Dog Community

Think Tank needed to help a rescue agency

Posted : 4/1/2008 8:24:55 AM

Okie dokie folks I need a larger think tank to help think outside the box so to speak. Anyone knowing contact urls or addies to apply for help from funding to media support ? There is a Rescue Agency in Texas that is almost entirely funded by the founder with help via donations. She has 140+ dogs at her place at any given time. While she is primarily a Ridgeback rescuer she does other breeds as well including Great Danes, Whippets and some terriers. Bonney i sin her 60's and a limo driver. She lives with great frugleness and gives endlessly to the dogs. As she takes in other breeds our National Club can not give funds Tongue Tied

She is being sued by a woman who resented being called a puppy miller. The fact that this woman has dogs in rescue and she has up 6 litters on the ground at any time does not seem to her to be an indication she is less than an ethical breeder. On top of it based off of private emails from her she is obviously mentally ill.

Bonney may be forced to act as her own counsel unless I can assist her in finding some one who will either pay for counsel or do this case pro bono. The woman was overheard to brag that since Bonney didn't own much she would get her 5 personal dogs (show dogs) and breed the heck out of them to get even. ( Bonney rehomed her dogs to make sure they would not be considered her only assets.
So you all know any millionaires?? How about the contact urls for talk shows maybe they could put her on ? Grants or Foundations?? Novel Fund Raiser Ideas ??

Hellllllp guys

Bonita of Bwana

denise m

Posted : 4/1/2008 12:57:15 PM

Well if legal fees are anything like they are where I live, a cookie sale is not going to do it. Unfortunately it may be easier for the 'miller' to prove damages than it will be for Bonney to prove she is a puppymiller. Maybe a public apology would satisfy the lady.

aerial1313

Posted : 4/1/2008 1:26:08 PM

I wish I knew more about this, but maybe just have a bunch of people start calling litigation attorneys in the phone book and ask if they do pro bono work. What exactly is she being sued for-slander? Just because she called the lady a puppy miller? Good grief. What a nightmare. Good luck!

I hope someone has copies of those emails you mentioned!

Bonita of Bwana

Posted : 4/1/2008 2:30:22 PM

denise m

Well if legal fees are anything like they are where I live, a cookie sale is not going to do it. Unfortunately it may be easier for the 'miller' to prove damages than it will be for Bonney to prove she is a puppymiller. Maybe a public apology would satisfy the lady.

Sadly no, I had the attny for the breeder agree it would be best but the two parties won't go for it. The breeder writes hysterical emails that make you wonder if she is on meds. Bonney can prove her statement and the breeder will have to cough up her financial and breeding record for the last 5 years or so. Ironically Bonney has had 4 of this person's pups/dogs in rescue in less than 6 months ,yet on her web site she says her dogs NEVER end up in rescue. When notified she apparently does nothing. We raised an initial retainer but the attny turned out to be a joke. I know many breeds have some wonderful fund raising concepts, I am hoping to hear about them.

Bonita of Bwana

BCMixs

Posted : 4/1/2008 6:18:35 PM

nolo.com

I've represented myself several times and with some studying, it's not as difficult as you would think. Libel and slander are very hard to prove and they'll likely be sent to mediation (typically the first step in civil actions, regardless of what the attorneys or parties want) first because the judge will see it for what it is, a ridiculous and frivolous suit.

dgriego

Posted : 4/2/2008 7:33:30 AM

What about mass protests outside the home of the breeder? Get the right permits and keep it peaceful with subtle signs. Promise to go away if she drops the suit. If she does not then mini protests will go on from now until the cows come home.

spiritdogs

Posted : 4/15/2008 9:55:13 AM

Call a TV reporter and tell them to do an undercover investigation of the (what, you mean we have a LOCAL?) puppy mill - you might have more luck now that the issue has been on Oprah.

See this site: http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/2animal.htm

Another grant site: http://grants.library.wisc.edu/organizations/animals.html