Ellen DeGeneres Continues Fight with Dog Adoption Agency from www.people.com....
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 17, 2007 08:35 AM EDT
By Sara Hammel
Ellen DeGeneres isn't giving up her appeal for doggie asylum. On her show set to air Wednesday, the show host, 49, continues her plea, "It's become so insane ... the dog just needs to go to the family." She stays composed as she goes on to say the fight should not be about anything but putting the dog in a loving home. The Mutts and Moms rescue agency, however, is standing its ground – despite receiving death threats after DeGeneres broke down in tears on Tuesday's show, the Associated Press reports. Vanessa Chekroun and Marina Batkis, who run the agency, believe they are doing what's best for Iggy, says a spokesman for the pair. "[Batkis] doesn't think this is the type of family that should have the dog," said Keith A. Fink, an attorney who does not represent the agency but is acting as a spokesman. "She is adamant that she is not going to be bullied around by the Ellen DeGenereses of the world ... They are using their power, position and wealth to try to get what it is they want." But DeGeneres's publicist Kelly Bush says the TV host has the best intentions. "It's very upsetting to hear that someone is getting those kind of calls," Bush told the AP. "Ellen just wants the dog reunited with the family."
A Home for IggyThe dogfight began after DeGeneres and her partner, Portia de Rossi, took home the Brussels Griffon mix on Sept. 20. Things didn't work out between Iggy and the couple's cats, so the TV host gave the dog to her hairdresser. In doing so, DeGeneres violated an agreement with the Mutts and Moms dog rescue agency – by not informing them of the switch-off. When the agency contacted DeGeneres and learned another home was found for Iggy, Mutts and Moms then dispatched a rep and police to the hairdresser's home and removed the pet on Sunday. The women running the Pasadena-based agency say the publicity from DeGeneres's show generated voicemails and e-mails threatening death and arson, along with hordes of media that interfered with their work at the Paws Boutique store, where they handle the volunteer agency, Fink told the AP. He also insists that Iggy's are the only feelings that count in the skirmish: "It's for the protection of the dog."Aren't there enough homeless animals without causing another one to lose it's home? I've always been involved in animal rescue and have met my share of self righteous animal nuts! These "animal nuts" that took poor Iggy out of this family's home should be taken out of their home to see how they like it!
Here's an email from a WDOK listener...
I understand the clause that the rescue place has. Some people with less scruples would get a dog, decide they did not want it and give it to some shelter or worse. They then have the option of finding a proper home for the puppy. But they also need to be realistic about it and judge it case by case and now that they know the dog is loved and in a happy home this is a non-brainer.......let the dog go home !!!!!!! I watched the show yesterday and she truly loved the dog and since she could not keep it did everything in her power to make the dog happy.
GO ELLEN.......
.Let me know what you think !
Isn't this purse cool? I met this girl named Anita Gierke at "Woofstock" at Holden Arboretum in September, the benefit for Rescue Village. Her business, Second Chances, takes old record albums and turns them into these unique purses. I get so many complements on my Abby Road purse, I had to put it up on my blog. She doesn't have a website. She said she doesn't even own a computer, but she does have a phone number....440-862-4777. She has a ton of classic albums to choose from and the purses are only $30! I got my girlfriend a Frank Sinatra purse.
This is my dog Duffy. Isn't he adorable? He was 6 years old when we adopted him from the Cleveland Animal Protective League. He is the best dog and my best friend. Wanna find your best friend? It's just a click away at www.theapl.org. 
Thanks to everyone who came out to support Rescue Village's "Woofstock" event! It was a beautiful day for the dog lovers of Northeast Ohio! There were dogs of every shape size and color roaming the beautiful Holden Arboretum! This picture was taken by my co-worker Rick Majors. Isn't he a gifted photographer? He's working on setting up a website. Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
