Portland's dog loving social network

Censorship and the importance of facts in solving critical community problems

It is important that members of any group or organization be factual and accurate in reporting. Being collaborative, supportive, and community oriented doesn't mean being blind to one of the major obstacles to progressive sheltering in our community: accurate and honest reporting of the facts. Only when the facts are known can positive solutions be found. Membership in pdx should not immunize any organization from criticism based upon objective data especially when that organization, in this case MCAS, has posted misinformation that misleads the public and removes the possibility of effective positive change . Only when the facts are known will any of us truly be part of the solution and will progress occur. Pdx has permitted the posting of misinformation then blocked corrections that can be easily found in the agency's own data. When good people look away, harm flourishes . We have just experienced the direct effects of 8 years of disastrous national government efforts to keep the facts from the public. Acccurate reporting is not the enemy.

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Andrea Schneider on February 4, 2009 at 8:51am: pdxdog.com is a social network designed to facilitate positive relationships in the dog loving community. This is not the Forum to hash out "the facts" about any of our member organizations. It is not the place to "take on" or "attack" a member organization. None of us are "blind" and resent being compared to the past administration.

If a member organization or member person is inappropriate on pdxdog.com, does not uphold our policies, or I deem to not be acting in the spirit of our purpose, they are removed from the network. My responsibility is keeping the network & its members, fair, fun and responsible to each other and the broader community. This is a private (not public) venture and member driven.

pdxdog.com is not a reporting organization, it is a social network. I'm sure there are more appropriate places for you to share your reporting, facts and point of view. I am clear I will not allow this forum to be used as a vehicle for any individual or organizational agenda. We will not get into a spitting match over "facts" or be used as a forum to argue about accurate reporting, "looking away" or implying that we are part of the problem. This is not the right place for you to make your case.

You might want to consider starting your own website and blog. Just not on pdxdog.com.

I will let this post stand today for member response.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sidney (and her mom Kim) on February 4, 2009 at 9:44am: I think the type of post we are discussing would be best suited for a personal blog-not this type of forum. PDXDOG is about fun, networking, talking about our dogs, our events. It is not a place I want to see people arguing about how the county runs the shelter. Right or wrong, until we have worked in their shoes who are we (the public) to say how they should do their job? I sure would not want to be the person running the county shelter and making decisions on dogs lives...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Goldyn on February 4, 2009 at 11:16am: I completely agree that this site is not for bashing anybody, agency or individual. We are here to support each other in caring for our furry families, and bringing joy into each other's lives surrounding our animals. W.'s administration has nothing to do with how we interect here, and should not be part of any discussion. Also, as Kim noted, best not to judge until you've walked a mile in other shoes.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Behave! on February 4, 2009 at 11:44am: I love visiting PDXdog. It is fun and informative. We as animal people, are often opinionated and passionate about our work. We often disagree on issues, techniques and "parenting style". Remember, you can get your message out there, without blasting someone elses efforts and passion. We are a part of this county, so it we don't like how things are being ran, then let's get our thoughts together on what we'd like to see and try to help. I think it all comes down to the old saying, "you'll catch more bee's with honey..."

We don't log in to look at the horror of the world, we log in to be inspired from those who are making a difference. The people on this site are wonderful animal lovers and advocates that are making a difference, including the good people who work at the county and certainly don't deserve to log on and see negative remarks about their efforts and organization or sensational, propaganda like posts.

Let's unite with our love and passion and get together as a group to support MCAS and help them help more animals and people. I will personally help ANYONE who is working in rescue or the shelter on my time, my dime if they are willing to do the work. Post's blasting our county shelter is only going to cause less support and less resources and drive us apart, ultimately effecting the very animals we hope to help.

When I worked for a county animal control at the beginning of my career in dogs, people would say to me, how can you work there, as an animal advocate, they euthanize. I realized that so many people felt this way, because the county I worked for had to euthanize, we were deemed the "evil kill shelter". People demonized the county shelter rather then the people breeding animals in their backyards or letting their animals roam loose, or neglecting and abusing these creatures. Because we were demonized, it was harder to get volunteers and donations and our already slim resources effected the animals.

I woke up every morning eager to get to work. Why? Because I LOVE animals. If I didn't go in there and face the issues and be an advocate for these forgotten souls, who would? Everyone who steps into a shelter has an option to help, but the first step is to go there. I implore everyone who is an advocate to go to your county shelter and volunteer. Maybe you foster a animal in need, maybe you donate food or blankets, maybe you sit and pet an animal or read to them, perhaps you become a Open Paw volunteer. I believe if everyone would go to their counties shelters, the entire shelter system would improve. Whatever you can give, it helps and if we all gave of ourselves, the numbers would no doubt, improve.

For the record: Thank you to everyone who does work or volunteer in our County shelters and rescues. You change lives, truly. I never leave MCAS less then touched and inspired by the people who give selflessly there.

Best,
Denise Mullenix CPDT; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Marley, Sushi and their Mama on February 6, 2009 at 8:34pm: I wholeheartedly agree with the site administrator and a few of my fellow PDXdog folks that this is not the appropriate venue for attacking anyone, especially a county shelter.

We gather here to share a common interest: a deep love for dogs (and all animals)... so it must be true that we want what is best for the dogs of the world. We're all very aware of the many unfortunate realities of the world i.e. stray dogs, puppy mills, BSL, dog-fighting, abuse cases... and we all rally against these sad realities in our own ways.

Do you have a pet dog? Would you like to share photos or stories of how much you love your animals?; ▶ Reply to This