Degeneres... legitimate or ridiculous?

I really enjoy and like Ellen Degeneres. Her comedy makes my howl, I love her politics and totally enjoy her as an entertainer and a person.

I love animals, consider them part of the family and encourage responsible pet ownership.

But to use her status as a forum to bawl about the bad behavior of an animal shelter in taking this puppy back made me shake my head in amazement.

This just seemed so bizarre. With the various multitude of problems and issues to be discussed out there, what a waste of time. Not to mention that this particular animal shelter is now receiving death threats.

I mean come on people...have we lost our minds?

Just ridiculous.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x7041249

Do we remember when Stephanie Miller had to take some time-off when her dog died? And how she cried for days afterward? And everyone here-- except for one person with a severe case of dickishness-- stood behind her?

I don't hold Ellen responsible.

I accuse her of being human.

I am not sure what that means. Of course she is responsible for what she does. The question is one of judgement. Do I blame her for feeling this way? No, it is a sad situation. My question is does it deserve the level of insanity she has given it to make it an issue on primetime t.v. and the media circus that has followed it.

"Hi, I'm Ellen. I'm sad. Please, go forth and rape, pillage and kill in my name."

Uhm...

No.

her viewers insane behavior but I hold her responsible for putting such drivel out on the airways. And her responsibility in this case would be to call for rational adult thinking and responsibility from her viewers on her next show.

I'll even help you round-up audience members from a nearby methadone clinic.

from people who simply disagree. "methadone clinic"? your point?

Not a personal insult.

I tell ya...so hard to read intention from the wriiten language. CAn't tell tone, nuance, body language. My bad.

"I am totally responsible for this." (I think she was talking about the original issue not all the sequelae.)

As for the publicity, yes, it is excessive but there is huge corporate power behind her show and they have big interests in keeping her show popular. They also have the means to fight back. (Sigh)What else do we expect...

:shrug:

Anybody care to post the crib notes on what the OP is talking about?

emotional on her show, it's hers and she has that right. But when this is covered as a major news story, that's when I think it gets into the bizarre. It's like covering Brittney or Anna Nicole Smith. A 'personality' has a problem, and that is considered news? Not to me. x(

about. Hell, it is her show and she certainly has a perogative on what she discusses, but it just seems so strange and bizarre to me.

That's his tabloid crapola coverage.

Stars and their pets. :shrug:

however people who are sending death threats to the shelter are crazy.

boundries, in a couple of areas.

and I am a fan of hers.

work this out before it turned into a 3 ring circus.

Humans sure act ridiculous

when parents fostering a baby for nine months asked to be the adoptive parents when the biological mother gave up her parental rights. The agency fought it tooth and nail even though it was a wonderful home, the only home this baby had ever known, and obviously in the best interest of the child. The family went to court, fought the agency and its "rules" and won. The idea is to put the adopted one's interest before all other things.

a child are not the same thing regardless of who assigns such meaning. We have now crossed over into bizarro world, please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for landing.

reasoning and empathy to visualize the issues of "ownership and who is in charge of what" and maybe you might get the point.

does not make it so. I empathize totally that is not the issue. I can feel her sadness and disappointment, but what I cannot understand is the behavior. Just because you feel something does not justify the total magnification of a bad situation.

work out. The adopter, a good person, finds a really good solution rather than returning the adopted one to an agency married to "rules". The agency wields its power rather than humanely looking at the situation and doing what is right for the individuals involved (just check out the new home, duh). It happens with animals and it happens with people. When we lose sight of rational humanity for "rights", what do we have? This was a thwarted power trip by an agency and the reason it is arousing so much feeling is that we have all been there one way or another and it is disheartening when we see it happening again.

I have never dismissed the beauracratic muddle and insensitivity of this agency and tend to agree with you. I am criticizing the ridiculous display of irrationality of Ellen and all of the "drama" around a disappointing and sad situation. But when I look at the state of the world, the horrors that are talked about daily on this message board, the overmagnification of this small issue seems to pale in comparison to the real struggles of human beings.

Now if you are going to travel into the realm of relativism regarding judging one person's disappointment and sadness as being worthy as someone else's then I have to entirely disagree. The horrors of Darfur, the rape of thousands of girls in the Congo, sex slavery in far East and the plight of monks of Myanmar absolutely DWARF Ellen's ludicrous upset.

serious issue?

It's just a nonsense chit chat show.

have to work hard to find appropriate homes and apparently the new home wasn't appropriate. This isn't about a power trip as far as I can see but avoiding putting small dogs in homes where they could get hurt.

It's not uncommon to violate these kind of contracts - but if you get caught, you get caught.

The agency has a legitimate reason for its approach, even if the outcome is sometimes ridiculously bureaucratic.

But, because every bad thing had already happened, we were very careful about stipulations in our contract and we did a home inspection because we knew what the pitfalls are and because people lie like rugs, lol.

I'm sure Ellen feels badly and now there's two kids who feel badly, too. What a shame.

the whole thing blew up. Had she just kept the dog in a crate all day, she would have been okay. Or if she had an unaltered dog that dropped a litter every few months and gave the pups away willy nilly, she was would have been within the law.

It's just a fact of life that sometimes the best intentioned systems sometimes have the effect opposite of what is desired.

is that she nor her people called the rescue group first. I was always getting calls about just these situations. Usually we could work it out and sometimes, the animal was returned to us. I don't remember a case where someone gave the adopted animal to a third party without being cleared because our contract also very clearly said that was a no-no.

What I found, too, is that people aren't aware of the potential dangers to an animal in their home. They are comfortable and they overlook features of that comfortable environment that can be a hazard -- like living on a third floor with a balcony and having the sliding door open for fresh air, that kind of thing.

Just like the people who don't understand the point of screening to begin with.

thinking that the animal shelter was being far too rigid in its thinking. They COULD say, "OK, she broke the rule but now we have a situation of affection with 2 kids and a family very broken up about it. Let's do a thorough investigation of their ablity to care for the animal and if they are OK then let the dog stay." I don't see why that isn't a legitimate compromise. Can you see why not?

couldn't wait for the system to work. :thumbsdown: Again, I hope the shelter sues her butt and she has to file for bankruptcy using her coveted American Express Card. :evilgrin:

can turn you off. You make a good point, up to a point. I don't think her emotionality should be the basis of impoverishing her in a lawsuit. She wasn't guilty of animal abuse and I don't believe she was in any way responsible IF ABC officials did threaten the dog shelter on their own. And I truly don't dislike her because she has an American Express card...

more spoiled. No, I didn't dislike her ... until this incident. Now I even hate her American Express Card. ;)

It's like my mother ... If she admires and track on a certain celebrity, they could commit murder in front of her eyes and it still wouldn't be their fault. :eyes:

as I have never disputed the stupidity and rigidity of the shelter. Here they had an incredible opportunity to come out smelling like roses on the issue and probably walk away with a huge donation. They were far too inflexible but that aspect of the situation was never the issue with me.

It was the ludicrous display of bawlery and the coverage by the MSM that it has garnered that frustrates me.

Elle was upset and bawled on her show. I don't have an issue with that one way or another.

But the attention paid to it is the real fuck up.

charged responses to things other people can take in their stride. I have always felt that her humor has a dark side, that she has fought many demons in her life and has developed a comic strategy to keep herself sane. The sad thing is that many, many artists suffer from results of psychological trauma and with Ellen, this may be a manifestation.

Sorry to sound like an armchair therapist, it is merely my own lifelong observation/study of the lives of artists and the demons they fought. Just look at the recent book on how depressed Charles Schultz was even as he was delighting people with "Peanuts."

but ultimately I think she made a bad call in acting so out of control about a sad but appropriately "small" situation, that is all I am saying.

I don't want to throw her under the bus as I am a fan but when one of my admirants (word?) acts weird, strangely or irrationaly, I don't have a problem pointing it out without having to defend it.

This incident just demonstrates how one's emotional attachment to a performer can color one's thinking about a factual situation. And I am referring to myself as much as to anyone!

You are right, she should have been calmer and seen that the "better part of wisdom" would be to work behind the scenes to find a way for the shelter to be satisfied that the dog was OK and the adoption, albeit a violation of the rules, could be worked out with the family.

But, more's the pity, human beings often don't follow rationality in their decision making (I can testify to that myself, having made disastrous decisions I came to regret in moments of panic).

I see the same thing in politics. If someone has a candidate or an actor or an entertainer that they like admire, etc, when that person acts ridiculous, the vast amount of excuses for their behavior are multitude. The lesbians defend her for her sexuality, the animal rights people see the poor dog, the grieving see loss and the pain of the children, the anti capitalists see some corporate abuse and all seem willing to defend her overblown dramatic appeal. It really is quite funny the nature of the responses I got from this.

This spoiled celebrity couldn't, like the rest of us mere mortals, "make the system work" by MERELY eating a little humble pie and hiring a certified dog trainer as an "go between."

Nope, poor dear Ellen was upset - and because she's used to getting her way, she defaulted to a behavior that, in the past, proved instant gratification, i.e., she went national. Ellen gives the thoughtful celebrities who try to fly under the Media-Circus radar (whether successful or not) a bad name. Ain't that a hoot? :eyes:

Hey Ellen, perhaps the following may be a solution to your future K-9 adoption dilemmas? :wow: :crazy:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2065514&mesg_id=2065802

for your words...they are a balm in a sea of irrationality on this topic.

and "I'll see you on the Dark Side of the Moon." :hug:

I'd rather sincere tears from Ellen; then a howling banshee like AC or that shrew, Elizabeth on the View.

I hope they sue Ellen's sincere (spoiled!) ass for everything she's got. :evilgrin:

Can we say reckless malicious behavior? Whether unwitting or not, if anyone is physically harmed from this agency due to Ellen's public tantrum/tirade, she is AT FAULT.

No worries, Ellen can pay for *damages* with her American Express Card. :spray: :P

:eyes:

How would you like a "celebrity of your choice" to have a little tantrum about YOU on national TV? At some point these spoiled celebrities must show some common sense and personal maturity. :shrug:

I can't understand ANYONE who honestly thinks that it is "ok" to go on national television and smear a NON-PUBLIC (volunteers) entity because it doesn't meet your personal agenda. The fact that she used her show as a "platform" for such a smear, indicates to me - Ellen shouldn't have a show.

:(

You'd be OK with that? Because ya know, most of us have to "follow channels" and can't reach out to our fan base for celebrity justice. :shrug:

If it's not slander what else do you want?

now have to watch their backs (literally) lest they be physically assaulted.

No matter who's mainly to blame - it's just tragic. :(

was the victim. There's a spoiled celebrity who couldn't be bothered to work within the system.

But it's not her fault of some nut harasses the capitol police - it's the fault of the nut.

she couldn't be bothered to wear her pin like everyone is required to do.

The only way the analogy doesn't hold is that Ellen at least took responsibility, while Cynthia blamed others.

But in the end, the electorate took care of it. See? There is some accountability.

I'm amazed that the good officer didn't TAZE her ass!

Now can we thoughtfully give it a rest?

I'm "a punk" and you're a seemingly "law and order" sort of guy. The two don't mix. :hi:

a-okay for you.

As we knew.

as a person going on national TV and giving out personal information about another. :shrug:

Gawd, you are coming across like an "I love authority" and "celebrity" kind of guy. :crazy:

it's just that there was much more going on IMO than a simple "assault" on that officer.

We again - disagree.

If you just wanted to use this sub-thread to insult me, you've accomplished your lauded goal. :shrug:

Private - not for public broadcasting.

BTW you really are impressing the hell out of me now. :eyes:

Thanks for disproving your own silly claims

I told you several (thousand) messages back that I was NOT knowledgeable on "the law."
You don't have to use my lack of legal prowess as a "blunt force object" to figuratively beat my person about the thread. Well, perhaps you do?

Catch ya later, slick? :shrug:

:hippie: :hug:

"This spoiled celebrity couldn't, like the rest of us mere mortals, "make the system work" by MERELY eating a little humble pie and hiring a certified dog trainer as an 'go between.'"

That's not anal-retentive, nor authoritarian in the least. All this could have easily been averted, by getting a "go between."

Hey, it's my opinion. And no, I've said up-teen-thousand times that McKinney was NOT without sin.

If you honestly wish to discuss this like mature adults, kindly PM me?

Your double standards and willingness to pontificate on matters you know nothing about are again confirmd.

Thanks!

;) :hi:

about the question of "prosecutorial discretion" here. What he has to say ought to be interesting...

I've had people challenge my personal life on this board and it's seriously unnerving.

I can only imagine "the fear" of those women who work at that Pet Adoption Agency of some crazed Ellen fan assaulting them for "hurting the feelings of their heroine." :scared: I honestly hope that no one gets physically harmed because Ellen gave out their contact information on national television.

Yes, again please PM me if you have the time ... let us all know with a thread too?

fans as being vicious minded people. If anything, they seem to be open minded, liberal, left of center types who are quite the opposite of zealots roused to hate. They also seem to be deeply respectful of her as a gay woman. Of course, you never know whose twisted mind is watching but aroused to threaten violence over an issue with a dog adoption????

I just did email my son and I truly would like to know his take on this. As a prosecutor, he would (I imagine)have to take evidence (in large amounts!) as a criteria for busting her on incitement to violence charges. That seems to me to be quite a stretch in this case.

I will let you know, and I am sorry you had to suffer from personal attacks while at DU. That should never happen in our community...

:hi:

:shrug:

they don't like what I do, well that's just plain wrong.
But thanks for your concern. ;)

she has done that at least once before (maybe more).

It seems perfectly appropriate given her show for her to talk about this as she did.

why do people keep thinking I don't think she had a RIGHT to do what she wants on her showj, of course she does...NOT THE ISSUE.

I am talking about someone whom I respect behaving like a spoiled, irrational tool on national t.v. who took an issue and blew it totally out of proportion.

daytime show.

It's just a chit chat and puff piece show. Of course she's not going to cover Darfur. She's gong to talk about a dog.

... a gently stewed turnip for her to MENTION all this agency's contact information and NOT THINK, for one brief moment, that some of her fans may "slip over the edge" and harm these people?

If she can't be sued, it's wrong. If she can be sued, I hope they clean her out. IMO, it's blatantly reckless to *OUT* such information on national television because you're a celebrity who is used to instant gratification. :(

It's not reckless, however, and there is no legitimate basis for her to be held responsible for the actions of some nut or nuts.

to act out on her behalf, then she's one of the most clueless humans on this earth. It's a wonder she can feed and dress herself. :(

and I don't. :-)

Perhaps you are a legal genius, I'm only expressing my take on common sense. However, your learned opinion is always welcome but not taken as gospel. :hi:

address this egregious action. I think that she should lose everything (a la SnF) and then she should be renditioned. Send her ass to Syria nd lets see what she thinks about animal rights and all that other pinko BS after about 5-6 weeks of waterboarding, sleep deprivation, food deprivation, etc. We'll see just what her celebrity does for her after that. She is evil and must be dealt with. Horrible woman!!!

:sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm:

ShortNFeiry says he/she was 'benign' about Ellen and her celebrity before this, but it sounds to me like he/she was way down this road before this incident.

:eyes:

Words can not describe how vile it is for people to disrespect VOLUNTEERS who give of their time and money to help K9s find loving homes.

Yes, it ain't popular, but I do hope Ellen gets sued. :shrug:

shelter a significant number of cats waiting for 'good' homes.

of you. No, I think what Ellen did was wrong. You're welcome to disagree but I think some of you are getting into the "belittling mode." :shrug:

for the dog that is a good fit. MOVE ON to the other 10 billion dogs in shelters that need homes.

but , re: ellen, i think the problem is not that she found a home for the dog she adopted and then gave up. i think the problem is that she broke the contract and now is using her chair (power) whatever and histrionic tears to get her way ... and because there are so many issues with power and control these days ... i think someone is trying to hold her to account.

demanding contracts be honored in order to maximize the success of an pet adoption. :eyes:

Cool! Not unlike "authority figures" - "certain celebrities" can do anything without recourse.

Got it. ;)

like Ellen and I do think that contracts are important. However, After watching all of the available footage on this issue, the woman from the 'shelter' handled this in a way that seemed to be somewhat self-aggrandizing and innapropriate. I bet that she now wishes that she had indeed done what she said she was at the home to do - inspect it to see if it met their standards. She clearly went there with a different agenda and the ones that paid were the two little girls. There is certainly enough blame to go around for this 'tempest in a teapot'.
I also think that Ellen's mea culpa seemed sincere.


And BTW, it has been my experience with my felines (and my dogs - I have two as well) that cats can be every bit as time consuming as dogs.

particular breed of dog needs. They are so "in love" with the breed (or in this case, their rescue efforts) that their vetting may come across as pure arrogance. Some of it may be, but they do LOVE those K9's and want to find them a loving home - above all else. :shrug:

It's not for me to judge, but just perhaps the woman whom you think is self-aggrandizing may have *a valid reason* for not wanting to place this pet OR vet this family?

That's the problem with a blow-up that goes public, we'll probably never get the straight story and all these tragedies (all sides) could have easily been avoided.

but I'd venture to add keeping your Old English Sheepdog in full coat is one awesome gig. :wow:



Forgive me, I'm totally a dog person. :blush:

I don't dislike cats - just haven't ever owned one.

regarding cats. However, my partner is a huge cat person and I relented and then became one myself. Cats are as interesting as dogs in different ways. I love my dogs and I love my cats for different reasons - the animals however, seem to make no distinctions. Many of the cats we have had for a while have adopted one of our poodles as their surrogate mother and she loves them seemingly as her own. Also, cats (which have been lumped together as one group so often) are as varied in their personalities as dogs . We have cats that fetch and play and hermit cats that we never see until feeding time; cats that follow you around for attention and cats that hide.
I think maybe you should give one a chance - it will change your opinion, I think; as well as giving one a chance at life. If you live close to Austin, I have a couple in mind. ;-)

It's tragic that my dogs can't live forever, but I will PM you when I get the desire to truly commit to adopting a feline. It may be soon and, in the past, I've always adopt from people *I know* love their dogs ... almost as nutty as I am with regard to zeal and daily walks, etc.

Thank you - I don't live close but I'll at least touch base via PM to get your best advice.

My friend's husband is allergic to everything, therefore, they drove from NoVA to New York State to pick up (and pay mega-bucks!) a pure bred Siberian. I cat sit for her over the summer for a couple of weeks and really enjoyed the experience.

Yes, cats have their charm or perhaps I'm just getting sentimental and less macha bravada in my old age?

Thanks. :hi:

But now I think Ellen sucks pond-water. Perhaps she'll out my PERSONAL INFORMATION too by mentioning my dislike on this message board? :P

tightly enough, IYKWIM.

you dont know how deep her connection or involvement may be with that family she gave the dog too....

the sad disappointing situation this was, but rather the immense power given to a situation that did not have to be turned into a made for tv irrational drama.

Damn I miss the 70s! :hippie:

Have a good one buddy. :hi:

...that you long for a time when dogs were worth more than gay people (Ellen)?

I hope I don't have this kind of trouble with a shelter I'm trying to adopt from now. Sounds like you people are your love and interests in animals turn into a human hatred zealotry.

How sad (and not very liberal) not to trust people.

Wow! That's a really low blow. Truth is, I have not ever watched Ellen's show and I detest chat/gossip venues on television. Perhaps the woman for the Pet Rescue agency was too brusque and could have given Ellen some options for the family to be vetted?

Any dispute clearly has two sides. Because of my background I'll admit to being inordinately sympathetic to the "Dog Rescue Volunteers." I don't recall claiming that I'm the model of objectivity - but just giving my opinion.

Ellen's sexual orientation doesn't fit into this argument in any way, shape or form. That was a low blow buddy.

Yes, I'm prejudice in favor of these volunteers who have a thankless task. That doesn't mean that they could not have been more accommodating by thoughtfully explaining their policies to Ellen.

However, my bottom line is that these women are now "in fear" for their lives. Noting that many talented people have "personal issues" (depression perhaps), maybe Ellen did not mean for this to get out of hand. But in my not so humble opinion, I think it's vile to *go national* about a private dispute. Especially when the offending party is a "charity/volunteer organization."

Now, I know from reading all the input from Ellen's fans, that this act was not intended as malicious, but it still works out to putting people's lives at risk to the whims of crazed celebrity fan stalkers. :shrug:

p.s. The reference to "The 70s" was a desire to return to the good old protest days. I was in junior high and basically behaved my bad self but the High Schoolers were excellent about defying authority and walked out of classes on several days in protest of the Vietnam War. Yes, I miss the days when MOST, at least young people (under 30) thought it was COOL to challenge almost anything. Today, it seems like the only "cool things" are "bread and circuses" of reality shows and celebrity gossip, "not question anything" ... Oh! I almost forgot: Go Shopping! :rofl:

The right wing came under fire (especially hate radio and Focus on the Family's change from gay-straight "Love Won Out" campaign) after Matthew Sheppard was killed in 1998. That some of the rhetoric had incited those two thuigs to kill him, and Gary Bauer was certainly looking rather defensive when all that came out. They cooled their anti-gay hate after that...at least until the 2000 campaign.

I don't watch Ellen's show, but I find it hard to believe she would have a nasty streak in her like Dobson and Fatwell did, but it is an interesting question. Should those who use a megaphone to spew personal laundry or hate be left off the hook, when someone else take the next step?

I guess she just let something "get to her."

Just kind of sad all the way around.

Thanks again and I hope you have a good evening. :hi:

whether it was made into that or not...

i mean honestly

my first thought was 'poor ellen'
and then i moved on.

so to dwell on something like this ....

Time to do my chores. :hi:

It was more an observation question from the original post but due to the overwhelmingly amount of excuses, justifications and elaborate equally irrational responses I got, I felt the need to respond.

"and our baggage" put in our opinions on this issue.

Although I hope and pray that no one is assaulted, perhaps Ellen is not such a bad soul or celebrity entertainer after all? :blush: :hi:

The rescue lady threatened Ellen. She said I will call the cops and I will get the media involved. I personally heard a woman in charge of a rescue org playing high stakes bitch.

Ellen used what she had. Her audience and explained to them what she believe happened and how she wanted the dog to go the kids of a hairdresser. I looked for Mutts and Moms yesterday and the whole web page was pulled off the internet. I personally have no problem with it. I also had interview with a control power nutty bitch to adopt out of animal control. Animal control where they killed dogs every Saturday. However with lots of push we did get the dog but had to work around that nut. Bambi lived to a rip ole age.

Now I buy my dogs. I don't ever want to run into another nut like that again. I say go for it Ellen. She feels bad for those kids of her hairdresser. I think those kids are worth fighting for.

blood, sweat and tears to finding rescue animals a loving home.

Nope, PssT! Wanna buy one of these models below from a sequestered location? You'll find no strings here - strictly cash and carry. :wow:




God Bless Ellen for putting those selfish volunteers for pet rescue in their place. :patriot:

Such good news that they've probably been force to shut down and more K9s can get euthanized because the average consumer buys their pups from puppy mills or yer local pet shop. :sarcasm:

I guess the shelter lady did NOT read Sun Tzu's "The Art Of War."

She chose the wrong battlefield, for certain.

pet adoption first. Don't they realize that it's "all for the children", specifically Ellen's ego and the children of the family she dumped the dog on. :crazy:

Damn those do-gooders who don't "go for the throat" and come-in with the team for the big win. :P

p.s. But what can we expect from <snicker> VOLUNTEERS? If these people were any good at pet adoption business, well they'd be getting paid the big bucks. :crazy:

seems to be lost on some power trip.

I like her a lot and I am a compassionate person, but I kind of cringed when she lost it over this so publicly.

But....I have to admit that I probably would have done the same, because I wear my heart on my sleeve like that myself. :blush:

Oh well, at least she cares and hasn't turned all fake and hollywood on us. :shrug:



That said, I think the adoption agency is full of sh*t and should have handled this with some delicacy and some compassion themselves.

I really hope they wake up so that she can get the dog back for those kids. I mean really, how cruel can you be to do this to kids? :wtf:

it was over the top. For God's sake-I thought her mother had died or something of that nature. I might cry in private but I wouldn't make this particualar thing a national discourse. I bet she's regretting it now.

close to being upset and it simply swept over her. She did say "It was all my fault" with a kind of awful realization that she herself had caused the problem (if inadvertently). I don't think it was a calculating move, but being with her respectful, even adoring fans probably made it too difficult to control herself. She should prolly have had a long conversation with a friend or a therapist to get past the immediate emotionality of the moment, get it out of her system as it were, so she could be more rational on the show.

to worry about that they have to go after a dog ALREADY in a loving home? I think it's because a celebrity is involved that they are getting so worked up over this. and yes, ellen should have updated them on the dog's new info if a microchip is involved as is the case with many adoption organizations. but other than that? what's the big freaking deal if the dog is in a loving home? silly shit. really.

The organizations that try to keep these dogs from being exterminated by housing them, feeding them, caring for them, and ultimately placing them in a safe home take their responsibilities seriously. Degeneres is not entitled to special treatment. The agreement she signed expressly stated that she could not simply give away the dog. She screwed up and then compounded the situation by going on tv and getting all worked up about it.

She should've contacted the organization, suggested to them that she knew of a family that was interested in the dog and would make a good home for it and let the organization do their vetting work. I've read that the particular rescue agency involved has a general rule regarding placement of small dogs in homes with children under a certain age, but in my experience, rescue groups sometimes can be persuaded to waive those restrictions when they can be convinced that the children are mature enough to safely handle a small dog. This whole thing should've been handled quietly, but Degeneres made a real mess out of it.

I have been keeping my eyes open for a dog for my 13 yr old daughter who is an animal lover and I am shocked at how much shelters charge now. For a small dog the fee is $200.00. This is at the Humanes Society. Other shelters charge even more. Yet, how many are euthanized daily. Don't get me wrong, what these shelters do is wonderful. How much do the directors of these shelters draw from the donations that are offered? How much did Mom's & Mutts make off of the re-adoption?

Get a clue - most rescue groups operate in the red. If we are lucky enough to take in a fairly healthy young dog that is already neutered and we can clear $100 on its adoption donation, that money goes towards covering the thousands we spent on another dog whose former family neglected its health needs. Keep in mind that we have to pay for HW tests, vaccines and spay/neuter costs even for the young healthy ones so that comes out of that $200 donation . You would be paying those costs yourself to the vet if you adopted directly from a municipal/county shelter

I think Ellen made a mistake when they signed the agreement. But I also think the adoption agency got stubborn, and it should not place a limit on children under 14 being in the family. I think 10-12 is an ideal age for kids and dogs, since they will give the dog much of their attention and are old enough to follow directions on handling the dog.

The kids had that dog, what? A few days? Get on over it, already.