Ellen DeGeneres breaks down over dog she adopted taken away from her by shelter

[no name 1]

I like Ellen, but I think she's made a huge error in judgment here. Mutts and Moms is going to be dealing with the fallout from this for a long, long time.

I get it - so out of spite, they put the dog in a kennel (NOT in a loving home) just to teach the 'Ellens of the world' a lesson! Makes sense.

I really don't think it's out of spite. These are people who rescue dogs for a living. They have their rules, and they want to apply them consistently.

She is the one who said:

"She (Batkis) doesn't think this is the type of family that should have the dog," said Fink, who is not legally representing the owners but is authorized to speak for them. "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."

That statement is certainly spiteful.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I actually watched the show yesterday and I have no doubt that Ellen was sincere. I think she was also very angry at herself for not reading the contract properly too. I genuinely think she wasn't doing it for attention seeking but because she couldn't hold it in and pretend to be happy at that point in time. *shrugs*

My sentiments also. What a sad situation all around, especially the death threats against the organization. It's like a bad movie that just keeps snowballing into more badness.

Edited October 17, 2007 by Mister Fancypants

[Peikko 1,575]

I doubt she anticipated death threats, that's pretty extreme. I imagine she hoped/expected that 'pressure of public opinion' would turn this case around to resolve it for the kids. It was perhaps niave of her, as she is a public figure, to not expect that things would just spiral (particularly if she already knew that the owner of the care home wasn't interested in her ideas of how the dog should be re homed).

It's getting out of hand though, that's for certain. I think the only thing that will resolve it now is for Ellen to apologise again and publically accept that in this instance the dog should be re homed as per the wishes of the rescue center.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I actually watched the show yesterday and I have no doubt that Ellen was sincere. I think she was also very angry at herself for not reading the contract properly too. I genuinely think she wasn't doing it for attention seeking but because she couldn't hold it in and pretend to be happy at that point in time. *shrugs*

My sentiments also. What a sad situation all around, especially the death threats against the organization. It's like a bad movie that just keeps snowballing into more badness.

The reaction the shelter is getting, is typical when a hollywood type goes on tv and does this stuff.

Ellen should have just kept her mouth shut and dealt with it privately.

[no name 1]

ASPCA Awards Ellen DeGeneres the ASPCA Founders Award for Her Lifetime Dedication to Promoting Kindness and Compassion to Animal

Comedian/Talk Show Host to Donate Proceeds of eBay Auction to Benefit Animals. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK, January 15, 2004—Yesterday, nationally acclaimed television personality Ellen DeGeneres was awarded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Founder's Award for her lifelong dedication to the promotion of kindness and compassion towards animals.

Each year, the ASPCA awards humane heroes for their extraordinary dedication on behalf of animals. The ASPCA Founder's Award is given to an individual who has worked most of their lives to improve the health and welfare of animals. The Founder's Award honors Henry Bergh who started the nation's oldest and largest humane organization in 1866.

"Ms. DeGeneres regularly promotes pet adoption on her weekly talk show 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' and made special pleas during the California wildfires for the rescue of pets that were affected by the tragedy," said Edwin J. Sayres, ASPCA President. "Her support for the millions of companion animals in need of homes at shelters nationwide is critical in helping to educate Americans about the importance of pet adoption, and other humane issues. We are extremely grateful for her ongoing commitment to promote kindness and compassion."

In addition, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" is currently listing items at eBay for auction. The animal lover and comedian/talk show host has placed a specially created set of twin-sized bedding featuring her own likeness (one fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases) up for auction on eBay, with all proceeds to benefit the ASPCA. The item will close bidding on January 18, 2004 at 7:00 am PT. As of Thursday morning, bidding on auction items had reached $18,000.

source

[Empress of Groovy 373]

I actually watched the show yesterday and I have no doubt that Ellen was sincere. I think she was also very angry at herself for not reading the contract properly too. I genuinely think she wasn't doing it for attention seeking but because she couldn't hold it in and pretend to be happy at that point in time. *shrugs*

She also never mentioned the name of the organisation on the programme, all she did was just beg them to give the dog back.

Yes, I watched it too, and I agree with you. As I said, I like Ellen. But she must have known that it wouldn't take a sleuth to figure out which organization was involved.

[Mags 112]

I like Ellen, but I think she's made a huge error in judgment here. Mutts and Moms is going to be dealing with the fallout from this for a long, long time.

I get it - so out of spite, they put the dog in a kennel (NOT in a loving home) just to teach the 'Ellens of the world' a lesson! Makes sense.

I really don't think it's out of spite. These are people who rescue dogs for a living. They have their rules, and they want to apply them consistently.

She is the one who said:

"She (Batkis) doesn't think this is the type of family that should have the dog," said Fink, who is not legally representing the owners but is authorized to speak for them. "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."

That statement is certainly spiteful.

I agree.

I really don't think Ellen did it on her show to bully them into giving the dog back. As I mentioned before I think she just couldn't hold it in any longer and she made it perfectly apparent that she blamed herself 100% for it. Those tears she shed were genuine in my eyes and were not an act of publicity. She may be an actress/comedianne who is used to the limelight, but that doesn't mean that every emotion she uses on TV is false.

[no name 1]

I like Ellen, but I think she's made a huge error in judgment here. Mutts and Moms is going to be dealing with the fallout from this for a long, long time.

I get it - so out of spite, they put the dog in a kennel (NOT in a loving home) just to teach the 'Ellens of the world' a lesson! Makes sense.

I really don't think it's out of spite. These are people who rescue dogs for a living. They have their rules, and they want to apply them consistently.

She is the one who said:

"She (Batkis) doesn't think this is the type of family that should have the dog," said Fink, who is not legally representing the owners but is authorized to speak for them. "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."

That statement is certainly spiteful.

I agree.

I really don't think Ellen did it on her show to bully them into giving the dog back. As I mentioned before I think she just couldn't hold it in any longer and she made it perfectly apparent that she blamed herself 100% for it. Those tears she shed were genuine in my eyes and were not an act of publicity. She may be an actress/comedianne who is used to the limelight, but that doesn't mean that every emotion she uses on TV is false.

She looked crushed in that clip.

[Empress of Groovy 373]

I like Ellen, but I think she's made a huge error in judgment here. Mutts and Moms is going to be dealing with the fallout from this for a long, long time.

I get it - so out of spite, they put the dog in a kennel (NOT in a loving home) just to teach the 'Ellens of the world' a lesson! Makes sense.

I really don't think it's out of spite. These are people who rescue dogs for a living. They have their rules, and they want to apply them consistently.

She is the one who said:

"She (Batkis) doesn't think this is the type of family that should have the dog," said Fink, who is not legally representing the owners but is authorized to speak for them. "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."

That statement is certainly spiteful.

Put yourself in the position of people at the organization. I would feel bullied too.

[no name 1]

I like Ellen, but I think she's made a huge error in judgment here. Mutts and Moms is going to be dealing with the fallout from this for a long, long time.

I get it - so out of spite, they put the dog in a kennel (NOT in a loving home) just to teach the 'Ellens of the world' a lesson! Makes sense.

I really don't think it's out of spite. These are people who rescue dogs for a living. They have their rules, and they want to apply them consistently.

She is the one who said:

"She (Batkis) doesn't think this is the type of family that should have the dog," said Fink, who is not legally representing the owners but is authorized to speak for them. "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."

That statement is certainly spiteful.

Put yourself in the position of people at the organization. I would feel bullied too.

And I would've gone to the home to check out Iggy & made the decision then. End of the day, an adoption to a loving home, is still an adoption. One less dog in the kennel.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I like Ellen, but I think she's made a huge error in judgment here. Mutts and Moms is going to be dealing with the fallout from this for a long, long time.

I get it - so out of spite, they put the dog in a kennel (NOT in a loving home) just to teach the 'Ellens of the world' a lesson! Makes sense.

I really don't think it's out of spite. These are people who rescue dogs for a living. They have their rules, and they want to apply them consistently.

She is the one who said:

"She (Batkis) doesn't think this is the type of family that should have the dog," said Fink, who is not legally representing the owners but is authorized to speak for them. "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."

That statement is certainly spiteful.

Put yourself in the position of people at the organization. I would feel bullied too.

And I would've gone to the home to check out Iggy & made the decision then. End of the day, an adoption to a loving home, is still an adoption. One less dog in the kennel.

[Sister Fracas 5]

I actually watched the show yesterday and I have no doubt that Ellen was sincere. I think she was also very angry at herself for not reading the contract properly too. I genuinely think she wasn't doing it for attention seeking but because she couldn't hold it in and pretend to be happy at that point in time. *shrugs*

It's just too bad that people are so damn cynical that they can't even fathom that someone might have a genuine emotion which might carry them to do something that might not be the best decision all-around. Maybe they can't recognize honest sincerity which leads me to wonder....hmmm.

Or maybe I just like to believe not everyone is a schmuck.

[Mags 112]

I used to volunteer for the Cats Protection League in the UK and we also had a clause that said if you can't keep an animal then it is to be returned to the foster carer (no cats were in cages, all stayed with foster parents). However, if we were notified of someone who was not able to keep a cat and they knew of someone who could take it, we would go round and check out the new home. If it was suitable for the cat (some cats hated dogs or children etc) then we would be happy with it and let the swap take place.

More often than not the new home was fine, very rarely did we take back a cat in those conditions. If we did it was because that cat hated dogs and the new potential home has dogs etc. A lot of these cats had had terrible lives up unto that point and needed special homes or circumstances.

I think that the adoption agency should give that family a chance. Rather than just removing the dog they should have sat down and seen how the children reacted with the dog, seen the rapport they had obviously built up and taken it from there. Seems to me that they just didn't give the new home a chance.

[Sister Fracas 5]

I think that the adoption agency should give that family a chance. Rather than just removing the dog they should have sat down and seen how the children reacted with the dog, seen the rapport they had obviously built up and taken it from there. Seems to me that they just didn't give the new home a chance.

seems they are more interested in making a point on principle than actually looking into what might be best for the dog....having a home.

[Empress of Groovy 373]

I just watched the clip again to make sure I didn't miss something. Yes, she is highly distressed, no doubt about that. She is also highly critical of the organization, essentially demonizing "those people" who took the dog away from "those kids." Ellen is not just venting; it seems that she's trying to effect a policy change.

People get really emotional about this stuff, which is why it's important to have rules in place to determine how pets are found homes. Emotions can't rule the day when you're talking about the best interests of an animal. Maybe Iggy belongs with the hairstylist's family, maybe not. We're not in a position to make that determination.

We don't have all the information, either. We do know that the dog was picked up from the home. We do know that the agency considered the girls too young to have the dog, as per their rules. We don't know anything else. Maybe they did observe the family with the dog. Maybe they saw something that concerned them. Or maybe they're a by-the-books organization and don't want to make exceptions, even for the friends of a famous person.

I hope that a good home is found for Iggy.