he walks the streets every day...convicted felon, many years in jail and still a destructive force walking free.
I repeat...we are a failing society...there are a lot of good things going on but the bad things are virtually unchecked.
Until and unless we have true transparency and accountability (with consequences) we are sliding into hell. Blessings to all.🥸
I'm constantly teetering between a.) boarding up the windows to ignore the world, and b.) giving a damn.
You're not alone...we are all living in an age/time of alienation, polarization, frustration and ptsd in one form or another.
How to be kind yet firm with all those who think more control and more gov't handouts and debt and bureaucratic insanity is going to help?
Maybe we will watch it collapse and maybe we won't survive it but change is inevitable and so far every (un)civilization has either been blown away or melted away...and the beat goes on!
Is it just us...or is the whole Universe this strange?
Glad I'm not my body!😊
No we are living during a time of great upheaval. Our planet and all those in our solar system are changing. It has happened many times in the past and the effect it has on all living things is being felt physically and mentally. Guard your heart above all else.
Price is right, Springer/Steve.
Thanks for this report. We have been constantly asked by OPHS to donate, we used to but then things started to get unexplainable so we imformed OPHS that we have withdrawn our support until they can demonstrate good management and care. This report reinforces our decision to not fund them.
I recently read a statement by the OPHS Board, stating that they’ve decided against financial transparency in the future. As far as I know, no explanation was ever provided about what happened to the…$400K I think it was…that they got not long before the shutdown. Apparently they decided that’s okay and they’d continue the policy of non-transparency. I certainly wouldn’t give them any money.
Of course they would decide against transparency...unsupervised power corrupts!🙂
OPHS has had a long culture of sub-standard practices. I went to the "old building" on a few occasions --greeted by a cloud of cigarette smoke, and ignored by the "workers" who had no desire to actually work. Dirty and crowded cages were the norm. The new facility -- which should have been maintained, wasn't. It was BRAND NEW, yet always filthy, and smelly. Once Covid gave them an excuse to never allow anyone inside, I have no doubt it became worse. (And pictures that I have seen, confirm that.)
I have looked at all the 990N's on file, and asked many questions -- and the answers were all gaslight. I have long asked for the books to be opened to the public, and the meeting minutes. After all, it IS a non-profit (owned by no one, and supported by the people). The FACT that they have received public funds (our taxes) makes it rather suspicious that they refuse to open the books and claim they don't have to. However, honest charitable nonprofits know that financial transparency will help preserve the important trust community members and donors place in a nonprofit. Additionally, conduct that is accountable and transparent earns employees' trust and creates a positive workplace culture.
Various (past and present) board members have said they have no obligation to open their books to the public. But they have ALSO said that past 990Ns contain "errors" (which have not been corrected with a subsequent tax return). Just the massive increase in salary of the past executive director had a lot of muddied answers as to why. Many of the categories on the 990N are questionable -- and the answers I received when asked to clarify were very unclear. This lead me to surmise that this nonprofit engaged in misfeasance/malfeasance/nonfeasance.
If they really wanted the trust of the community they would have opened their books, their meeting minutes and give us some ability to understand where this large mess came from. They didn't. Instead they made a lot of happy talk, a flurry of activity, and engaged in gaslighting.
It's akin to your spouse having a long term affair, and then avoided any discussions, at all. "Just get over it."
It is abusive behavior to the community and the loyal donors. You deserve MORE. WE all deserve more.
I believe the necessity to reform the reporting process of all nonprofits, and NGO‘s is desperately needed. As far as I’m concerned if an organization doesn’t want to open up their books it’s because they have something to hide behind the guise of “doing good”.
Absolutely. And, we can all report questionable practices of nonprofits to the IRS. The more people who file complaints, the more likely it will be investigated.
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/irs-complaint-process-tax-exempt-organizations
Our State Attorney General also investigates. https://www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint
We MUST USE use the ways we have to keep these non-profits in line --- if we don't use the tools we've been given, the government finds ways to neuter them.
Thanks for the link Mini
Thank you for those links, I will follow up with my complaint
Right now most of the institutions we have trusted are compromised big time.
The gov. and AG are full on tyrannical roll-out so not hopeful they will be of any real assist in the near future.
We can't always count on 'government' (govern=control)(ment=mind)
'They' have their own agendas and we are not on their radar except as cattle to control...maybe I can see why?🙂
How many of us can live unaccountably?
It only leads to ruin!
The god of this world is not a loving being!
Can the love of humanity change things?
Only time will tell...looking a little bleak right now...but anything is possible.😊
Mimi Smith, well said and thank you
We need to keep claiming what we ALL deserve. Thanks, Mimi!🤓
I do not understand why the former head, manger, Not sure of official title of this lady. Received a substancial pay raise, bonus. Then seemly suddenly retired , very shortly after receiving same. Seems inadquate management has been rampant for years. This is obviously why the OPHS is in such trouble. Completely rid of this system fo incompetance. Cut off the head of hydra. Start anew. Lay off ,Re-vet all current staff. Start anew. Write a simple rule plan for all. I>E all kennels are to be cleaned on the hour. Feeding should be on an age schedule. Puppies every 3 hours, Older dogs twice a day. ETC> Get folks on board that are not argumentable, who listen, can have quiet, logical discussion, who are not self important, know it all , know nothing types, compassionate, kind, ethical, . Not the non-franchised with a trunk load of anger in them. The object is humane, animal , welfare. Fiscal responsibility, and to listen and learn.
When you have a plan to move on your previous salary is used as a base for future salary negotiations.
It's hard to see the problem when your paycheck depends on you not seeing the problem!😁
They OPHS workers have unionized now.
Now his pelt is worth twice as much for the bylaws Committee to go after.
I was thinking that too. How much time will the committee take up in attacking him?
As a local Veritas his pelt is worth more than Bugs Bunny after he filled the Grand Canyon.
That's a LOT of value for one skinny white-boy!😎
Had to look up Veritas = Truth. So that's my word of the day!
Bugs Bunny got mad he saw a sign that said rabbit pelt 5 dollars and decided to do all these things and fill the Grand Canyon to intentionally drive up the cost of his own pelt
It’s awesome
Yeah, these radicals who want TRUTH, JUSTICE, LIBERTY AND TOUGH LOVE ACCOUNTABILITY...pesky buggers...must censor and delete!😱
Not surprised! When I adopted my dog from there, I got the vibe that half the staff we came into contact with, were under the influence of substances. They lost our paperwork and tried to charge us double then what we were quoted. We fostered to adopt. And I truly believe if we would not have made contact at the end of our foster time, they would have never contacted us. Unless there is transparency, written policies and procedures, adequate training and oversight, I would not get an animal from there ever again
Well stated, Sheila. When we fostered or adopted retired racing Greyhounds, the protocols, paperwork and costs were very exacting, including an initial home visit to ensure a safe, and secure environment. which may end with a denial of fostering or adoption. The process was very similar to adopting a human child, and possibly more stringent in some cases. I had the same feeling when I last donated food to OPHS, with the person receiving not even knowing to whom, or where it would go. I do not blame the individual, that responsibility lies with so-called training by management, who are paid. Well intentioned people who adopt, are sometimes pressured emotionally, by a child, or holiday gift mentality, not planning for their new family member in-advance. or considering long-tern care, or loss of employment, etc. Most pets, if responsibly care-for will live to 10+ years of age. Animals in kennels or crates develop anxieties, and are under costant stress from the stress "going down the leash" and cross-kennel/crate neighbors They require attention, other than turn-out and feeding to assimilate into a potential family and "forever home" as it's referred to. That is a commitment often taken lightly, or non-existent, with the pet being sold, gifted, or surrendered to a shelter when things do not work out with the adopter(s) and the cycle continues. The plandemic era was a prime example of short-term, knee jerk adoptions and very disturbing to my wife and I, et al. to witness the outcomes thereof. I am pleased to hear that your pet was received by a cognizant, caring person, kudos to you and Thank you for contributing to a more civil world.
There is also no REAL dog training and rehab so most of the dogs we saw when we went to OPHS to look for dogs were so violent they couldn't even be walked and the 2 we walked were so wild we were overwhelmed by their drive and power and had to take a pass.
We were also not able to adopt from WAG but we got 2 beautifully imperfect dogs from a lady on Whidbey Island who has helped rescue over 6000 dogs from Puerto Rico over 30+ years.
The numbers of animals in need seems to be about the same as the number of humans in need...distressing to say the least.
Bless all those who do SOMETHING, anything , to help!🙂
Or make ANY donations to OPHS.
Jeff, this post from Hope on your FB page, refers to Kitsap County & a model program they have developed for their Humane Society. Perhaps closing our facility down and seeking some help from a model program would be a viable solution. What do you think? Can the Charter Review Commission have any say in this? Thanks for all you do.
" I think your thoughts are well place and heart centered for sure though those who love animals may think twice about perpetuating the current problems by helping. And perhaps this long slow burn of dysfunction and harm could best be served by the current OPHS being shut down with their funds put into escrow. Then a professional shelter group such as from Kitsap be organized to create a published plan (for the community to see) to be implemented for a truly professionally run OPHS with a separate oversight group to help prevent the problems the animals have/are experiencing now. Just my thoughts.
Great question, Renee. The Charter Review is considering a resolution that would mandate non-profit organizations contracting with Clallam County (like OPHS) to "open their books" for review to ensure fiscal transparency and accountability for taxpayer dollars being used.
That should be minimal. We watched the commissioners had out the money as fast as fast as they could to OPHS without any research or oversight. In fact, if you listened to that meeting now it would make you sick
It's only money and time...lots of money and some kind of time but I agree we just need to shut it down and start from scratch...can't fix a broken pot (very well).
Propping up broken systems not the best idea.😊
They can also look at Jefferson County Humane Society, they do a great job too.
Best thoughts toward a solution… seeking model programs from successful entities
Jeez now I am a Jeff Doge-er follower.
THE DOGERATOR! We love you, Jeff! And we love each other or we wouldn't bother with all this craziness! We be doin' our best!
Numbers! Numbers! Numbers! That's our power...but it's getting to be a full-time job just responding and submitting comments to CCWD and the corrupt unaccountable agencies. I guess the building consciousness part has to happen before the boots hit the ground. I hope we are ruthless enough because these NPC's aren't likely to go away. Non-Player-Character...a non-sovereign character controlled by someone or something else. They are hypnotized (maybe all of us) and can't 'help themselves'.
Most of the Young Global Leaders created by the W.E.F. are under mind-control.
Think of Justin (Castro) Trudeau, Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron, Gavin Newsom and many others...Look up 'alumni of young global leaders'. These beings are not there by happenstance! They are a mind-controlled asset of the globalist regime and there is no good to come of it.😁
A community that cares is our biggest asset.
And the community support is ever growing!
One of the things that makes parvovirus so dangerous is that it is extremely contagious. An infected dog begins shedding the virus in its feces days before they show any signs of sickness. Recovering dogs can shed the virus up to 10 days after signs disappear. That means puppies could be exposed to a dog that’s not currently showing any signs of sickness, and you’d have no way of knowing.
It spreads when your puppies come in direct contact with an infected dog or with contaminated feces. Even sniffing contaminated feces could expose your puppies. Indirect contact is also a concern. Parvovirus can live on surfaces like kennels, leashes, clothing, and bowls. It can even spread from clothing or hands of humans who have been around an infected dog or the hair or feet of dogs that have been in contaminated areas.
Parvovirus is also hard to destroy. It is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying. That means it can live in the environment for a long time. Indoors, the virus can live for a month or more. Outdoors, it can live even longer – even up to a year in the right conditions.
From the film of the kennels and surrounding area, it looks like a parvo mine field.
I vaguely recall hearing that there is/was some costly parvovirus remediation required on the grounds as a whole... I'll try to find the source.
That’s why my vet hates dog parks. Full of parvo and ignorant owners.
I watched a series, can't t remember on which streaming platform, about a dog trainer who takes rescues an/or dogs with behavior issues. He then trains them and finds them homes. There was one episode where a lady was running a rescue shelter to save dogs. The problem was she was running it alone. No help and a minimal donation income. It got to a point where she was overwhelmed with dogs. She didn't have enough funds to buy food for them nor provide adequate shelter. She was putting dogs with severe behavior issues with dogs that had none. She knew she was way in over her head. It was killing her to have these dogs in this type of an environment but actually thought she was both saving and helping the dogs from an even worse fate. She didn't know what to do at this point because there was no where else she could take the dogs. You could tell she was extremely devastated from her circumstances and didn't know what to do. So this training guy came in an assessed some of her dogs and was able to take a few of them to retrain and find families for. She was crying so hard that he stepped in to help her and couldn't thank him enough. The rest of the story revolved around his training the dogs he took in. What happened to her and the other dogs I don't know. I just can't understand how the OPHS was able to function for such a period of time under the radar. It's sickening to even believe that employee's/volunteers would both work under and allow these conditions to have occurred. There should be arrests and prosecutions of everyone involved. I never knew where the actual reason was for them closing their doors but this is an extremely sad story and I hope that every individual involved is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. As far as WAG is concerned, you'll never find a more loving caring dog shelter. I've volunteered with them a few times. There is not a more loving care provider than Mel. If you want to provide help and love to dogs in need, there is no greater institution than WAG. They go far and beyond the love and care for each and every dog they have, if there is such a thing. They work with all their dogs and their trainers work extremely hard to retrain dogs with behavior issues and then try desperately to find a loving homes for every one. When they reach their limit, which is sadly often the case, they will NOT take in extra dogs regardless of the circumstances than they can handle. If you're both a nature and dog lover as I am, then please consider making a donation to them. Both WAG and I would greatly appreciate it, but even more grateful will be all the dogs who desperately need your help.
Kevin R. Thank you for telling me about WAG.
You're very welcome.
Instead of hiring junkies, it seems to me that 2-3 full time diligent employees and a veterinarian could handle the workload, not a handful of drugged out addicts off the streets.
Where should we send the junkies? Just askin'? Not fair to pawn them of on somewhere else. No answer...only questions.😊
Too expensive to send all the criminals and junkies to Mars?
We are supposed to love all our brothers and sisters but what if they can't receive it?
This place is weird!😊
I'm going to be the bad guy here. It is impossible to run any dog/cat shelter without talking about a no kill policy. ALL shelters are overloaded and bursting at their seams. Is it humane to save all animals in inhumane conditions? Just watch the video of the poor dog shivering in misery. No shelter is immune to this question.
Jennifer you are not the bad guy. Its a valid point. All my dogs have been rescue dogs. My previous veterinarian went broke running a rescue operation under a "no kill" policy. (Sunny Skies Animal Rescue in Puyallup) I don't know all the ins and outs of her business failure but I would hazard a guess that it was just too much. Dr. Burton the owner was huge hearted and had many volunteers and lots of community support. What I witnessed was many animals that were never socialized and without Herculean effort would probably never be a good pet. I also saw animals that were elderly and with little chance for adoption. I wonder if Sunny Skies would have made it if Dr. Burton would've euthanized the animals with a history of aggression or that were elderly. In that case Puyallup would still have a functioning rescue operator and not have lost a really good veterinarian.
Thank you Lawrence, I thought I was going to be attacked by even questioning no kill.
No animal lover likes euthanasia. Like any subject there is a fringe element that believes in extremes. I’m very matter of fact that we are supposed to be taking care of our animals especially as they age out. I remember years ago telling my veterinarian that my terminally ill dog seemed to still be happy. She would wag her tail and smile at me. He explained that my dog was hard wired to make ME happy. That with great effort she was completing her job to give ME happiness. That the next few weeks were going to be miserable for her but she would do everything to please me. I tearfully put her to sleep immediately to end her suffering. From that conversation forward I vowed to never let my dogs ever live past their ability to be able to “dog stuff”. I know it sounds cruel but if they can’t get up on their own or control their functions I feel it’s cruel to let them suffer because it hurts us so much to say goodbye. Now I’m the bad one to some folks but I’m sure my Vet would agree. I’m writing this as my black Pit/Lab is giving me the eye… Wonder if she can read my thoughts…
Lawrence that made me cry, it made me remember the dogs in my life and remembering their names...always wanting them to outlive me. I don't think there will be a reader on this substack that hasn't felt the unconditional love of a dog.
As a nurse, I have seen suffering. It is painful to watch.
They have outlived you... just not in bodies...watch some NDE's narrated by the experiencers...Life does go on but thankfully not the suffering!😊
You are not the bad guy here. You are just asking a question no one of us wants to posit.
We do live in a finite world with finite resources ( of water and chemical-free arable land)
2/3's of Earth's land surface is in fact desert...look at Google Earth (if it's real).
There is A LOT of space but not so much livable space so I don't personally know how many of us and animals can sustainably occupy the planet but something IS going to give!
We put our old girl Shanti down when she was in a lot of pain and losing mobility...she had a last walk in the woods and then when she was leaving her body the last thing she did was big tail wags which she had not been able to do for over a year due to severe back-end pain. Enough said!☺️
WAG is a no-kill rescue. That is why they don’t take in more dogs, when they are out of rooms. One major problem here in this county ( and I’m sure many other places) is people not getting their dogs and cats spayed and/or neutered. No cost/low cost clinics are being organized by a few vets from the area, and they fill up very quickly.
Clallam County needs to have laws that are enforced for people who do “backyard breeding”! Never should dogs or cats be sold out of a back end of a truck or car! Edmonds just passed a law making it illegal to do so.
Also there is a large portion of the population here that doesn’t believe in spaying or neutering their animals. And if people would keep their animals contained, and not just say “they keep escaping “. That’s a bullshit excuse, just fix the problem! Or otherwise spay or neuter your pet.
If the over breeding problem is fixed, no-kill shelters are possible.
Becky, I totally agree with you on all you say and propose. WAG from what I read IS a true humane shelter.
My point, where do the animals go that are turned away? There are just too many animals for the very reasons you pointed out. There is just no way to pay, care, clean, love and all the other things that animals deserves without further torment as long as people are irresponsible pet owners. I'm sorry, but I don't see people changing.
What a travesty. I have been a major financial supporter of OPHS in the past. I have not been providing that support since they closed the Bark House and not feeling confidence in it reopening safely for the animals. I am horrified after reading this latest account of conditions. It needs someone with the authority to shut it down to be brave enough to do so. The County Commission has forfeited its oversight and responsibility and should not provide further funding. Shut it down!!!. The dogs there now should be "rescued" from OPHS by more responsible shelters.
I know first hand many of the statements in this article are true. There is only one way to fix this problem and make sure it won't happen again. Start fresh.... All new board members and employees. A new broom sweeps clean and this is the very least we can do to protect and provide proper care for the unfortunate animals in our area... IMO.
You cannot fix things in the dark. Without a full audit of all books -- meeting minutes, memos, etc -- and some claw back of monies paid that were not proper, there is no "clean start". Just a bunch of "NEW" board members, and a new director is not the fix. It's been done, already. The past executive director left, the past board members have all been swapped out, the new board president (also acting as the executive director) puts out happy talk constantly, but, still refuses to give the people a clear view and examination of where they went wrong.
I suspect the culture is bad.
Get rid of this nonprofit, close it down. Let a NEW nonprofit start up and use the same space. More than a new board -- burn down the old culture, and build new.
There is something malevolent with this old-time, long-standing non-profit, and there is something/someone/somewhere that keeps this rotten culture secretive.
I totally agree. They can’t keep running from the past without explaining what happened. I they keep saying that ,they don’t want to look back, only look to the future”. In my opinion, they don’t deserve any donations until they do explain with documentation of what happened.
200,000 years and counting...time for change!😎
Mick, can we include the commissioners and the county manager in that sweep? They are the ones who funded the hot mess without adequate oversight.
Same for the Commissars Office I believe!
We have the power to hire and fire...we just need the numbers to exercise it!😁
Jeff, this is so disheartening. The degree of dysfunction you describe leaves me suspect about ever supporting this entity again. However, no resolution can take place without exposure. This organization appears to be a complete sh-- show and needs to be dismantled from the top down. If that could be accomplished, how do we as a citizens' group, develop a comprehensive plan and protocol for a well functioning Humane Society that rebuilds public trust? The vision is to implement a transparent, sustainable Humane Society that works for the animals at risk and for our community. There is no doubt a humane society is needed. Where do we go from here? Asking for a Friend.
Hey, friend. Don't worry. This whole thing is just a bad dream...we'll wake up and realize (with real eyes) how we've been duped and befoozled and we WILL make a new creation of it all...sorry I can't tell you which life time! Peace, Truth, Justice, Liberty and Tough Love!😊
It looks like there are a lack of boundaries in many directions. Taking in more and more dogs from out of county and even out of the country appears to have overloaded an already bad situation. Our society needs to regulate pet ownership. We have allowed irresponsible ownership, breeding mills, for profit shelters, etc. to run rampant.
Education about pet ownership is also quite lacking. It could start with educating children in school about what constitutes responsible pet ownership and modeling it perhaps with a few pets in the school. I used to keep a few pets in my science lab when I taught middle school students and it was highly instructive. I agree that this is an important issue in our society that deserves attention and appropriate funding.