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We recently adopted 2 dogs (one female, one male) from the Best Friends on the West Side and were surprised by a couple of things. We weren’t questioned at all about our living situation or our ability to care for these animals, something every other no kill shelter has done. The dogs had been released to Best Friends only 2 days before and they were suffering badly from fleas. They had been spayed and neutered but the incision on the male looked like it was in the beginning stage of an infection. Everyone T Best Friends was incredibly nice and the facility looked more like a day spa than an animal shelter, but we felt a bit hustled to take these animals right away. We’re glad we did because they’re really incredibly remarkable little critters, but we ended up spending quite a bit of money at the vet to deal with infections, both from fleas (the male developed spots with hair loss all over his back from the fleas) and the incision. I have to say, it was nice to visit a shelter that was so lovely but it was clear to me that the dogs should have been there long enough to know if there were any serious problems and, at least, were flea free. All that said, we are already terribly smitten with these small critters.

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Alexis, thank you for sharing your experience with adopting from Best Friends. I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your new companions and that they're bringing joy to your home. It's wonderful to know that you're already smitten with them!

I appreciate your candid feedback regarding the adoption process. It's important for shelters to ensure that animals are healthy and ready for their new homes, and your experience highlights areas where improvements can be made. Your observations about the lack of questions regarding your living situation and the health issues you encountered with the dogs are valuable insights.

It's heartening to hear that the staff at Best Friends were welcoming and that the facility made a positive impression. However, your concerns about the health of the dogs and the feeling of being rushed are certainly valid and concerning.

Thank you for your commitment to providing a loving home for your new pets. Your input is invaluable in helping to improve the adoption experience for everyone involved.

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I’ve been a supporter of Best Friends Animal Society for over two decades—having adopted a dog from their main sanctuary in Kanab, Utah—referred many friends to them—and seen an enormous record of success over that time.

I’ve also witnessed a rapid growth phase of BF—adding partners and facilities in a dozen communities around the US.

BF took on the abused and infamous “Michael Vick” dogs and rehabbed many of them for eventual adoption.

I’m not familiar with their activities in Los Angeles—where much of their financial support and adoptions have always come from.

I appreciate you bringing this issue into the light. They’ve always been tremendous fundraisers and marketers in an admittedly difficult business of saving dogs and cats.

I fear that their rapid growth has—like many organizations whether for profit or non-profit—caused employee and management oversight issues. It is indeed difficult for fast-growing organizations to make sure they maintain values across their facilities and employees.

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Dee, thank you for sharing your long-standing support and experiences with Best Friends Animal Society. It's wonderful to hear about your connection to their sanctuary in Kanab and the positive impact they've had over the years. Their work with the "Michael Vick" dogs is indeed a testament to their dedication even though Vick was ordered to pay $928,073 in restitution for the care of the dogs.

It's understandable to have concerns about the rapid growth of any organization, as maintaining consistent values and oversight can be challenging. Your insights into the complexities of expansion highlight the importance of staying true to core principles.

Thank you for your continued support and for engaging in this important conversation. It's through discussions like these that we can help ensure that organizations like Best Friends continue to thrive and make a positive impact.

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Sep 8·edited Sep 8Liked by Ed Boks

Ed, I have been a follower and sometimes donor of Best Friends for many years. So this was a “hard read “for me. Yet, I always want to be fully informed. When you say that they abandoned the Mission Hill shelter, can you explain briefly what you mean by that? Thank you so much for your blog and covering so many important issues.

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Yvonne, to clarify, when I refer to "abandoning" the Mission Hills facility, I'm referring to the decision to end the "sweetheart" ($1 per year) deal they had with the City and close the center and relocate operations to their main location. Their decision to close the Mission Hills center has been a difficult one for many in the community.

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So disappointing. I don't understand why they couldn't combine their marketing skills with the hiring of experienced hands-on personnel to actually do the work of running the place. Seems like a no brainer to me and I'm reluctant to support them now. Would be nice to know which organizations are actually worthy of funding.

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Trevy, thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns. It's understandable to feel disappointed when expectations aren't met, especially when it comes to supporting organizations that align with your values.

Combining strong marketing skills with experienced, hands-on personnel would have been a powerful approach, and it's important for organizations to strike that balance to effectively achieve their missions. Your feedback highlights the need for transparency and accountability in how organizations operate and allocate resources.

If you're looking for organizations that are worthy of funding, I recommend researching local shelters and rescue groups that have a track record of transparency, community engagement, and successful outcomes. Many smaller organizations are doing incredible work on the ground and can greatly benefit from support.

Here's an article that you might find helpful: https://open.substack.com/pub/animalpolitics/p/animal-politics-think-globally-give

Thank you for being thoughtful about where you direct your support. If you have any more questions or need recommendations, feel free to reach out. Your engagement in this conversation is invaluable to the animal welfare community!

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Thank you for this. Please share here any response to this article you receive from Best Friends.

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Sep 9Liked by Ed Boks

Unfortunately, in spite of some good work they have done, this organization has demonstrated reckless, irresponsible actions that have done more to hurt animals than help them. I do feel that they focus more on optics and PR for the purpose of fundraising. They can do better with their funding - especially with a CEO and COO each making $400,000 annually.

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Annoula, thank you for sharing your perspective. It's clear you care deeply about animal welfare and have given thoughtful consideration to the actions and priorities of Best Friends. Balancing effective animal care with the demands of fundraising and public relations is a challenge, and it's important for organizations to remain accountable and transparent in their operations.

Your concerns about leadership compensation and the allocation of funds are valid. Many supporters and advocates share your desire to see resources used in the most impactful way possible to help animals in need. The issues you bring to light highlight the need for transparency all the more! Thank you for engaging in this conversation and for your commitment to improving animal welfare.

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Sep 9Liked by Ed Boks

great piece Ed! best friends was another disaster in the lie that is told to the unknowing public about shelter pets. Sadly the accountability issue is never brought into the conversation.. So many people breed, sell and keep dogs that they shouldn't. Animal Control hardly, if ever, cites these backyard breeders and hoarders. it's BIG NEWS when it happens. So, big name orgs like BF steps in with all he glitz and glamour and takes people's monthly donations.. SAD!!! Once animal control will take people to court for their infractions and stop shifting blame to legitimate breeders and such, we may see a shift! Keep up the fight!

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Robert, thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns. It's clear that the issues surrounding animal rescue and sheltering are complex and multifaceted. The role of large organizations like Best Friends could be more helpful, but there has to be a willingness to have open discussions about accountability and the challenges.

Backyard breeding and the lack of enforcement against irresponsible breeders are critical issues. It's frustrating to see the blame often shifted away from those who are truly responsible. Your point about the need for stronger enforcement and accountability is well taken, and it's something that many in the animal welfare community are advocating for.

Thank you for your support and for engaging in this important conversation. It's through discussions like these that we can hope to drive change and improve the system for both animals and the people who care for them. Your involvement is greatly appreciated!

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The goal for any animal rescue/shelter to make a declarative statement of a lofty promise to be “no-kill” or reaching toward becoming a “no-kill” facility is inspiring to those of us who have been in the trenches of animal rescue as a possible reality.

I have worked in a city shelter. I have mentioned that, Ed. Every animal that I had to make that decision on their fate, stays with me to this day.

I remember the staff, me included, the volunteers, friends and family that fostered a kitten or 6 or a senior dog who was dumped by his or her uncaring owner because “he’s peeing all over the new carpet”, or a litter of orphaned puppies who had the mama and well, “she was hit by a car and we just don’t have time to deal”. It was heartbreaking because it was never enough. The numbers still added up and there was never a shortage of incoming. The moniker of “no kill” in any rescue is in reality is honestly, not possible.

Best Friends has made this immense mishandling and has obviously left this community without a crucial resource and that is problematic. I hope they have fixed their infrastructure and have found the weak links. I will continue to support them and their project but the elephant in the room is the absolute fact that people are the problem. People who treat their pets as expendable, bothersome as they age, inconvenient!

Sadly, that will never change.

Great article, Ed and sadly, I lost a little faith in BF but I thank God they are still out there and so many other resources like them to give aide and comfort to those precious animals that are being cared for when their useless owners wouldn’t anymore.

Most days I find myself thanking God for my health and ability to have my sanctuary in which I can care for animals and not have to make that heartbreaking life or death decision unless it’s because of a kindness to end suffering.

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Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing your heartfelt perspective and experiences. It's clear that your dedication to animal welfare runs deep, and I truly appreciate your insights. Working in a city shelter and facing those difficult decisions is incredibly challenging, and your compassion shines through in your words.

The aspiration for a "no-kill" status is indeed inspiring, but as you've pointed out, it comes with complex challenges. It's a reminder of the ongoing need for community support and responsible pet ownership. Best Friends and similar organizations play a crucial role, but there's always room for improvement in addressing the systemic issues.

Your continued support and the sanctuary you've created for animals are invaluable contributions to this cause. Thank you for your commitment and for being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. It's through the efforts of dedicated individuals like you that we can hope to make a positive impact.

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Sep 8Liked by Ed Boks

For the record, I was personally acquainted & on friendly terms with most of the Best Friends Animal Society cofounders for more than a dozen years and had twice visited their facilities in Kanab before they began their ill-advised campaign to take the U.S. to no-kill animal sheltering by promoting pit bull adoptions in 2005. To that point, dogs in the entire 230-year history of the U.S. had killed fewer than 200 people, of whom pit bulls had killed more than half, and only five dogs rehomed from animal shelters had contributed to the death toll. Since then, pit bulls alone have killed 595 people, disfiguring more than 5,500, & about 20% of the mayhem has come from pit bulls rehomed from animal shelters, following protocols taught by Best Friends. Those facts by themselves should be sufficient to disqualify Best Friends from having any place in public policymaking pertaining to animal control & public safety, except perhaps a permanent place in a straw-lined doghouse.

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Thank you, Merritt, for sharing your perspective and experiences with Best Friends. It's clear that you have a deep understanding of the organization's history and the complexities surrounding their initiatives.

Best Friends' approach, especially in promoting unvetted pit bull adoptions, has sparked significant debate. The statistics you mention highlight the importance of ongoing discussions about public safety and animal welfare, and it's crucial for community policymakers to consider these factors carefully.

Your insights are valuable. Your passion for animal welfare and public safety is evident, and it's through conversations like these that we can work towards more effective solutions.

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Sep 8Liked by Ed Boks

PLEASE BE SPECIFIC as to how I can have a positive effect, albeit a small one, on this situation? One phone call is always so unsatisfying and insignificant. Is there a list of those people who yield power, who have influence? Is one method of communication better than another? Regardless of your past affiliation with Best Friends, if there was any, whether favorable or unfavorable, is money a factor that prevents you from getting involved? Pardon me for being so blunt?

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Thank you for your thoughtful question and for wanting to make a positive impact on the situation. Sadly, there is no magic formula for making a difference, but here are a few specific ways you can get involved:

Research Key Players: Understanding who holds influence in the Los Angeles City Council can be crucial. You can start by identifying council members who are involved in animal welfare issues. This information is often available on the city's official website.

Engage with Local Advocacy Groups: Joining local animal welfare organizations can provide insights into ongoing efforts and strategies. These groups often have established relationships with key decision-makers and can guide you on effective ways to advocate.

Use Multiple Communication Channels: While a phone call is a great start, consider following up with emails or letters. Personal stories and data can be powerful tools to convey your message.

Attend Public Meetings: Participating in city council meetings, either in person or virtually, allows you to stay informed and voice your concerns directly. It also helps build a network with other advocates.

Support Through Donations or Volunteering: If you're able, consider supporting local organizations that align with your values through donations or volunteer work. This can amplify your impact.

Your willingness to engage and ask questions is a vital part of making a difference. If you have any more questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. Your involvement is greatly appreciated!

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Wow. Have you ever regretted asking a question…?

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I'm not familiar with this organization, but my impression from your post is that it lacks any real ties to the working class and is likely a grift being run by elites. Do you know anything about the controllers of Best Friends and why they have an in with the city council?

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Jack, we are far from being elites, unless you count critical thinking an elitist criterion. And the people looking to adopt were a diverse group.

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Are you on the board of Best Friends? or one of the main decision-makers with it?

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Jack, why would you ask such an idiotic question? I’m an elderly woman who has just survived cancer and emergency brain surgery, and recently lost my beloved brindle Chihuahua. Did you actually read my comment? It was not a glowing review of Best Friends. What is the matter with you?

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I asked the question because I had said I didn't know about the "controllers" of Best Friends and YOU answered with "we" are far from being elites. My question to you was to find out why you used the word "we" when my question was about the leaders of Best Friends.

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My original post begins with, “We recently adopted 2 dogs …” Certainly, I, as part of that ‘we’ am not on the board if ‘we’ just adopted dogs from Best Friends.

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Jack, it’s understandable to have questions about the connections and influence of organizations like Best Friends Animal Society, especially when it comes to their interactions with city councils and other entities.

Best Friends Animal Society is a well-known national organization. They have a strong presence in many communities, including Los Angeles, where they work closely with local shelters and government bodies to promote their mission. This often involves lobbying and advocacy efforts to secure support for their programs.

If you're interested in learning more about Best Friends and their work, I recommend visiting their official website or reaching out to them directly for more detailed information about their leadership and initiatives.

Thank you for your interest and for engaging in this important conversation about animal welfare.

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