Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!

As this is a very special day, I will keep this blog very short. First, I want to thank each and every person who took time out of their busy lives to help me help the animals. Especially those individuals, living outside Texas, wanting to help save the remaining animals at the pseudo-sanctuary. It just goes to show, there are no state boundaries when it comes to helping animals in need.

On a quick and yet sad note, I just learned the pseudo-sanctuary once possessed 24 chimpanzees back in 2000. As of December 2006, there were only 18 chimpanzees alive. In June 2006, the pseudo-sanctuary claimed to have 22 chimpanzees (one allegedly died from old age and the other one died from an untreated wound). Of course, their own in-house animal death report showed an additional chimp death (cause supposedly unknown), but gee, the pseudo-sanctuary wouldn't want this information to come out, now would they? By December 2006, the pseudo-sanctuary's veterinarian claimed there were only 18 chimpanzees on the property. That means within a six month period, the sanctuary lost 18% of its chimpanzee population and from 2000-2006, the same facility lost 25% of its chimpanzee’s population. What is even scarier, last month, one of the animal caretaker said they [pseudo-sanctuary] may only have about 10 chimpanzees - but he wasn't sure on the exact number!

Despite this grim news, I am optimistic that the remaining animals will get the help they desperately need. So, again, I thank each and every one of you (and you know who you are!) for standing up the animals -- our case has been heard by the Federal and State authorities -- now we just have to wait to see what happens next.

Much later:  According to the WAO Animal Inventory dated August 25, 2010, only 16 chimps survived.

And the Drama Continues...

Just when I thought I couldn't be surprised by anything the pseudo animal sanctuary's directors or board of directors said or did, I learned several things, just this month, that made me wonder how the government continues to allow them access to the sanctuary's finances. Cases in point:

The pseudo sanctuary continues to hire criminals onto its staff and their board of directors! How does one qualify to be employed or join the board of directors at this sanctuary? Easy - just have a DUI, drugs, or assault criminal record(s) on file and you are in!!! Just ask the pseudo sanctuary's newest board member.

During a nine month period, the pseudo sanctuary gave both it's directors a hefty pay raise. If the sanctuary pays its directors the same monthly pay rate for the last three months of this year, then the sanctuary would have given its directors a 150% raise over the previous year! Can you believe it--a 150% pay raise for both directors while in the mist of a huge investigation for misappropriation of funds and animal abuse?

The pseudo sanctuary failed to pay county taxes and so the county filed suit against the sanctuary this year. Okay. The directors can give themselves huge pay raises, but they cannot pay off the sanctuary's taxes owed to the county (which by the way was significantly less than the pay raises paid to the directors). What is wrong with this picture? What other bills were not paid during this year? Animal feed? Vet care? Hello AG? Where are you???

Folks, we got it on tape - the pseudo sanctuary only has 4 animal caretakers supposedly caring for about 600 animals. I say "supposedly" because the pseudo sanctuary keeps changing its numbers -- depending on when you ask, the number of animals at both facilities ranges from 600-800 animals. Even so, that means each of the four employees is responsible for approximately 150 animals, housed over a combined total of 108+ acres. And yet, somehow, all the animals are supposedly fed (either meat or dog food, depending upon the species); cages cleaned; water bowels and water lines checked; medication given (oh sure); animals checked for injuries (or deaths); and tours given to the public — all with just four people during an eight hour period. So what happens if someone needs to take some time off? Go on a vacation? Take a sick day? I guess that means there are "usually" four people taking care of these animals — as the sanctuary's tour guide was quoted saying just this month. I should note, this pseudo sanctuary's web site claims the office staff performs double duty. The sanctuary claims not only does their office staff answers the phones; collects funds from tours; handles all incoming mail; performs data entry and secretarial duties -- they also perform animal caretaker duties!! All for about a salary a few dollars higher than minimum wage!! Versatile workers, wouldn't you agree!

So, with just a couple of days before Christmas, I pray the government will wake up and take this case seriously before the “directors” skip out of town, leaving the animals with a lot of unpaid bills.

"Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give us the determination to make the right things happen." Peter Marshall

Haven on Earth

The following is an exert from a blog on found on-line with my comments in red!  See what I'm up against?!

http://graciesat2007.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Haven on Earth

... I interviewed Carol Asvestas and she told me that there are two facilities. The other location on Tally Rd., houses 450 wild animals. She said that they do not have any volunteers due to liability issues. They do however, use court appointed community service volunteers. These workers help maintain the grounds under supervision and instruction and also build structures as needed. The organization relies solely on donations. The veterinarians do not donate their time but do offer their services at a reduced rate and are on call 24/7.  Plus they clean the director's house, constructed the daughter's apartment, worked on personal projects for the director's etc.

I asked her if there has ever been an escape. She said there was a tiger cub about five years ago who got out. It wasn’t officially an “escapee” because a visitor let it out. It was eventually recovered. I asked her if there was a danger of any infected animals escaping since their location is in close proximity to a residential area. She said that there wasn’t a possibility of that ever occurring.  Wow, have we forgotten about the escaped tiger (was on the news) and Hannah the lion (shot multiple times by Deputy Sheriff officers)?  What about all the primates that escaped their enclosures?  The foxes? And the cougar found wondering around the touring facility grounds? Wolves that were shot and killed when caught escaping the second property? I guess the mind is the first to go!

I asked her if any animals are ever rehabilitated for release to the wild. She said none of the animals are ever released back to the wild because their defense mechanism has become unlearned. They would perish. They become lifetime residents to live out the remainder of their life. The organization is contacted by agencies who have come in possession of wild animals and need to find a home for them. The rescue facility has to pay for expenses for retrieval of these wild animals. They are called from many states. Some of the animals have been rescued from abusive situations, the entertainment industry, roadside zoos, and some have been involved in breeding and rescued. Some have been used in labs and are retired from lab/research testing facilities or are old pets. Most (80%) are in critical condition and in poor health upon arrival and fortunately have a remarkable recovery rate.  Really?  80% arrive in "critical condition?"  Remember, critical condition means "near death."  Got any vet medical reports to substantiate this claim?  No??  I thought not.

I posed the delicate question about the horrible allegations brought up by their organization's former vice president Kristina Brunner. Carol Asvestas said that this disgruntled employee went after people that had had animals formerly confiscated from their abusive or negligent care. She conspired with these people and formed a website to personally attack her. Carol Asvestas said, “What led to her dismissal on this particular occasion, was Ms. Brunners entered an infected area without protective equipment. I told her to get out and she became confrontational, and was dismissed“. Further more she stated,” If we’re such a bad organization, people wouldn’t be coming to this so called Hell Hole”.  Yeah, you just stick with that fantasy story, Ms. Director.  I believe knowingly telling false statements against my person in the hopes of discrediting my account as to what truly transpired at the facility is called SLANDER! 

According to an article on the website, US Animal Protection .ORG., Ms. Brunner states that the poor conditions and negligence of monkeys, resulting with at least five of them consequently freezing to death, was her reason for leaving. Since leaving her position, Ms. Brunner has filed numerous complaints against the WAO.  And yet despite instructions from the USDA/APHIS, the directors still refuse to provide heat for ALL the primates!

Reportedly both the state (TCEQ) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the (USDA) United States Department of Agriculture have the (WAO) under pending- investigation charges. The TCEQ has two sites under investigation concerning the burial remains of potentially infected animals, without proper permits. A trouble shooter for WOAI, Tanji Patton , obtained a letter from WAO to the state that the orphanage had relocated remains from a site that had been in a"potential flood plain", to a permitted landfill. Still other allegations from the San Antonio Lightning are allegations of pot- bellied pigs gone missing and the burial of pit-bulls who although euthanized, and bodies still warm, may have been buried alive. These proposed charges are still under investigation. You draw your own conclusions.  Hey, how about pulling the open records documents from all agencies concerned, read them, and then draw your own conclusions!

I recommend that if you get a chance to visit this fine refuge, you will find it enjoyable, memorable and well worth your time. For those of you who do not know, they do have house cats up for adoption.  Please adopt a kitty before he/she is either euthanized or tossed away at the second non-inspected site to fend for itself!! 

With a Grateful Heart

In two days it will be Thanksgiving Day, and it's during this time I've been reflecting on the people I am most grateful in my life for helping me get through this difficult case. There are a lot of people wanting to help the animals at the pseudo-sanctuary. Sadly, we learned a couple of weeks ago a lot of the animals died at the pseudo-sanctuary within the last 18 months. New animal names have been added to the list of dead -- and it's been really hard on the team because these animals' deaths could have been, for the most part, prevented. New animal injuries were observed recently at the pseudo-sanctuary and it's so unbelievably hard to watch the animals survive at this place, day after day, week after week, month after month, knowing that their lives may be at risk from disease, injury, or malnutrition. One of the animal caretakers is already planning the death of two wonderful physically handicapped tigers by saying "They may not live much longer, but at least they have this." [Her arms encompassing the tigers' animal small animal enclosure]

Three of the dead animals held a very special place in my heart and it has been difficult in dealing with their deaths. At one point, I wondered if it was even worth continuing the case because it seemed the USDA and OAG was not moving on this case and there was nothing I could do to save the animals' lives. On more than one occasion, I was told by co-workers to give up the case because it was affecting my health.

Fortunately, the animal rescue team members rallied behind me, encouraged me to continue, not for my sake, but for the animals' sake. So, despite all the deaths and injuries, I can find something to be grateful for - so this blog is dedicated to the animal rescue team and to animals that need our help.

That is why, during this time of thanksgiving, I give thanks for the people that stood behind me and the animals, helping us make a small difference, one day at a time. It is with a grateful heart I dedicate this blog to the team and especially to the animals still living at the pseudo-sanctuary. I end this blog page with a prayer for the animals:

Dear God, Please bless the Animals....and especially those who apparently suffer at the hands of careless, thoughtless or even cruel people. Just about every day, God, in whatever area of the world we happen to be, we hear about or see animals that are neglected or exploited. We know that Your eye is always on all of Your creations God, so if these animals are suffering physically, they must be here to teach us a lesson. Please, don't let us miss their point God. If their message is for us, let us hear what they came to teach us. And if it is for the awakening of others- please don't let them miss the message either. Thank you God, for understanding how lost we human beings can become and for the teachers that come in every size, shape and species to remind us that we are here to live with each other in love and peace and harmony and joy. Amen

Please pass this blog onto others so the message of the pseudo- sanctuary animals will not be lost forever in time. Thank you.

And the Nightmare Continues...

Yes, indeed the nightmare continues. Yesterday I learned two more tigers are en route to be housed at the "pseudo-sanctuary." The latest acquisition was made possible by another out-of-state wild animal sanctuary, known for taking in big cats, and funded by a well-known international animal welfare organization, boasting a membership of over two million contributors.

Over a year ago, I contacted this international animal welfare organization, informing the individual in charge of animal rescues and funding, as to the serious problems regarding their favorite "sanctuary." I received a nice letter back, saying "I thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention..." blah, blah, blah. Needless to say, I never heard from him again.

I later learned from an insider the well-known animal organization immediately contacted the animal "sanctuary." I was told the director discredited my allegations by claiming I was a distraught ex-volunteer, angry because I was caught putting my hand in animals cages and was asked to leave the facility by her husband. As if... for you see, I'm one of those rare people who likes her limbs attached to the body!

Anyway, it is quite apparent the international group has no interest what-so-ever to investigate the sanctuary they call one of the best partner animal sanctuaries in the US. I just visited the international organization's web site and found a story about the animal "pseudo-sanctuary" and lo-and-behold, it is filled with a lot of inaccuracies. The web page claims tigers rescued in 2003 were brought to Texas filthy, undernourished, and ridden with diseases. "Several of the tigers have already died." The group's representative laments that it is "absolutely heart-breaking."

I was there the day the animals arrived. A few tigers look a little muddy (and I mean a little muddy) and only one tiger looked thin to me. The rest looked healthy and robust (see above picture depicting one of the thin and diseased ridden "rescued" tigers). I spoke with the vet on-scene and she said they may need to be de-wormed, but other than that, they were fine. NOT disease ridden!! Keep in mind, the animals would not be allowed to travel if they were disease ridden--no vet would issue health certificates for the animals to travel across state lines if they were diseased. As to the tigers' deaths--they were killed, by the workers, starting six months after they arrived in Texas because the workers deemed the tigers to be "too aggressive." Tigers, aggressive--go figure. Even the four baby tigers born at the facility supposedly died due to inexperienced baby tiger care. As to the remaining baby tigers born at the facility, well, no one seems to know what happened to them.

I am appalled to think two million donors are lied to by this international animal organization. The Texas "pseudo-sanctuary" has not been forthcoming to this animal organization, and the animal organization has no desire to learn the truth about their precious Texas "wild animal sanctuary" which they are monetarily supporting.

I also cannot understand why the "out-of-state" sanctuary would involve themselves with the "pseudo-sanctuary" when this group published, on their own blog spot, a report of the "pseudo-sanctuary's" undergoing investigations. I called this out-of-state animal group while they were still on the road, with the animals, and asked the person in charge of "operations" if the two tigers could remain with their group instead of coming to Texas. I was promised a return phone call... Guess what? No call...what a surprise...

Oh, and when I tried to stop the two tigers' relocation to the pseudo-sanctuary by contacting the other animal sanctuary receiving the Ohio animals, I was practically accused of making up allegations against the pseudo-director.  When I suggested, in what turned out to be my last email to the director, that she call me (I provided her my personal home number), I had hoped we could discuss the situation and perhaps she could help me save the pseudo-sanctuary's animals.  I never heard from her again.

Will the nightmare and hypocrisy ever end?

[Present Day:  Here is the email conversation between Carol Baskins (BCR) and myself: It reads from the bottom of this blog to this point]

From: BigCatRescue MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org
To: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Tue, October 23, 2007 8:13:35 PM
Subject: RE: Tigers en route to the Wild Animal Orphanage

Dear Kristina,

I have never applied for a Freedom of Information Act from APHIS. Can you direct me to the page or link?

I just now read through the documents you sent and find them disturbing if they are authentic. The notion of killing a tiger because it acts like a tiger is inconceivable to me.

Having 73 animals die in a four year period seems extreme as well, but I don’t know how many animals are housed there and thus do not know the percentage of attrition that would indicate. We lose about 4-6 cats each year, but most of them are in their late teens and early twenties. There was nothing in the documentation that indicates the ages of the animals. I do know that USDA requires that when animals are housed together they must be in compatible groups and when so many are dying in these groups it would seem that is an indication that they aren’t compatible.

Having 21 animals born at a sanctuary in 4 years seems to defy the definition of a sanctuary, but I have no way of knowing if these animals arrived pregnant, or what procedures are used to ensure that no breeding occurs at the facility. Rescuing 36 animals while others are still living in quarantine also seems counter productive, but I don’t know if it was because housing for those specific types of animals was available where it wasn’t for the ones who were awaiting better facilities. Can you tell me what the quarantine areas and temporary holding cages are like as far as size and construction for the big cats? I wouldn’t know anything about other animal’s needs than cats.

Why would animals be transferred from Talley to Leslie? I could understand sending animals off exhibit, but don’t understand what the reasoning may have been for moving animals in the other direction when it appeared to me that the Leslie Road property was over crowded already. In talking with Carol a couple years back while we were there, she seemed to be wanting to move the cats, especially, out to the larger acreage. Have you seen the set up on Talley Road ? Can you describe the way the cats are housed there?

One of our former volunteers took our in house records from 1993, doctored them up to fit her agenda (and not very cleverly, I might add) and then passed them off as having come from USDA’s office. She whited out the dates and convinced one reporter that they indicated our current records were inaccurate because the names didn’t match. The names didn’t match exactly because the cats we had in 2006 were not all the same cats who were here in 1993, although a lot of them were, and if you have been a volunteer for 10 years you know that a lot of names occur over and over, like Simba and Cleo-catra and Bob (the bobcat…how original) but the reporter wasn’t experienced enough to know and didn’t give me the opportunity to show her any different. As a result there was one bad story aired about us, by one stupid reporter, and all of our enemies post it all over the Internet as their only source of validation. The only reason I mention this is because I know that you can’t take something at face value unless it is of public record or has corroborating evidence.

It appears the list of animals born, rescued, transferred, killed or who died was sent by someone named Mary to Carol and on its face is very disturbing, but how can you prove that this is the actual attachment or that Mary wasn’t someone like my former volunteer who created a document to email to Carol so that she could then pass it around as being something other than what it is. I don’t mean to be overly cynical, but I know how stuff like that happens. Was this given to the IFAW people and USDA?

It would appear that you attempted to be forthright in your emergency meeting of the board and your suggestions seemed reasonable. Again, I am assuming that this was the actual context of the meeting, based upon what you supplied. It appears that none of your motions were discussed or voted on. Were they heard at all? If so, what happened next? It seemed that your information had come from a volunteer or volunteers and I wonder if that person is still there and still able to let you know what is happening and if not, what happened to them? Could they have had any reason to give you inaccurate information? You said the meeting was taped. Was this shared with IFAW, USDA or the state department in charge of charitable regulation?

As I sleep on this, I am sure other questions will arise. Thank you for your time in getting to the heart of this.

For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa , FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org

________________________________________

From: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 10:23 AM
To: MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org
Subject: RE: Tigers en route to the Wild Animal Orphanage

Dear Ms. Baskins:

Here is the response I received regarding my inquiry to obtain the case number pending litigation:

To: "Kristina Brunner"
Subject: Re: comp 08-029, WAO Fw: 2 Lions 4 Tigers Rescued This Morning by Big Cat Rescue, IFAW and ASUS/WAO
From: Linda.L.Kovar@aphis.usda.gov
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 08:11:31 -0600

Dear Kristina:

I have checked with a supervisor and you will need to go through FOIA to obtain the case number. Please be sure to include details in your request so that the FOIA office can provide you with the correct information.

Linda L. Kovar, ILA

I will be submitting an FOIA request to obtain this information. My last FOIA request to USDA/APHIS took 4 months - so you may wish to submit your own request as well!

Kind Regards,

Kristina Brunner

BigCatRescue wrote:

Dear Kristina,

The tigers that went to WAO are Sierra who is white and born March 3, 2007 and Ekaterina who is golden and born April 24, 2000. We do not send cats to other facilities and only recommend that they go to accredited sanctuaries when we cannot take them. What happened in this specific case was unusual in that the Knox County Animal Control had requested of the court that they be awarded possession of the 2 lions and 4 tigers. At the time they knew we would take at least the two lions and they had no other takers for the tigers, so they only listed Big Cat Rescue in their motion as a potential sanctuary for the cats. When the order granted Knox Co. the cats, they were afraid to award them to anyone other than us, since we were the only ones mentioned, so they transferred all six to us. I had contacted all of the accredited sanctuaries and no one would take the four tigers. We decided we could take 2 lions and 2 tigers, but just couldn’t take the last two. The four we were taking had a lot of physical and emotional issues, but Sierra and Ekaterina were younger, healthier and far more friendly toward people. The cats should be in TX already.

IFAW contacted me when they heard about the situation and said they could find placement for the last two tigers and provide transportation of all six cats. I knew they had worked with WAO in the past and I had met Carol and visited her facility in San Antonio . I know Sumner Mathis and while WAO isn’t accredited, the only other option for the cats that came up was Joe Taft. I had been there, been appalled and figured if I had to transfer 2 cats to someone, it would be WAO and not that hell hole. We would love to have taken all six, but it costs us 7500.00 per cat per year to provide proper care and we just couldn’t commit to that unless our donors stepped up to annual commitments for the cats and despite several appeals, it didn’t happen. We are still almost 7000.00 shy of the amount we needed to raise just for the first year of care for the four we did take.

Scott called me, after you called him and said that you had told him there were fines outstanding against WAO and some of the other things you alleged. It was not in my power at the time of your call to cancel the transfer as the cats were already transferred and on Carol’s truck. Since I watch the USDA decisions http://www.usda.gov/da/oaljdecisions/aljcondecisions.htm and had never seen a fine against WAO, I assumed that the rest of what you were saying wasn’t true either. I spend most of my time and energy in trying to stop the trade in exotic cats and as a result the breeders, dealers and exotic pet owners say a LOT of things about me that aren’t true. I know that Carol has been involved in litigation to shut down some of these abusers so I figured she has her own little band of enemies who will say anything to disparage her just like I have mine. The only case number I could find referencing Carol was Docket No. 99-0015. 8/11/99 and I never saw anything come of that. I am no expert as to the ways of the USDA and if you know of a pending case, or outstanding citations, I would like to see them.

Mike Dereadt & Dr. Ramanathan

The vet, Dr. Anand Ramanathan and the PR guy Chris Cutter from IFAW [emphasis added by me] spent the last two days with us and one of the questions he asked me, was if we euthanize animals. We only do it when the animal has no chance at recovery and is suffering, or has lost the will to live. The question made me wonder if the vet knew something about Carol that you had suggested in your conversation with Scott. I told him that we had a call from one person (I didn’t tell him who because I didn’t know your name) and emails from several others, mostly anonymous as these breeders and dealers almost always do, asking us to not send the cats to WAO. He asked if you were one of the people and I told him I didn’t know who had called, but that your name wasn’t one of the emails I had seen. They said that they had heard from you before and had gone in person to check out your claims and found them to be baseless. [Emphasis added by me] If these are not people you contacted personally, then it is possible that not all of your information made it to them. Any large organization like IFAW has to be very careful who they are associated with so I would think that they would want to check out every possible fact. In the absence of fact though, it becomes a judgment call that can only be based on what you know of the people involved.

IFAW said they were aware of some violations cited by USDA, but that Carol was in the process of complying with their requests and they didn’t think any of the outstanding matters was of much concern. The only one mentioned was the requirement that carcasses be incinerated vs buried, but that isn’t a USDA requirement, so I assume it is a state or county policy. [Emphasis added by me...wow!  IFAW did not think the USDA violations, like freezing monkeys to death, was much of a "concern" to them.  Disgusting.]

I haven’t heard anyone say anything derogatory about you, other than that you have it in for Carol. [Me again]  Could you copy me with case numbers and evidence? Integrity and accountability are crucial in situations like this and I am concerned that far too many of these cats are discarded, rescued and then disappear off the radar all over the place. I have been building a data base of information over the course of many years to try and get a handle on where the cats originate and where they end up and it has been frustrated by the lack of transparency across the board.

For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats

12802 Easy Street Tampa , FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457

http://www.BigCatRescue.org MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org

Sign our petition to protect tigers here:

http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU



________________________________________

From: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2007 8:14 PM
To: MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org
Subject: Tigers en route to the Wild Animal Orphanage


Dear Ms. Baskin:

My name is Kristina Brunner, from San Antonio , and on Saturday, October 20, 2007 , I contacted Mr. Scott Lope, requesting Big Cat Rescue retain all the animals rescued from Ohio.

I have no doubt the call I made to Mr. Lope, was in retrospect , poor in its timing, since the decision had already been made to transfer the animals to San Antonio, Texas.

I also have no doubt when my name and request was mentioned to IFAW representatives and Ms. Asvestas (president of the Wild Animal Orphanage {WAO}), you received a rather disturbing picture of myself. I have made one attempt to contact IFAW in order to present my findings. Mr. Ian Robinson, June 27, 2006, was the person I contacted and he did not express any interest in helping the animals, so I decided present my findings to those who could help the WAO animals.

As I was not there to comment on what may or may not have been said about me and my request, I am therefore unable, at this time, to provide an adequate defense against the false statements that may have been said to discourage further investigation into the situation. Therefore, after consulting with individuals aware of the on-going WAO investigative cases, I have decided to provide your organization information pertaining to the Wild Animal Orphanage which will substantiate my heart felt desire to see all the Ohio animals remain in Florida. While I realize this is not longer an option, I am hoping your organization will refrain from any future partnership with the WAO.

So, allow me to properly introduce myself again:

My name is Kristina Brunner and I was the Sanctuary of the United States (ASUS), d/b/a Wild Animal Orphanage (WAO), Primate Sanctuary of America (PSA); Chimp Aid; Cat Haven; Feral Cat Rehab Center; Whisker’s and Wag’s Humane Society, f/k/a the National Sanctuary for Retired Research Primates (NSRRP), and f/k/a The San Antonio Wildlife Emergency Centre's, Vice President, Treasurer, and Board Chairperson for approximately 3 years and volunteer animal caretaker for 10+ years. I am an upstanding member of the San Antonio community, working in my chosen career field as a Human Resource professional for the last 21 years.

In 2005, I learned the WAO allegedly violated numerous animal welfare laws and allegedly misappropriated funds obtained from charitable donations from the general public, universities, and corporations. I learned of these violations from visual sightings, statements made by volunteers, WAO workers, local veterinarians, and recorded evidence. My investigation led to filing numerous open records and FOIA requests resulting in my heightened concerns I had regarding the operation of the WAO. As the Vice President and Treasurer, I believed I had a fiduciary responsibility to inform the WAO Board of Directors of my initial findings. Prior to the Emergency Board Meeting, I learned Ms. Asvestas removed my name from the WAO Board of Directors’ web page, so needless to say, the meeting did not go well. I attended the board meeting, presented my findings, and based on the reception I received from the Asvestas’, promptly resigned my positions and left the WAO – never to return. I have the entire meeting on audio tape, which was taped with the approval of all board members.

I filed complaints with the appropriate law enforcement and animal regulatory agencies in 2006. The following information is just a few agencies I contacted regarding my findings:

USDA/APHIS is taking the WAO to court for failing to pay the fines associated with the citations levied against the organization. The case was forwarded to the USDA's Office of General Counsel for formal prosecution via an administrative law hearing. It is my understanding this case may go on for two or more years before it will finally be resolved.

Texas OAG/Charitable Trust allegedly entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the WAO regarding misappropriation of funds in violation of the Texas Miscellaneous Corporation Laws Act, the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act, the Texas Business Organizations Code (to the extent it may be applicable), the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act, and the common law relating to breach of fiduciary duty and other duties relating to non-profit corporations. I'm waiting for the case to close so I can review the MOU by way of the Texas Open Records Act.

Texas Commission of Environmental Quality sent the WAO an order, demanding the number, type, and health condition of the animals buried in the large animal burial pits found by WOAI (local news television) on the WAO's Talley Road property. As of last month, the WAO, has thus far, refused to provide the TCEQ this information. It is in my estimation, based on the animal records I have in my possession, there are hundreds of animals including, dogs, cats, tigers, lions, bears, chimps, non-human primates, servals, jaguars, cougars, and other species that "disappeared" from the public view.

Recently, I learned the SPCA of Dallas entered into a financial agreement, paying the WAO over $5,000 to allow the SPCA of Dallas to kill and bury animals "rescued" by said organization, at the WAO's Tally Road facility. Ms. Asvestas, president and CEO of the WAO, admitted to an on-line local newspaper, she received "about $5,000" for the allowing the SPCA of Dallas to kill and bury approximately 60+ pit bulls on the Talley Road property. Witnesses place Ms. Asvestas at Talley Road during the time the pit bulls were killed and her husband, I was told, operated the backhoe that was used to dig the dogs’ burial pits.

In the course of my investigation, I also learned the WAO allegedly allowed the SPCA of Texas to house, kill and bury scores of the Kendall County "Retirement" cats "rescued" by the SPCA of Dallas, once again, on the WAO's Talley Road property. I have no doubt Ms. Asvestas participated at this killing event as well. I tried to obtain the dollar amount she received for this partnership, but the SPCA of Dallas refused to impart the dollar amount paid to the WAO, for they do not disclose amounts paid to their “vendors.”

Even though these "agreements" took place in 2005, and kept from the WAO's Board of Directors, I cannot help but wonder how many other "agreements" have taken place in the interim between these two supposed animal shelter groups or any other animal shelter. How many more animals were killed and buried at the Talley Road property? I was never allowed to enter the Talley Road property, even as the Vice President and Treasurer of the WAO, unless I was accompanied by Ms. Asvestas, and I was never allowed to leave the main part of the property. Needless to say, I now know why.

I am absolutely appalled that the WAO allowed a "SPCA" to kill and bury animals on the WAO's property. The WAO's mission statement claims "Provide unwanted, abandoned, abused or neglected animals with a quality, humane, natural environment in which they can live out their lives in peace once they are rehabilitated."

I am equally appalled the SPCA of Dallas killed and buried "rescued" animals on WAO property. The SPCA of Dallas' mission statement states in part "The goal to no longer euthanize for space was first proposed in 2000 as a part of a comprehensive five-year plan designed to take the SPCA into the 21st century as a state-of-the-art, cutting-edge animal shelter while remaining more intensely focused on its core mission, to improve the welfare of all animals." I suppose if animals are killed and buried on properties other those owned by the SPCA of Dallas, then there is no need to worry about euthanizing animals at its shelters, thereby making room for new arrivals.

What absolutely stunned me was Ms. Asvestas was making plans in 2005 to open her own dog and cat shelter, called “Whisker’s and Wag’s Humane Society" in 2006.

At this point, I do not know if there is anything your organization can do for the two tigers en route to San Antonio. I simply ask that your organization refrain from recommending any "rescued" animals to be taken to the ASUS/WAO. My goal is simply to protect the animals still living at these two sites and I hope I can count on your cooperation. I do have one request – can you provide me the names of the tigers en route to Texas and when they are expected to arrive in San Antonio ? I would like to provide this additional information to the USDA/APHIS. It is imperative these animals are identified before they enter the unregulated Talley Road property, where it would be easy for the animals to simply “disappear.”

If you have any questions, or require proof of the allegations made herein, please do not hesitate to contact me at xxx-xxx-xxxx for further information/details.

Thank you.

Kind Regards,

Kristina Brunner

Killing Animals for Money

Killing animals for money -- not exactly a new concept, unless the organization happens to be an exotic animal sanctuary and their mission statement happens to claim they provide life long care for abused and abandoned animals at its facility.

So when I learned this so-called "sanctuary" killed dogs and cats, with the help of a Texas "SPCA" facility, and buried them on the sanctuary's property, all for money of course, you can imagine my horror and absolute disgust.

In January 2005, a large number of pit bulls were secretly housed on the sanctuary's property. These dogs were removed from a dog fighting ring by the "SPCA" and housed for two weeks on the property before they were quickly killed and buried. There was talk among the workers that the animals were killed and buried so fast that all the animals may not have been dead when tossed into the animal pits. How much did this organization receive from the "SPCA" for this horrific deed? About $5,000, the sanctuary's director told an on-line news editor, for the use of the building and the land.

The "SPCA" also housed a couple of hundred cats, taken from a pet retirement center, at this same animal sanctuary. Not all the cats were reunited with their former owners or adopted out to the public. Many cats were also killed and allegedly buried at the sanctuary's property -- again supposedly for a large sum of money. As an interesting side note, this "SPCA" claims to be working towards becoming a "no-kill" shelter. I guess they can now make this claim since the animals were not killed on their property, but rather the property of a "pseudo-sanctuary" willing to kill and bury the animals on their own land--for a tidy sum, of course.

The animal sanctuary also received a LOT of money from corporations and private donors for the "hurricane cats" housed at its facility. Sadly, many of the hurricane cats were tossed onto the sanctuary's large second property with very little food or water, and expected to fend for themselves as "feral cats." A large number of cats were taken to the "SPCA" and were promptly "euthanized." Another large number of cats contracted a very infectious disease and died an absolutely horrible death, for blood was seen coming out of the eyes and noses of the sick animals. The remaining cats that survived all this were prompted shipped off to other animal sanctuaries throughout Texas.

Sadly, this organization has been operating for 17+ years without any oversight. God only knows what other horror stories about this "sanctuary" will be revealed in time...

I Was Struck by the Lightning!

I received a voice message today from the San Antonio Lightning editor, RG Griffing!  He heard about the pseudo-sanctuary situation (from a friend of mine I later learned) and wants to do a story on the situation.

I called him back and we spoke for some time regarding the pseudo-sanctuary.  I think he was surprised with all the information I provided him regarding this case.

I hope he can help me save the animals! 

Faith

Faith... the cornerstone of any animal cruelty investigation. Faith that the animal cruelty investigators moved fast enough to stop the cruelty. Faith that law enforcement will do the right thing and prosecute the offenders. Faith that justice for the animals will be served in the end.

I've been asked why I haven't named the sanctuary in question in this blog. Simply put, the case is on-going and I do not want to jeopardize the case by naming names just yet. Once this case is over, I will definitely post the details of the investigation to the blog.

I've also been asked what "did the animal sanctuary do that was so wrong." Without going into too much detail, here is a small list of the allegations made to the authorities:

• Injured animals, such as a chimpanzee, non-human primates, tigers, etc, were allowed to suffer and die from their open bleeding wounds--in other words, non-existent vet care;
• Numerous animals, such as cougars and wolves, were kept in one enclosure and expected to "get along." Newly introduced animals did not always survive their introductory period;
• Primates were predominantly fed dog food and moldy white bread. Fruits and vegetables were rarely given out for the were considered "treats;"
• Many primates died from the freezing temperatures because the subtropical primates did not receive any heat or protection from the elements;
• Incoming primates were kept in small squeeze-back cages for months (and I mean more than six months at a time) until they either died or a cage was finally built for them. These squeeze-back cages were so small the animals could barely turn around. There were no toys or other stimuli to keep the monkeys occupied. Just a monkey in a small metal box during searing hot summer temperatures or bone chilling winters;
• A lot of tigers were euthanized because they were either deemed "aggressive" or suddenly developed "renal failure;"
• Did I mention the huge animal burial pits containing hundreds and hundreds of dead animals? Animals such as a very large number of pit bulls; hurricane cats and supposedly "feral cats"; tigers; lions; wolves; primates; servals; jaguars; leopards; cougars; bears; cougars; and so on....
• And needless to say, there is the money trail leading to the alleged misappropriation of funds.

I say "allegations and alleged" because until either the current board member(s) admit the truth about all the illegal activities or it's proven in a court of law, that is how I must report the "alleged" misdeeds committed by this so-called "sanctuary."  

During the course of this investigation, I have met a lot of wonderful people, including an animal cruelty investigator whom worked tirelessly on another animal case for the last 10 years (oh my goodness...10 long years)! Hopefully soon, her case will have a happy ending as it makes its way through the court system this month. Her advice and support has been invaluable. Yesterday she reminded me to keep the faith and pray for a happy resolution to my case, as she kept the faith for 10 long years.

You know folks, I can't help but think if we were not talking about animals, but rather children or elderly persons, this case would have be over in a matter of days -- not years. Why is there such a glaring double standard? Why are non-profit animal "sanctuaries" given multiple chances to clean up their act, while for-profit business are shut down immediately if there is even a hint of fraud? Hmmm.

The Waiting Game

The hardest part of initiating an investigation is waiting for the final outcome from the USDA or state attorney general offices. Investigation results can take YEARS and over time government investigators will probably get tired of hearing from you (Are you done yet? Are you done yet?)...

In this case, I try and stay focused on the "wins." So far the "wins" include:

• USDA/APHIS will inspect the sanctuary more often - this means the sanctuary will have to account for each animal!!
• USDA/APHIS directed the sanctuary to provide heat to all primates when the weather approaches freezing temperatures - December 2006 was the first time primates received heat!!!
• Primates are now receiving fruits and vegetables!!! Year 2006 was the first year in a long time the primates received fresh fruits and vegetables as part of their regular diet and not as "treats."
• The sanctuary no longer bears the BBB Wise giving Seal - a win for the general public!!
• False information was removed the the sanctuary web pages!
• Texas OAG is scrutinizing the financial records.

These are all small victories - I call them "baby steps" and I believe these baby steps will save animal lives in the long run.

So while I may have to wait another year or so for the USDA's final results, at least I have some peace of mind the animals will be checked on regularly.

As to the Texas OAG, I have no idea how much longer the case will continue. It has been over 18 months and still there is no end in sight to this case. I just have to have faith this government office will do the right thing by the animals and the general public. Faith.

Animal Warrior

Animal Warrior - this label was placed on me by another "animal warrior" who works tirelessly as an animal rescuer. Often my fellow animal warrior's words gave me strength and encouragement to persevere. I was very naive when I first started my personal investigation into the animal sanctuary, but thanks to many animal warriors I met along the way, I learned more about the plight of animals living in so called "sanctuaries" in one year than I did in the last ten years.

In light of the allegations I made at the the last board meeting I attended, I expected the sanctuary to make up terrible stories about why I left the board. I just wasn't prepared for the amount of hatred and anger that spewed in my direction by the sanctuary's founders/directors. The directors made numerous libel and slanderous comments about me -- mainly to scare the workers and discredit me when concerned citizens, city, state, and federal investigators contacted the organization regarding alleged violations of the animal welfare act and misappropriation of charity funds. Several individuals were told I had a temporary restraining order against me because I was stalking the directors and their adult "children" and/or because I posed a threat to the sanctuary. Employees were forced to sign confidentiality and non-disclosure statements or face termination. Sadly, the workers were not permitted to speak to anyone concerning the animals without the sanctuary's director or attorney present for fear of violating the signed non-disclosure agreements. The workers were also forced to sign false statements pertaining to the allegations I brought forth to the emergency board meeting -- allegations, which by the way, were brought forth to me by the workers!

And the false allegations and comments did not stop with the WAO and its staff--even the WAO's attorney made some interesting comments about me like:

“No doubt, Ms XXXX and other mean-spirited fanatics have caused the regulatory and press attention to the WAO", “As we have responded to various allegations, we have begun to gather the evidence necessary to hold Ms. XXXX, and others, accountable for any damage they have caused,” and “Many of Ms. XXXX’s allegations are without merit and likely intended to cause ASUS trouble.  However, some of her allegations have proved to be accurate, at least in part.”

Yikes!  It sounds like the WAO and its attorney are ready to get mean and dirty when it comes to this case.

When I learned about the false information pertaining to me, I notified the appropriate parties to clear the record by presenting the facts. Sadly, this type of "intimidating" behavior was not uncommon by this sanctuary and its attorney. In the course of my personal investigation, I discovered several correspondences threatening individuals for speaking out against the sanctuary with court action and/or temporary restraining orders.

I cannot stress enough to anyone wishing to expose illegal and immoral activities at a sanctuary to have a plan of action. Interviewing the workers, board members, and veterinarians may be very important to your investigation--be sure to get the interview on tape (obtain permission to tape the interview or comply with your state's audio/video taping laws). If you decide not to tape, don't be surprised when the workers, board members, and vets suddenly "forget" or "deny" what was said to you in private. You may wish to have a witness in the room willing to testify, if need be, to the content of the interview(s). Oh, and don't over look volunteers - they can be a tremendous resource of information.

Collect as much hard evidence as you can (i.e. animal deaths logs (the official and unofficial logs), medication logs, animal care logs, etc). Obtain as much financial documentation as you can. If the sanctuary is a non-profit, then review the tax returns (don't be surprised if there are more than one version of a particular year's 990 floating around!). Sanctuaries are required by law to present to anyone asking for the 990 a copy of the tax return in a timely manner or you can obtain the 990 from Guidestar.com. Does the sanctuary own a lot of expensive vehicles? Does the sanctuary have questionable line entries on the 990's?" Does the sanctuary give "loans" or vehicles to family members (without collateral, interest, etc). How much money actually goes towards the animals' feed and vet care?

Now check out the sanctuary and the directors with your local government. Does the directors have IRS/State liens against their property? How many times has the directors been bankrupt? Does the directors have a criminal record? Does the directors hire convicted criminals to work at the sanctuary? Has the sanctuary been sued before?

Now it's time to request open records with the State (TCEQ, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Health Department) and request FOIA with Federal agencies (USDA/APHIS, Texas OAG, and IRS) for information. What you learn from these agencies may surprise you...

Be prepared to write a lot of letters and talk to a lot of people. Be persistent and understand it takes time for government agencies to respond to your requests. You may have to go to the media for public support, so be prepared to talk to media producers and journalists. Be honest and report only the facts. Government agencies are not interested in your personal opinions.

Contact other sanctuaries, animal rescues and animal rights groups right away. Chances are they already know what is happening at the animal sanctuary in question and can provide you some guidance. The main thing to remember is - you are not alone! There are a lot of good people out there willing to help you help the animals.

Some people will support you in your pursuit to save the animals - and others will not. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions, like why are you doing this and what you hope to achieve. You may also be asked why no one else has come forward to report these problems. Are you the only person reporting the problem, or were there others before you? Chances are you were not the first person to report problems to the authorities...

Those Who Came Before Me...

Yes, there were others that came before me, but unfortunately no one took their stories seriously. Mainly because the directors were quick to have an explanation as to why the “disgruntled” employees/volunteers filed complaints against them. The first lady to file a complaint had strong evidence, but not enough to open up a formal investigation with the OAG. That’s where I come in…

For you see, I used to be a volunteer animal caretaker/board member at this place. I "worked" one day a week, normally on Sundays for about 4-6 hours at a time helping the only animal caretaker/tour guide on duty. I became suspicious of the care provided to the animals located on the main property. I was not allowed to visit the second property unless I had permission from the directors. I always thought it was strange, that as a board member, I was not allowed to go to the second site any time I wanted to check on the animals. It was not until I started my personal investigation I found out why I could not go to the second site unannounced. What I witnessed and what the other animal caretakers told me was shocking. I finally reached a point where I realized the animals were in danger and it appeared money was being misappropriated – I had to act quickly. I interviewed the workers and the attending veterinarians. Then I looked into the local government records. Immediately after I research the county’s records and discovered some very upsetting information, I decided to call an emergency board meeting in order to discuss the sanctuary’s problems. What I did not know at the time was the director decided I needed to “go,” and planned to get rid of me at the emergency board meeting. Needless to say, the meeting did not go well—the board members were not in the least interested in what I had to say. They were very confrontational and clearly on the side of the director. Since one board member lived in Florida and the other two board members rarely visited the site, they had no idea what was happening to the animals or the funds. The director told them what they wanted to hear and apparently that was good enough for them. I made the decision to quit the board because I could not be a party to what I discovered. However, this did not end my fiduciary responsibilities to the animals and the general public, so I collected my evidence, and notified the appropriate authorities. Sadly, the workers turned their backs on the animals and refused to defend them. I guess it was easier for them to believe the directors' stories that I was now a "bad" person, rather than to face up to the truth. When I asked one of the workers why she decided to support the directors rather than the animals, she told me "I can control her[director]...I will make sure she doesn't put them down..[two tigers and a lion]. I won't be able to protect them if I leave." Someone needs to tell her that control is just an illusion.

So I submitted the appropriate paperwork to the authorities and now I am waiting for the final results. Recently, I learned the Texas OAG, TCEQ, and the USDA/APHIS took my allegations seriously. Unfortunately, it will be a while longer before I receive the final reports. In the meantime, I can't help by wonder what will happen to the animals?

Are You Passionate About Animals?

Ever since I was a young child I was passionate about animals. Like many young animal lovers of my generation, I watched Animal Kingdom every weekend on CBS. I had more dogs, cats, rabbits, snakes, lizards, hermit crabs, etc., than any other child on the block. And I was fortunate to have a father whom taught me the importance of respecting and caring for animals.

So, when I joined up the local animal sanctuary over ten years ago, I decided I wanted to part of an organization that was passionate about saving, caring, and loving animals. Even though I did not see the sanctuary's directors around the animals much, the workers seemed to have heart and compassion for the animals. But as time passed, the workers' passion to save and love the animals changed. Caring for the animals became "work." There was no passion in feeding the animals--feeding the animals became a chore. Water bowls were not cleaned because the workers didn't have "enough time" to take care of the littlest chores--so often the automatic water lines did not work properly because they were chocked full of algae. Animal injuries went unnoticed because the workers were too busy in their "routines" to even notice an animal in pain. Heartbroken, I further learned from one of the animal caretakers that they were told by the directors not to "get emotionally attached" to the animals. I was told by one of the directors not to development any emotional attachments to the animals--"don't get too attached" I was told on more than one occasion. What kind of place did this sanctuary turn into? Sadly, it became a passionless, dare I say, heartless sanctuary. Not only did the sanctuary lose passion for the animals, it also lost it's passion for integrity. What kind of sanctuary would post false information on their website? What kind of sanctuary submitted two separate set of tax returns to the general public? What kind of sanctuary falsified financial reports? What kind of sanctuary lied to the public about the health and welfare of the animals? What kind of sanctuary printed false newsletters and then mailed them to the public, soliciting funds under false pretenses? And so on and so forth. I asked those very same questions time and time again throughout my investigation. Sadly, I learned that a sanctuary without heart can also be a sanctuary without integrity. Once the animal sanctuary lost its passion for the animals and its integrity for the truth, it became quite clear it lost it's passion for righteousness. Therefore, if the directors and animal caretakers can not conduct themselves in an honest and caring manner, then how can they be expected to properly care for hundreds of animals? So I ask you again, are you passionate for animals? Are you part of a "sanctuary" that treats animals like a commodity instead of beautiful creations God placed in your care? I have no doubt the animal caretakers from my local sanctuary are reading this blog, so I am directing these questions to them now: Why did you lose heart and passion for the animals? Why didn't you do everything you could to save them? Are you more concerned about your job than the lives placed in your care? You promised to care for the animals -- why did you let them down? When are you going to do the right thing? The animals cannot speak for themselves -- they need you to speak up for them...so speak up! Now is the time to do the right thing -- that is, if you are still passionate for animals...

So, what can you expect if you do speak out for the animals? All I can say is, be prepared for an up hill battle... as an animal warrior, you will need to be prepared for the unexpected...

Moment of Truth

All animal rescuers at some point in their lives reach a moment of truth. It's at this point you question whether or not it is worth hearing one more horrible animal story, treating one more animal in pain, or dealing with one more animal abuser. Then after the tears and heartache passes, you realize you must hear one more animal story, treat one more animal in pain, and deal with one more animal abuser because that is why you are here on this Earth -- to be the strong and steady voice for those that cannot speak of their pain and misery.

I keep asking myself -- had I known how devastating it would be to conduct a personal investigation into the business practices of this local animal sanctuary, which I spent 10 years of my life volunteering, would I do it all again today? After many quiet reflections and tears, I could only come to one conclusion -- absolutely. Why? Because it wasn't about the all the dirt, grime, sweat, tears, sunburns, bug bites, and time spent out there in the cold, heat and rain -- it was all about the animals...it was always about the animals and making sure they were safe and healthy.

Prior to December 2005 I believed the animal sanctuary, where I volunteered at, was a wonderful and caring facility for sick and injured animals. It was on the news all the time and not too long ago it was featured on Animal Planet. I was constantly amazed at all the new animals arriving at this facility and silly me thought they were all living at one of the two animal facilities. Back then I had absolutely no reason to doubt the directors or the workers were helping animals in need.

Then came the moment of truth -- when I learned that all was not what it seemed to be at the animal "sanctuary." The best way I can describe how I felt on December 17, 2005 was...... well, learning the people I volunteered with each weekend were actually mass murderers and their victims were the animals . This last statement may sound a little exaggerated, but believe me the feelings of betrayal, disgust, sadness, disappointment and absolute horror were very real. I could not eat, I could not sleep, I could barely process what I learned from the animal caretakers, veterinarians, court records, open records, and statements made by former board members. Then I reviewed all the old animal inventory lists I collected over the years and the true horror sunk in -- I crashed to my knees and cried my eyes out for hours -- praying to God to take away my pain and sorrow for the shear number of all the animals that either died or disappeared over the years from this facility. Then came the discovery of the animal pits at both locations -- based on the past animal inventories, newspaper/Internet articles, and internal documentation, I estimated hundreds of animals were buried in these pits over the past 10 years. Animals that I grew to love and adore, tossed into a pit along with other animal bodies, left to rot in the ground until more bodies were added.

I asked people associated with this facility, "Why didn't you tell me about this [horror] sooner?" The answer I got was "we thought you knew what was happening to the animals." I was told by the workers they were instructed to keep quiet and not discuss the fate of the animals with the public--including me. Animals were often moved around and shuffled between the two facilities, so it became almost impossible to know what happened to them. In 2005, the animal caretakers opened up and shared with me a lot of what they knew was happening at this "sanctuary." Shockingly, they were unwilling to take a stand with me in support of the animals for fear of losing their jobs. I also learned past employees and other individuals voicing complaints were threatened with lawsuits if they spoke out against the facility, so the lesson the employees learned was "keep your mouth shut." So now I was alone.

I can not begin to count the number of times I cried out, "Why me Lord? Why have you shown me this? What can I possibly do to save these animals now -- I am alone because the workers do not want to save the animals because they love their jobs more than they love the animals -- so now what?" It was during my darkest moment when one quiet message was sent to me from Heaven - "if not you, then who will save the animals?" I was inspired by these words because God told me that one person can make a difference. I just needed guidance (where to find the evidence), instruction (how to present the evidence), and determination (to see this through to the end). God doesn't admire quitters - He created me to "roar" and I was determined to do just that for all the lions, tigers, wolves, ligers, non-human primates, human primates, cougars, bobcats, servals, birds, rabbits, bears, and all of the other God's creatures living (or no longer living) at this facility -- even if it meant I would have to "roar" alone.

Thankfully, God gave me the strength and courage to continue my personal investigation into this place. Over the course of several months, I met and spoke with a lot of wonderful animal rescuers/caregivers-- ironically almost all of them already knew the horrific conditions at the "sanctuary"-- and with their help and guidance I was able to obtain the evidence I needed to go to the Federal and State governments and request immediate investigations into the this facility. This blog is my journey -- my account of perseverance and determination - which I hope will give strength and comfort to anyone facing a similar situation. Remember -- never lose faith in what you are doing -- your passion for animals will never diminish if you stay true to your heart and your convictions.

Added August 2013:  Life as an Animal Rescuer...

In the Beginning...1995

Several years ago, a real estate agent asked me if I liked animals. When I told him how much I loved animals, he suggested I visit the animal sanctuary located across the street. He told that I could visit tigers and lions and bears (oh my!) at this place. I couldn't believe my luck -- I donated money to the sanctuary through the Combined Federal Campaign, so needless to say I was thrilled to be living across the street from all these exotic animals!

When I went on a tour, I got to see tigers, lions, wolves, and cougars (and so much more) close-up for the very first time. It was great! The tour guide mentioned they were always looking for volunteers to help out at the sanctuary. I just knew I had to volunteer! The sanctuary looked like it needed some maintenance help, so I got to thinking, "Why not see if I can round up about 60 volunteers from work to help out."

So after work on a Friday night, I went to the sanctuary. It was so cold and windy while I stood outside the gate, in my military uniform, waiting to talk to the director at her private residence (she lived next door). Fortunately, it didn't take long to pitch my proposal. The director seemed very happy that 60 or so volunteers from Lackland AFB would come out the following weekend for general maintenance and clean-up. It was time to make plans for my first big volunteer project -- I was excited at the prospect and up to the challenge of find willing volunteers.

On Monday, I made arrangements for two buses to take about 60 law enforcement military students to the sanctuary that upcoming Saturday. I put the word out that I was looking for about 60 people to help perform general maintenance. By Friday, I was anxiously waiting to see how many people volunteered. My heart was broken when only about 10 people told me they planned to go. I didn't know what to do -- the buses were ready, the military work site supervisors were standing by, and I didn't have enough volunteers to fill the buses! I told the 10 volunteers to meet me at my office first thing Saturday morning and I prayed maybe they would bring a few more friends.

Saturday morning I drove back to work with a heavy and disappointed heart. I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived -- would there be less than 10 people waiting to board the buses? When I arrived at work, I noticed there were three flights of students in the parking lot, so I had to park some distance from the building. When I finally made it into work, I saw no volunteers. Ah jeez, no volunteers... I was very disappointed and at a complete loss. I asked the person behind the counter where all my volunteers were and he replied "Ma'am, didn't you see the three flights outside? All those people ARE your volunteers!" I could have cried right there and then from sheer joy and relief!

Over 90 people volunteered from work that day... and since we only had room for 60 people, a decision was made to take the remaining 30 people the following day.

I was excited to lead two buses to the sanctuary. Everyone was very excited, for this was the first time the volunteers had an opportunity to help the community by volunteering at such a place that housed some of God's most amazing creatures. When we arrived, the rules were explained to everyone. Do not touch the animals; do not tease the animals; do not run or horseplay on the property; etc. We broke out in groups whereas each group had a supervisor responsible to ensure all the tasks were completed. Everyone worked very hard that morning, so by lunch time we were ravenous. The sanctuary treated everyone with a meal from McDonald's in appreciation for all our hard work. We were also given a very special treat -- a visit from two baby tigers. The director asked everyone to sit in a large circle and then two baby tigers were placed in the middle. We were allowed to pet the tigers, but not pick them up. Boy, those tigers knew how to work the circle! Everyone got a chance to pet the tigers and some lucky people had their pictures taken with them. After lunch, we completed our projects and departed with special memories of the baby tigers and all the animals we saw at the sanctuary. This was a day I would never forget.

This wonderful day was repeated on Sunday. By the end of the weekend, I decided to volunteer at this place at least once per month. I was hooked because I knew I could make a difference at this place. This was my chance to give back to the community and since I was passionate about helping animals and the had the ability to bring together large volunteer groups, I knew I could make a difference.So over the next several years I brought out over 600 volunteers from Lackland AFB, USAA, and Bexar County.  I continued volunteering at the sanctuary for ten years -- until my world came crashing in and I learned the truth behind this place -- the animal sanctuary underworld which I knew nothing about until that fateful day -- for that day became my moment of truth.

My last WAO public speaking at Cornerstone Church, June 17,2005