We still don’t know what will happen to Wings Over the Rainbow Rescue. No details have been released and as far as I know, no decisions have been made. What has become very clear is that the supporters of WOTR are a scrappy and proud group. While small in number relative to many other rescues, their loyalty and dedication to this rescue runs deep. They truly seem committed to bringing the rescue back from the precipice and on to success. In my book, this is huge. Enormous. And it plays extensively into the potential future of this organization. When you have people that passionate about anything, I believe there is an enormous chance of survival and the opportunity to breathe life back into this organization. In business, when you have a company that is down in the dumps or in bankruptcy, what can and will bring it back are its employees or in this case, the volunteers and supporters. If you do not have them on your side, you’ve lost the battle before you’ve ever begun. This is the advantage WOTR has sitting in its back pocket: The enthusiasm, loyalty and complete devotion of these people. They want this rescue to not only survive, but to thrive. If those who end up running the rescue can direct that energy into forward movement, I think they might come out the other side traveling hopefully, but with purpose. These people absolutely love WOTR and what it was trying to accomplish. This is rare in any organization and for them to have that drive and passion for the organization is priceless. Most big businesses would absolutely kill to have that kind of loyalty from its staff. However, there are a few things they should consider in order to get there. As far as I’m concerned, here are some basic tenets in running a business. One is that there has to be a need for your product or service. And another is the passion and the desire to make it happen. I see both of these features in Wings Over the Rainbow. Obviously there is an enormous need for this local non-profit. If there wasn’t, there wouldn’t be any birds in residence. Another thing I see is the incredible potential this rescue has because it has at its doorstep something very unique and very promising: The chance for a fresh start. If you think about it, these smaller local rescues are crucial. They serve the community in which they are a part of, as well as being supported by that very same community. However it has to be a two-way street with strong traffic moving in both directions. Strong interaction between the organization and those in the community is vital. They need to be seen, to be viewed as a robust contributor to the area. I would think they would want to become a member of the community that the area is proud of for their humane and caring efforts. In this potential opportunity to begin fresh, there are things to be considered. While a non-profit is not out to make money per se, it still is indeed a business, not simply a charity. The people involved should view it as such. I think WOTR can come back. And I’d love to see this. But it is my opinion that some basic changes in the structure of the rescue should be addressed. These are my suggestions: A solid business plan based on a sustainable model is crucial for the survival of this rescue. A heavily involved Board of Directors with the help and backing of a larger, more established, stronger rescue and a professional manager to oversee operations on a daily basis ensuring not only its sustainability, but its growth. Ensure its profitability with infusions of actual income other than charitable donations by promoting mission-driven products and services to the public. Invest in the future of the rescue by ensuring cash flow. Total transparency. There are other things any rescue and adoption non-profit can do to raise the profile as well as the interest and therefore the profitability of the organization. I don’t know how engaged in the community they were, but creating public interest in their work through involvement with local schools, scout troops, bird clubs, senior citizen centers and local festivals, and celebrations can engage the community and capture their interest thereby raising awareness and enthusiasm about their work and their mission. This in turn drives the business, which drives the organization as a whole. This can be done both within the brick and mortar structure as well as out in the community at large. Aggressively apply for grants. Send out regular press releases to local papers and other media outlets about their work and accomplishments. Develop an email list and send out newsletters. Set up educational seminars, book appearances to local outlets and organizations for children, senior citizens and other special interest groups. Develop an educational program that can be applied to schools and other organizations such as the scouts and boys and girls clubs where certificates of merit or badges for “community service” and various levels of aviculture education can be earned. This ensures that not only will you be ensuring volunteers, you are further spreading the word to the community, raising interest and awareness and possibly placing birds in homes. You are also infusing the business with volunteer “learn by doing” students as well as possible cash donations. The Cincinnati Zoo has an actual academy in place on the grounds of the zoo for high school students and they are required to “learn by doing” a certain number of hours each week. A program like this in conjunction with the public school system would be invaluable to WOTR. Host open houses for the community, inviting them in to visit the birds see the premises and have booths that can be rented by local artisans to display their work, bird related or not. Develop a line of mission-driven products that can be promoted and sold. The usual “logo-ware” is always welcome as well as unique, craft and art products. A commission can be taken for these sales. Consider a line of “fresh product” that can be sold along with other needed and desirable products. These are just some thoughts off the top of my head. But I really believe that with the enthusiasm and zeal shown by those who support WOTR, this little rescue might be able to come back, albeit in a different and improved form. I do not know how much of these activities I’ve suggested have already been attempted by WOTR, but it is something worth exploring if they want to come back in a new format. I really believe they are needed in the area. And I am of course concerned about the birds they had in residence. While they are currently being cared for, it is a temporary situation. Wouldn’t it be better that they remain with WOTR under its new format and adopted out from there rather than be transferred to other organizations? It seems to me that if WOTR came back in better shape, the birds would be better off with the people who love them in the newly reorganized rescue. The supporters of WOTR are a strong and willing group. If they can shore up what remains, regroup and begin fresh, I see incredible potential. They have the desire and they have the strength to do it. And of course the need is there. With the support of local businesses, other rescue and adoption organizations and the avian community at large, this once ailing organization could turn into “The Little Rescue That Could.” Get your “Little Engine” T-shirt HERE! |
May 27, 2012 at 11:35 am
*applause* I love all these ideas and other rescues can take note as well, to help prevent themselves from being statistics and their birds being subjected to the trauma of seizures.
There are also companies and other organizations willing to work with rescues, but I have had surprisingly little support from rescues wiling to even tell people about promotions benefiting them. I don’t HAVE to donate half my profit to rescues, but many of them act like I do, or act like it’s not enough, or that I’m trying to profit-monger. Look, if it was all about the money, why would I be donating so much of my living wage to rescues?
The lesson is: Work with ANYONE who is willing to support you, be open to ANY opportunities for fundraising, awareness, community involvement. Don’t be so snobby and busy you can’t be bothered with people who are trying to help. Someday they will stop offering.
Don’t be too proud to ask for money, don’t be afraid to “sell out” by selling logowear or having fundraisers. It’s part of the package. It’s not all about cleaning up for and caring for and playing with the birds. You have to suck it up and get out there and schmooze and get people behind you. (And especially not slapping people in the face who are trying to help you.)
I’m not saying WOTR did these things, but I’ve experienced enough of it from rescues and other rescue-related organizations that I’m getting tired of trying to find ones who are willing to work with me when I’m trying to give them money. I will find some other rescue who will give me the time of day.
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May 27, 2012 at 11:52 am
I would say you have just, unfortunately, found some places that are just busy or perhaps not into that sort of fundraising. Keep trying! My experience with rescue organizations has been INCREDIBLE!! Not only do I feel great because my products help the birds, but it has also been good for business as lots of their volunteers have then become customers of mine. Most precious however, is the wonderful people and strong friendships that have come from these dealings. In my experience, usually people who are involved in legitimate parrot welfare organizations have hearts of gold, wonderful senses of humor, and love life! You can see pics from the various organizations on my website at http://www.naturalinspirationsparrotcages.com
Good luck!
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May 27, 2012 at 4:31 pm
Hi Karrie, Thanks for the encouragement. I love that interplay between a business and a rescue, and it can be mutually beneficial if the organization takes some time to work something out. I have made some great friends with the ones who have taken the time to listen and consider how they can benefit. I’ll be checking out those pics as I’m already familiar with your website and your products. :)) Thanks!
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May 28, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Rescue is hard work, and it doesn’t happen just because you love birds; you HAVE to be able to do the planning, the cleaning and feeding, the fund-raising, the adoptions and intakes, the education and public relations, and ALSO work hands-on with the birds. A rescue that can’t get all of it done is not successful, regardless of WHY they can’t get it done. It’s a good argument for the need to inspect and license parrot rescues as dog and cat shelters are.
This is my first post here, and I know what I’m stepping into. We’ve mentored several people who wanted to start rescues…one has succeeded. We encourage others to do it, because it’s needed. But the first thing I tell them is “if you can’t do it right, stay the hell away”. Good intentions don’t count if the cages are dirty and the birds aren’t fed right.
Those of you who like to support rescues, please go look at our website; come visit. I never turn anyone away who wants to help.
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May 28, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Mike: What’s your web address? Thanks!
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May 28, 2012 at 8:17 pm
sorry, I thought I put it in. The website http://www.iowaparrotrescue.org
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May 28, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Thanks, I’ve made contact via Facebook. Look forward to doing something together!
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May 27, 2012 at 11:38 am
Thanks so much for this Patricia. WOTR is a great rescue and Dayton Ohio needs them here. The birds need them here. The only thing WOTR is guilty of is the building was terrible. They tried to get the landlord to fix it but he was not helping at all. The birds of WOTR were loved and cared for.
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May 27, 2012 at 11:55 am
I agree!!
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May 27, 2012 at 11:41 am
Hi Patricia! Great blog entry as usual. I firmly believe that WOTR will be vindicated. They are a great bunch of people that take in unwanted special needs parrots that no one else can handle. They have been adopting out their tame parrots to suitable adopters and they do not breed. This is a very special rescue/adoption organization, and those special parrots need to be reunited with these loving, caring people SOON. The parrots need them. WOTR is getting a larger, newer building (since the landlord of the other one didn’t maintain the property,) so that when they get their babies back, they will have a fresh start. Have a Great Memorial Weekend!
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May 27, 2012 at 11:42 am
While I agree with your statement “it’s a fresh start”, I disagree with the comment about giving the birds back. Why should any organization, whether it be a Humane Society or other rescue organization, provide the basic needs, clean shelter, clean edible food, toys, enrichment, human interaction and extensive vet care, only to hand the birds back over to the same organization that was lacking in these areas to begin with? What’s to say a few years from now, these birds wouldn’t be back in the same lacking environment? If you do that for one group, every other organization that gets busted would expect the same thing! It’s like a safety net or worse yet, like enabling a crack addict.
No, these birds need to move on to a reputable organizations! If it’s meant to be for WOTR to start over, and it pains me to even say or think about it but I will give them the benefit of the doubt and humor some people in the process, then let them start over with new birds. The birds seized have been through enough. They should never be sent back to the same place that failed them after they were already failed from previous owners or breeders, which brought them to WOTR in the first place! Let them move on to a better life!
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May 27, 2012 at 11:51 am
Sorry-can’t agree with giving the birds back. This is a great model for moving forward, but hoarding is a mental illness and she will only continue to acquire more birds if allowed to continue. If she was truly concerned for the birds she wouuld HAVE gotten help. I would! It’s like having a child and going to the teacher to get extra help when your kid is failing. This woman started out with all good intention. She did however, tke on more birds then she could handle, allow them to live in abject filth with vermin, did not provide even the rudimentary veterinary care and continued to breed. I say Hell No!!! And I am all about the Birds and their best interest and right now, that is not back in Deb Shell’s hands!
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May 27, 2012 at 11:58 am
Deb was not a breeder, she was YEARS ago before realizing how many unwanted birds were out there. Is every rescue being run by a hoarder Pam??? Deborah did adopt birds out , a hoarder would not adopt out.
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May 27, 2012 at 11:59 am
Pam, they were not hoarding. They have been turning away unwanted parrots for at least 6 months, and they have been desperately trying to find suitable adopters for their tame parrots because they felt so bad turning unwanted parrots away that had nowhere else to go. The reason why they were adopting out and turning away is because they do not hoard – they never hoarded. There were a lot of volunteers and the parrots were at limit. If they were hoarding, they wouldn’t have been adopting out parrots and turning unwanted parrots away.
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May 27, 2012 at 11:54 am
The Birds need to be back with Deb, she did a great job with them…..The birds trusted and loved Deb….
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May 27, 2012 at 9:05 pm
The birds trusted Deb to provide them proper shelter, FAIL! Given a Clean environment safe from disease ridden and carrying cockroaches and mice, FAIL! Clean and healthy food, FAIL! Proper enrichment, FAIL! Proper Vet Care, EPIC FAIL! Is this where I should start singing, “All we need is love”? If you go by WOTR folk, every single bird in there came from a bad situation so I am failing to see how these birds were better off from whence they came?
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May 28, 2012 at 1:26 am
And she flat out allowed at least one, Casey, to die in her “care”, with the Board of Directors not stepping in, and instead used his injuries to raise funds that were in fact not used for his care, He was trotted out to fundraisers, eh was fed hot dogs and Vienna sausage, but he was never seen by a qualified avian vet, and then the “good people” of WOTR sat around and watched him die, telling people to say a prayer and light a candle, and they never bothered to get him the care he needed, that other people had already more than paid for. That alone was more than enough for me. Fact is, you never know what may happen in court, and the standards required are so abysmally low that a judge, especially if it’s one who thinks of parrots as just like “those dirty pigeons,” may simply give them back. After all, Doug Ratcliff can still have birds, and is trying to get a court to give the survivors of his neglect back, so it seems in that corner of Ohio, anything goes. In the meantime, the WOTR supporters who are threatening those who s disagree with them, sometimes with physical violence, and who are promising that somehow, they will see to it that things change..are they the ones now providing the birds with a much needed healthy diet? Nope. That would be the Parrot Posse. Some folks make threats, while we make a difference.
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May 28, 2012 at 3:12 am
Just another chance for Ms Archer to pound her own drum i see. IF this so called Possee was so Quick and bent on helping rescues in need they would OFFER helpful comments and advice instead of constantly beating up a rescue that’s down. It is Possible for any rescue to do things that are not seen as the best way until it is seen in hindsight. NO one has a perfect formula we work to help birds by any means we can and we learn from mistakes.After all Ms Archer No one has Old Family money to pay for their HOBBY “rescue” like you do. Some people have to get down in the trenches and work hard to find ways to do what they love..
Also Ms Archer i have seen you spout off again and again about the bird Casey yet this is your ONE issue that you yell about. Again i say Not all of us get it right every time BUT should those few times be held against us when we are right so many other times? Mind you am not affiliated with WOTR i only know Deb Shell from the help she has shared without so much as a donation being requested when i had issues with a bird i took in and i emailed her for advice.
One question when was the last time you spoke to Deb Shell or visited WOTR?
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May 27, 2012 at 11:57 am
As usual, Patricia you have addressed this situation in a logical, informative and non-judgmental manner. I wholeheartedly agree with your entire point and premise. As for the comment about not giving them back……What would happen when a child is seized, often due to nothing other than bad luck on the part of the parents, and then it was decided….no, the child needs to go elsewhere? Same premise. I think the hearts and minds of the individuals behind WOTR are in the right place. For once, we as a community of avian lovers need to get behind them to help them succeed, rather than cheering their demise.
The conditions were bad, but since when is ours a perfect world? Since when do we not give people a second chance? Who are we to say NO, unless we are willing to step up and take each and every Parrot into our own homes and rescues.
Time to stop this infighting, and evolve into a healthy UNITED group that offers support and hope, both for individuals getting in over their head, and for the Parrots.
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May 27, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Agree! Well said, Janet.
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May 27, 2012 at 1:01 pm
“What would happen when a child is seized, often due to nothing other than bad luck on the part of the parents…?” My best friend just retired after 27yrs with DCFS. She had the highest conviction rate of anyone in the state. Any kid that taken was preceded by mounds of paperwork, photos, experts testimonies, etc. Everything she did was under constant scrutiny. (As it should be.) Nothing was done just because the parents had “bad luck.”
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May 29, 2012 at 1:21 pm
and your point is suwise3? I applaud your best friend for her outstanding job, but sadly, it doesn’t always end up as neatly and nicely as we’d like. Did not mean to strike a nerve, was just trying to make a point. And yes, situations do often occur due to nothing more than bad luck……
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May 27, 2012 at 12:11 pm
My own take is a “fresh start; has to be earned, and frankly..that the birds under their “care” have suffered enough from their lack of basic care and husbandry. I’d say WOTR should fold its wings: if people in that area want a well-run parrot rescue, I believe Best Friends Animal Society for one offers information to those who wish to start a rescue AND run it properly. Those interested in “Rescue Done Right” should look into that and again, the foster home model used by Phoenix Landing and Florida Parrot Rescue as well as some others neatly side-steps many of the things that went wrong with WOTR (starting with the fact that those two organisation spend the great bulk of their donations on VET CARE, as all incoming parrots are fully worked up and quarantined as they come into their system.) Sometimes, a fresh start involves an action similar to the bulldozing of a condemned building to the ground, and not allowing those who allowed the “structure” to collapse to do it all over again in a different place. I’m more than willing to say..these birds deserve better, and shoudl not go back to those who already failed them.
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May 27, 2012 at 12:37 pm
As a registered 501c3 org, WOTR is accountable for how they spend $$$. Before anyone makes a comeback, how about figuring out HOW they got there in the first place? This can’t ALL just be a conspiracy by the Humane Society.
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May 29, 2012 at 6:18 am
You are correct Su. They are accountable, not only to the IRS, but to the community as a whole, and most important to those Parrots they take in. Sad thing is, it takes issues like this for the IRS to step in and determine if funds were mismanaged. It is kind of like speeding while driving, there isn’t an issue unless you get caught. That is not risk management.
The whole point is to get a Business Model in place that ensures accountability, viability, strategic planning, vision, future planning, goals, standards. Not just for WOTR, but for ANY rescue type group. There also needs to be an oversight group that can step in and “audit” these groups in some manner. A group of professionals that know and understand not only what it takes to run and manage a rescue/sanctuary, but a group that knows what it takes to run a successful BUSINESS.
Many professional groups such as accountants, lawyers, etc have what is called a “peer to peer” review. This works only if the individuals that do the review have NO AGENDA’s, but often these professionals can see a problem long before it hits critical mass, and put a stop to it (if the rescue/sanctuary agrees to adhere to it). But….if they don’t then the flags and signals are out there that allow a more pro-active response. The group would involve “experts” in the Avian community as well as the BUSINESS community.
WOTR has been stopped, and we are all in the same place. Just wanting to get the birds the best care, and help. Many are out there trying to make that happen. BUT…..this is a “REACTIVE” type measure, because that is all we have right now.
So often these rescues and sanctuaries evolve because someone get’s handed one bird, then two, then five…..So they say, hmmmm, I must be good at this so I’ll form a 501C3, and all will be well. NOT TRUE. They have no plans, often take no salary (which is not even conceivable in my mind), and live hand to mouth to keep their rescue afloat.
What we need is a system for these rescues/sanctuaries that is PROACTIVE, so situations that happen at WOTR become the oddity, and not the NORM!
We are the people, that can unite, create these standards, lobby for legislation to protect these Parrots, and set the bar.
Until we do this, these situations will continue.
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May 27, 2012 at 12:38 pm
While I think the premise of WOTR could come back, it must do so without any of it’s current Board Of Directors, and without the leadership of Ms. Shell. Also it must have a program in place to ensure the care of any bird, or birds that come in to be vetted, and secured in a safe environment. There are major questions being asked about the financial well being of WOTR and it’s sustainability. Having a following of devoted fans does not make a rescue viable, especially if those fans have not been to or seen the rescue in question. There are rescues who talk the talk, but fall short of walking the walk.
The birds that have been taken to this point need to be placed elsewhere, and not returned as I’m sure most will need very expensive, long term care that WOTR will not be able to provide for in the foreseeable future.
I believe that there is a need for such a place, but it must do so to meet the needs of any bird that would come through it’s doors. It also must be overseen, by someone who has the the experience of the likes of Matt, or Janet from Project Perry, Jacqueline of Best Friends Parrot Garden or any other certified reputable organization. Also remember that any group who steps in to the shoes of WOTR will be watched very closely by the authorities as it should be.
I believe that anyone who wants to support the effort of a rescue should consider a new name, a fresh vision,and a fresh view of what the efforts should be as opposed to rehashing an old name, with the same individuals. If those followers wish to support a viable rescue, they need to do so for the birds, not because they support an individual, or a group of individuals. It isn’t about people, or personalities or at least it shouldn’t be. It should be about an idea, it should be about a goal, It should be first and foremost about one thing. The Birds who need care, safety, and a guardian.
Patrica, again a Great article, with great insight and forethought.
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May 27, 2012 at 12:39 pm
Yes; let Deb be involved (as a volunteer) but she should not be allowed to run the Rescue; she has already proven that she cannot do so properly. Let the rescue open up under new mgmt with being overseen by Best Friends and FPR and others who had demonstrated, proper rescue mgmt. I still want to get a better understanding of how you who defend her and she can defend her expenditures on her 990. Its still a no go for me
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May 29, 2012 at 6:21 am
I think you got the point of Patricia’s post, and I don’t believe she intended for the current management to stay in place….. Bob Kaegi said this very eloquently. I’m going on a limb, but no one associated in any type of management capacity should be allowed to continue with this or any other rescue.
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May 27, 2012 at 12:58 pm
What the heck, this article is more concerned with the people behind the failure that is WOTR than the poor birds who suffered at their hands. Neither Deb nor the board should ever be able to open their doors ever again, those of you jump to their defense must be doing it to cover the shame that you did nothing to help the situation. The poor birds that have died are down to WOTR and not the rescuers, if they had had the adequate vet care they wouldn’t have died.
I hope and pray that the Court does the right thing by the birds and that this case will lead to more protection for the birds.
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May 27, 2012 at 8:42 pm
Lisa,, the birds have been removed, they are being cared for,, now is the time to look to caring for the people… if we do this will continue to happen again and again…I have no doubt that Deb and the volunteers loved the birds, but failed to get the help they needed………
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May 29, 2012 at 6:24 am
NO! This is raising my extremely low blood pressure. Our first concern is with the Parrots…..PERIOD…. I am concerned about a group that could allow conditions to deteriorate to this point, but first and foremost, it’s the PARROTS that need our consideration.
And…….we need to count on more than the Court to make sure the right things are done…. WE NEED TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!
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May 27, 2012 at 12:59 pm
I find it sad and disheartening to see over a hundred comments bickering and bashing someone who tried to help and failed… yet only a half dozen on a post trying to help them succeed, and several of those are bashing again. What has become of our parrot community? Do we not stand for helping parrots? How can we help parrots if we are so focused on being right or knowing everything? To help the parrots, we must help the people and set a good example, not run each other down. Patricia is offering solutions here. Can we focus on ideas and offer a hand up instead of more ugliness and criticism?
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May 27, 2012 at 1:20 pm
She didn’t fail. The only ones who failed were the lazy landlord that did not make necessary repairs to that building, the person or persons who reported this organization instead of volunteering or adopting, and the HSUS for seizing these parrots instead of handling this a different way, such as allowing the volunteers to foster the birds in their homes while they got a new building. Deb did not fail. She was the “Bird Whisperer” to severely abused, disabled, special needs “throw away parrots” ; victims of evil humans. Deb is a hero – helping to clean up the mess that breeders, neglectors, and abusers created. Providing an understanding and patient home for these otherwise un-adoptable parrots, while finding suitable homes for the adoptable ones.
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May 27, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Well, you’re missing the whole point of my post. The point is that she TRIED, and instead of helping and finding solutions to keep other rescues from becoming targets or failing, there are very few positive responses to Patricia’s post that contains solutions, ways to keep things from going bad. Deb apparently asked for help but did not get enough. She apparently had some troubles that might or might not have been solved with proper management. The point is not whether she is good or bad, but that we need to focus on SOLUTIONS and HELP rather than constant tearing down.
Emily Strong made a fantastic blog post today about the rampant negativity in the parrot community and its effect on people trying to help, or asking for help, and this disparity in the number and nature of the comments on these posts is a prime example of that.
Bickering helps no one. It does not enrich anyone’s knowledge, it does not improve the quality of life for one single parrot. It inflames tempers, turns people off, and frightens off people who potentially would be asking for help. There are enough gigantic egos involved to float a battleship and precious few are offering genuine help and solutions or even allowing them to occur without criticism on whether they are happening in one’s own opinion “the right way.”
There is no RIGHT WAY. There is a spectrum of healthy and enriching parrot care, not ONE WAY, and the arrogance that assumes that it all must be done in ONE WAY is very destructive to the parrot community and to rescues that need help, and even more so to new parrots looking on in horror and fear at the severe judgment and cruel nature of some of these posts. Offer solutions and assistance and stop bickering about methods or pointing fingers. It’s tiresome.
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May 27, 2012 at 8:44 pm
Yes the landlord has responsibility,, why did not the volunteers foster at home before the HSUS came in? I’m sorry, from the videos I’d say WOTR did fail in keeping the birds in an appropriate environment……
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May 27, 2012 at 1:00 pm
(a hundred comments refers to the first WOTR post several days ago)
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May 27, 2012 at 1:05 pm
That was an excellent post today. Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed it very much.
Enjoy writing? Join Us Today!
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May 27, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Die, insincere ad. Die.
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May 27, 2012 at 2:28 pm
I haven’t had personal interaction with this group, but the bird people I know who were willing to give birds homes got the cold shoulder when talking to them over the phone. Like they had the birds, they wanted an exhorbitant price and no one was ever good enough to adopt. I don’t care if it’s true or not, but mention it because this is a public perception. When you can get bird for much less from a breeder, then maybe it’s time to lower the sale prices and raise money via other avenues to supplement vet care costs. And an attitude of trying to find homes instead of wanting to keep all the birds there will make a huge change in the flow of things.
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May 27, 2012 at 2:29 pm
Good article Patricia, however (don’t you just hate it when someone does that?) in order to start over, I believe the people involved need to start acknowleding the things that went wrong, were wrong and examine why they went wrong. Right now all I see is the supporters of WOTR blaming others (inluding false accusations against people who had nothing to do with the seizure, blaming the HSUS or whom ever for the roaches, including the planting of the roaches and blaming everything in the world but their own inadequate care of the birds). Second chance is fine, but in my book, you need to prove to me that you have earned it and acknowledge the fact that it is a SECOND chance.
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May 27, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Patricia this was good as many of your articals are.
Sad that you supporters don’t see it. Its simple patricia said they might make a come back sure that’s the plan but your all there now for wings where were you before. Do no blame the landlord on this. It took two days for them to find a new building and say they were all ready now let’s get our birds back. Your telling me that this case was being built over a year and you could not have move bull crap.
Look at the bigger picture here Deb had a free ride living off the birds and all she had to do was water and feed them oh yeah sweep the floor. Bird care is more than that. I seen this building and there was no room to isolate new birds coming in. They were not vetted as they should have been upon arrival. Even if the vet was free there needed to be proof for the 990. Also quit asking for money for vetting if it was free. I wanna see all the necropsies of the past dead birds?????? You don’t have them I checked with your so called free vet.
Ok how about the blood tests for all birds because you had two confirmed non isolated PDD birds in there. Yet you board peoples birds and expose them to this death. How about ABV testing I did not see rooms to seperate those birds? See you wanna sit here and praise this rescue for all the good they did than why did the board need to stir up thing about birds being put down by hsus if the birds were that bad than your loving wings failed the birds. Don’t get me started on casey!
Yes deb was feeding and watering and cleaning them but while she was playing facebook and asking for more donations to help her live there what kind of love did the bird get? How about play time for the ones who she never got out? Did they get worked with? Or better yet two conures on a cage one looked half dead because that place was killing her. Look at the bigger picture people. Your gonna help them right back into the same mouse, roach, bug, and stinking rat hole she had them in before only it might take a year or two. Its time for a change move on!
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May 27, 2012 at 5:05 pm
I have helped them, and many other reputable and responsible rescues! When my group raised funds for them, we didn’t get so much as a thank you. My group offered to come clean cages when she was in the hospital. A date was set and then we were put off indefinitely. Again, no acknowledgement from Ms Shell. 12 months later I paid a visit to WOTR and was saddened and disgusted with what I saw there. 2 1/2 years later, it’s apparent nothing changed there.
I know people who have bought baby birds there, at breeder prices AFTER her claim of stopping breeding in 2005. I know other groups who sent in toys for the WOTR birds only to have them put on the Retail rack! There are witnesses to seeing Macaws sitting on eggs in Dec 2011. Vet costs in 2010, less than $1500!! Recent reports from the hearings are stating less than $150 was spent on vet care in 2011. Hello! Does this not throw up red flags?! They posted ONE of Casey’s alleged vet bills and it was around $300 so where did everyone’s donations go that were sent in for Casey’s care? But I’m suppose to continue to offer WOTR money?!
I’ve always said she probably started out with good intentions, but just like an animal hoarder, they can’t see where they’re doing more harm than good. I really am sorry this happened to her but that’s where my empathy ends! To me, it’s not about whose right or wrong, it’s about taking care of the birds, which I, among many, MANY others, have and continue to do!
So many groups and businesses that represent the best interests of birds have stepped up, Parrot Posse, Crazy Bird Ladies, Parrot Toy Angels, D and M Bird Toys, Buddy’s Toys, Natural Inspirations Cages, Parrot Troopers and many many more!
Yes, it’s sad that to get this kind of help it takes shutting a place down but had all the places I just mentioned offered up before this happened, who truly would have benefited from our kindness. It didn’t do Casey any good, did it?
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May 27, 2012 at 10:24 pm
Do you really think WOTR should have let JA from parrot posse take her bird to the vet. Look what happened to poor phoenix when she offered to help, he was stolen and took across state lines and the poor owner has no idea if her bird is alive or dead . http://www.missingmacaw.com/missing-macaw.html
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May 28, 2012 at 6:48 am
Don’t start that. That dog don’t hunt. http://www.thelittlemacaw.com
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May 29, 2012 at 8:50 pm
The people offering to pay for, provide transportation for Casey and Deb Shell to the Avian Vet were people right there in Dayton, Ohio and the surrounding areas. I’m sure JA would have donated to the cause as well.
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May 29, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Seriously, there were local people begging to be allowed to help, including having Shell or another WOTR person accompany Casey to Dr Orosz while they drove, paid all expenses, and even paid the vet bill, despite all the money WOTR had already drummed up for Casey’s non-existent vetting. I’m always happy to help people, but that does not extend to driving 600-700 miles each way to take someone’s bird to the vet for them. Help was there, still more money was there, car, drivers, you name it…total strangers were begging Shell and WOTR to get Casey to a qualified avian vet rather than just taking the money, and telling people to light a candle for him instead. Nothing said here relies on rumor or hearsay: it all played out in public, though those who v begged Shell to do what needed to be done to save his life were deleted and banned one right after another.
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May 27, 2012 at 6:14 pm
As Bonnie said above, in order for there to be a fresh start, there has to be an acknowledgement of error/failure. That has not occurred in the case of WOTR; to the contrary, WOTR’s board and its supporters continue to blame everyone but themselves, continue to spin far fetched conspiracy theories. That is not a foundation on which a healthy rescue organization can be built.
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May 29, 2012 at 5:51 am
and so I believe you have gotten the essence of the last blog……
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May 27, 2012 at 6:23 pm
I admire your open mindedness and the non-judgmental tone of your post, and I agree that the supporters of WOTR should continue to help parrots, since clearly that is a passion of theirs. However, perhaps you should look at the public finances available to anyone (or published online now in various places) for WOTR, as they took in over 100,000 last year. Other rescues with the same number of birds and far, far, far better care (going on birds food, at the very least, not to mention vet care and buildings) can keep their parrots for far less. I have certainly seen plenty of pleas for funding and heard of fundraising events for WOTR over the years, and I live no where near there. I think the problem may be a bit deeper. I do hope the best for all involved, most importantly the parrots.
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May 27, 2012 at 9:40 pm
I wasn’;t there when HSUS stepped in, but I trust the people that I know that were on the ground. Watching the comments made by Sher on “TV -Whoo hoo”, I had to laugh…Deborah has recently posted on how she is angry and only concerned with/wants to talk to etc, 2 birds but she won’t address anyone else other than saying she’s homeless and staying with friends… So, as reported, she’s been living in this mice/roach infested place.
No, I do not believe she should get “her” birds back.. Why should they suffer any more than they already have.
Yes, I do believe there’s a need in Dayton for a bird rescue organization. No, I don’t believe it should be WOTR.
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May 28, 2012 at 8:53 am
wow patricia thanks for trying to post in a rational way and for Judith Archer you need to check out Barb Chance Vagg and why is the monroe county humane society investigating her ? why did she shut down her rescue and why did she not let authorities in her house to look around is it because she moved all of her so called rescue birds to her house and now she is a hoarder? sorry i just cannot see why some people on here are being so nasty to WOTR when most of you have never stepped foot in the place and yeah we all really know that the government of this country always tells the truth huh especially government agencys , give me a break thanks patricia for trying to calmly point out how the sittuation can be calmly solved . I think everyone is forgetting that these birds were badly damaged before deb ever got them , do i know this for a fact ?, yes Im proud to say I do and would testify in court to such .. and all of you nay sayers need to stop posting threats to the supporters of WOTR . That is going way too far .
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May 29, 2012 at 8:47 pm
I have no idea why you think I should be checking out Barbara Chance Vagg, or what that has to do with the birds formerly at WOTR. As for threats, the only threat I have seen was from an extremely vocal WOTR supporter who posted a photo of himself with a high-powered weapon and ranted about HSUS saying that “Dollars don’t stop bullets.” Nice try at overall deflection, but look to cleaning house and controlling crazies closer to home.
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May 28, 2012 at 1:25 pm
So, Patricia, all the WONDERFUL photos in this blog were taken at BEST FRIENDS in Utah I assume? Certainly not at Wings over the Rainbow Bridge?
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May 28, 2012 at 1:50 pm
All of the photos were taken by me withe exception of the last photo of the T-shirt. I provided a link to that source. The first is my neighbor Nan’s Quaker who was at least 34 years old at the time. The second was at a Fort Lauderdale bird shop called “Chippy the Pirate.” 3rd shot was at Best Friends. 4th was at the Houston Parrot Festival. the 5th shot of the sandhill crane I took in the back yard of my friend, Lynn’s house in Port St. Lucie. The beadwork was shot at the Houston Parrot Festival.
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May 28, 2012 at 2:25 pm
was that reference really necessary,,, the claws need to be clipped, or even removed..
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May 28, 2012 at 5:14 pm
I find it sad and disheartening that many people have “picked” and “chosen” which part of Patricia’s blog they choose to read and respond to. Take a step back, read it, not just skim it. She isn’t advocating giving the birds back to the current members of WOTR. That is obvious in the blog. What she is advocating is finding a way to keep a rescue in an area that apparently has the need.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat myself……if we are going to take care of these magnificent creatures, we have to bond together, not keep knocking each other down. It is becoming more and more obvious that there are many situations in our country that need help. How do we help? Become a united voice for the care and well-being of these Parrots.
And as for those who believe that Judith Archer is the “enemy”…..I’m sorry (not really), but I can report personally, and with knowledge that she has sacrificed her life for the care and enrichment of these parrots. She has ONE AGENDA…..keep the birds safe, happy and healthy.
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May 28, 2012 at 5:41 pm
I think it’s obvious that there’s a need for a rescue in that area – heck, there’s a need for more, better funded, rescues almost everywhere in this country. The problem with WOTR going on under new management/leadership is that it’s questionable that will happen. I’m assuming that this is a 501(c)(3) with a self perpetuating board of directors, rather than a membership organization. That means that the current board will select any new board members. Since neither the current board (nor the core group of supporters) has acknowledged that anything was done wrong (everyone other than WOTR’s leadership was apparently at fault), it seems unlikely anything will change. If the people currently at the heart of WOTR can’t admit anything was wrong, why would they resign in favor of someone who would take the organization in a better direction?
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May 29, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Heidrun….you very well may know more or have better experience or insight than I, but as I’ve seen there is NO SUCH thing as smaller fish to fry as far as the IRS is concerned. That rings more true when it comes to 501C3’s. Anyone that operates under those assumptions may just be in for a wake-up-call one day. Follow the IRS pubs and just see how many 501C3’s have had their status revoked.
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May 29, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Most of those revocations are automatic revocations for failure to file their 990’s for three consecutive years. The IRS doesn’t audit very many based on complaints, unless the complaints are accompanied by substantial proof.
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May 28, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Janet, see the post immediately below for an example of what I’m talking about.
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May 29, 2012 at 5:59 am
I get it, and yes, more than likely they may lose their 501C3 if evidence finds funds were not managed in accordance with IRS standards. The whole point is UNITE. We need to develop standards that are more than just having a 501C3 to run and operate a rescue/Sanctuary.
It must be run as a BUSINESS. Plain and simple. Love and caring for the birds doesn’t get them the help they need.
Strategic planning, STRONG oversight, accreditation, accountability……these things (as in what BF does and PL does) will ensure the viability and longevity of the entity.
When I say WE…….those of us that want the best for the birds. Not everyone is cut out to manage a business. And yes, this IS a business along with everything else it does.
We must find a way to develop a collective voice so these situations become the oddity and not the NORM.
Everyone can help if we just pull it together. Let’s face it, WOTR is in the hands of the officials and some well intentioned people. We can’t change what has happened. BUT….we can change what will happen going forward.
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May 29, 2012 at 10:45 am
Oh, I doubt that they will lose their 501(c)(3) status – this is really a small potatoes organization as far as the IRS is concerned, and even if every dime of contributions went into private pockets instead of toward the organization’s tax exempt mission, the IRS has bigger fish to fry.
What I was trying to say is that any assumption that WOTR will go forward under new leadership is flawed – that could only happen if the current leadership decided to hand the reins over to an entirely different set of people. And that is unlikely to happen, since both the current leadership and the core group of supporters are apparently firmly convinced that nothing has gone wrong in the management of the organization, that this has all been a giant conspiracy against them, and that God will cause them to prevail.
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May 28, 2012 at 5:23 pm
this is an awesome artical Patricia Sund! and so much of it rings true:) the supporters of WOTR r scrapy, proud willing to fight tooth and nail for what they KNOW IS RIGHT:) and most importantly: deb WILL recover her birds and she will continue to do what she has been doing for years… being the saving angel these parrots need:) some people are not in touch with reality and want to continue to say things like “she should only be allowd to volunteer” and “blah blah new board of directors blah”.. well. the thing is… deb had the heart to MAkE THIS HAPPEN for these parrots. and the people who cared the most are what the board consists of. doesnt make much sense to take their own organization from them if you are a logically thinking person with their feet on the ground. (sorry debbie-downers, but u all seem a little spacey.)
being one of the people who was an declared an acceptable adopter by deb herself, i can attest that you will not walk out of the rescue after BUYING a bird on the first, second or even third date. if you want to ADOPT a companion who can live for 80+ years, deb will make sure that you will do what it takes. you will have to come in and hang out and acquire knowlege about the parrot you say you want. you will also have to show you have researched the bird and prove that you have a vet on call who can treat a parrot. you will have to talk about your home and personal life and job. and if u wont do all of those things, you can hit the road Jack! and thats the way it should be. no one else EVER did that for any of those poor birds </3 God Bless Deb & WOTR:) i have so much faith that they will prevail!!
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May 28, 2012 at 5:41 pm
Love this article Patricia Sund, so many things ring true:)) WOTR supporters are scrappy, proud and will fight tooth and nail for what they KNOW IS RIGHT! Deb WILL be reunited with her birds and will continue to do what she has done for many years… be a saving angel for many parrots and birds in hopeless, desperate need with nothing to offer<3 Some people are commenting that she should "only be allowed to volunteer" or "there should be a new board of directors". Its hard to respond to this because it makes no sense! Remove the one who had the heart to do all of the work and replace the people who care enough to be involved? Id be interested to know these peoples IQs lol!
As one of the people deemed an acceptable adopter by Deb herself… i can tell you a few things about the process. You WILL NOT leave with a parrot that you BOUGHT on the first, second or even third visit to the store. If you want to ADOPT a companion that may live 80+ years you will go in and hang out at the rescue. You will have to prove you have a vet who specializes in avian vet care. Your will acquire knowledge about the parrot you are interested in CARING FOR (not looking at in a cage). You will be asked info about your home, work hours, kids and personal life. And if you dont want to answer the questions and jump through the hoops… YOU CAN HIT THE ROAD (without a bird)! Thats exactly the way it should be in my opinion!! People who are willing to prove they will do what it takes have no problem meeting those standards:)
I hope more people see what you see Patricia:)) I have faith that Deb and the parrots will prevail<3
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May 29, 2012 at 10:24 am
I am confused, Christina Spradlin. How about standards of husbandry and hygiene? Quality of feed? Veterinary care? Weren’t these in Mrs. Shell’s checklist for potential adopters? What were these standards that WOTR set for otherswhen they could not seem to give the same to the birds in their care. Prayer is not enough. Love is not enough.
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May 28, 2012 at 6:27 pm
“They want this rescue to not only survive, but to thrive.” I just wanted to comment that I’m not entirely sure this is the case with the WOTR supporters. From what I’ve seen on their FB page, they don’t seem to believe there was any problem at all. That’s what has shocked me most. They seem to think everything was perfectly fine as it was.
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May 28, 2012 at 11:34 pm
OMG! And people wonder why I have disassociated myself with the Avian Community.
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May 29, 2012 at 9:33 am
Amen Christina , it just amazes me how people who have never talked to deb or even met her for that matter can say what she was doing or should be doing , Deb will get the birds back and she will thrive and so will the birds minus the five and probably more the humane society has managed to murder (euthnizing is still murder ) . Fly free my little ones that flying with Jesus now . I have God on my side and so does WOTR . When God is for us no one can be against us . God is good and WOTR will come out victorious . WOTR is a god send and certainly needed in the community . WOTR will prevail .
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May 29, 2012 at 9:54 am
C. Thompson, the birds were not euthanized.
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May 29, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Oh please, could you just LEAVE God out of the claims of support? No birds were euthanized: that said, euthaniasia, is sometimes the “kind death”‘ most of us would wish for ourselves. (And hey, wasn’t God supposed to save Casey for you, since he works for free, and that way WOTR could just keep all the money deeply concerned and caring people sent for his no0existent vet care?) What i saw happen with Casey was, frankly, enough for me to say there was something very, very wrong with WOTR. The laws meant to protect animals may be so weak that WOTR gets these poor birds back, but as others have noted, they don’t think they did anything wrong and we will w all know, looking at WOTR and Doug Ratcliff, th t you can do whatever you want with parrots in Ohio, and no one will touch you.
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June 2, 2012 at 8:37 am
How do you know God is on your side? Did you get a text or an IM?? Perhaps God sent the HSUS and the GDHS to save those birds from WOTR? Perhaps a WOTR “insider” dropped that dime to the authorities. After reading all the “supporter” posts I fear you all have been drinking the kool-aid. Quite cult-like…….
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June 1, 2012 at 8:06 pm
To Thompson and Spradlin: Hate to burst your bubbles, saw the place before and after. There’s nothing like having a flood of roaches run at you when you turn over a stand. And how about more roaches and even a mouse being moved into storage during the clean up? I have no doubt that Deb and the WOTR supporters care ABOUT birds, but caring about something and being able to actually care FOR something is an entirely different matter. Plain and simple the place was filthy and you know it. Watch the WHIO video about the horde of roaches looking for a new meal ticket.
And yes she was still breeding birds, she offered to sell me a baby about a year ago…….
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August 7, 2012 at 8:40 pm
Bob:
The very concept that WOTR has insufficient funds is the result of a finely crafted non-truth. There are Board member’s with ready assets in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is simply a conscious decision to keep the money for other purposes.
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August 7, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Seriously John? They have hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets yet they had to beg monthly for donations to keep the lights on and the birds fed? Let’s not forget ask for donations for vet care for birds like Casey. Sitting on a fortune but allowed the birds to live among disease infested rodents and roaches and denying the birds frequent and proper vet care. If your claim is true then they should be ashamed of themselves for being selfish and allowing the abuse and neglect that they state these birds came from, to continue in their alleged rescue and their fist-full of money hands!
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August 9, 2012 at 11:46 pm
Seriously! Patrick knows exactly what I’m referring to. She knows what the assets are, how much they’re worth, where they are and more specifically, how they were acquired. For her to claim anything else is simply a continuation of the “non-truth”. There is a board member who has a past history to “LIE” when it’s “not in (their) best interest to tell the truth”.
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August 9, 2012 at 7:46 pm
John…you really have no basis in fact for your statement.
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August 10, 2012 at 3:26 pm
John is my ex-husband. What more can I say? Harassment.
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August 15, 2012 at 11:31 pm
It saddened me when WOTR closed. Deb seemed to love the birds, and everytime I visited, volunteers were feeding birds and cleaning cages. The facility appeared clean to me, but there was just a terrible din due to the large number of birds. Deb trimmed my cockatoo’s nails and wings once, but I never took him back, again, because the noise of all the birds frightened him. Deb gave me good advice on bird training, that I greatly appreciated. I believe that Deb and the volunteers meant well, they just tried to help too many birds, and it got out of control.
People need to research animals before they acquire them so there will not be so many relinquished pets. If pet owners took care of their pets (or did not acquire pets on a whim) there would be less need for rescue organizations.
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