Why Do the Workers Stay at the Pseudo-Sanctuary?

That is a question I am asked all the time. And based on my experiences and the experiences told to me by past employees and volunteers, I believe the pseudo-sanctuary operates like a cult. Let's examine what makes a destructive cult and how the pseudo-sanctuary compares to the description:

1. A destructive cult tends to be totalitarian in its control of its members' behavior. The pseudo-sanctuary tells the employees what to think and what to believe. Past and present employees are mainly convicted criminals controlled by the pseudo-sanctuary's directors. Whenever animals become sick or injured, the workers cannot call a veterinarian without first going through the director. No one can escort an investigator around either property without prior approval from the directors – the directors prefer to take investigators around the properties personally. This way the director can control what is seen or heard and the inspectors are kept away from any problem areas. Employees are told what they can and cannot say to the public and if anyone steps out of line, that person is threatened with a lawsuit or a return to jail. Workers or volunteers taking pictures of the animals and then sharing those pictures with friends and family are frown upon. No one is allowed to share the health and welfare of the animals except the director.  No one.

2. A destructive cult tends to have an ethical double standard. The pseudo-sanctuary claims to provide quality life-long care to its animals. The public is told over and over again that this sanctuary takes animals no one else wants. Animals supposedly arrive in extremely poor health, many in "critical condition" and almost all make remarkable recovery. The shocking truth is many animals either die en-route while in the custody of sanctuary personnel on their way to the "sanctuary" or are destroyed upon their arrival, after the camera crews leave the premise. Animals rarely receive veterinarian care when injured or dying and are provided food that barely meets their basic needs. Hundreds of animals die while in their care and yet the pseudo-sanctuary continues to tell the public they were the best hope for these animals.

3. A destructive cult appears to be innovative and exclusive. The pseudo-sanctuary does not allow volunteers or interns on the property. Board members are close friends of the directors and the board is told only what the directors what them to know. This ensures no one asks any unnecessary questions! The directors are very innovative when it comes to controlling the pseudo-sanctuary's assets, making it very difficult to track donated dollars and purchased items.

4. A destructive cult is authoritarian in its power structure. The directors are regarded as the supreme authority for both properties. They may delegate certain power to an employee for the purpose of seeing that other employees adhere to the directors' orders. The directors claim to have the only and final ruling on all matters. Employees are told to keep their mouths shut when it comes to the inner workings of the pseudo-sanctuary and are threatened if they fail to do so. They may even be forced to sign statements to the effect that they will not share with the public the workings of the sanctuary.

5. A destructive cult's leader is a self-appointed messianic person claiming to have a special mission in life. The female director claimed this was her special calling in life, ever since she was a child. This director appointed herself as President/CEO of the "sanctuary" and the board of directors is afraid to give an honest assessment of this person's work performance.

6. A destructive cult's leader tends to be determined, domineering, and charismatic. The female director is charismatic, often found espousing her ideas to the local television media. She tends to charm investigators, telling them all about her "good works" and how "bad people" are out to destroy all her hard work. Investigators are told past complainants are from disgruntled ex-employees and should not be taken seriously. Workers are not allowed to voice suggestions or complaints for fear of being ridiculed or disciplined. The directors effectively persuade employees to ignore their moral compass by allowing injured animals to go untreated or assist in killing perfectly health animals, all in the name of money. Employees are persuade to abandon their beliefs and follow the directions of the directors—whch includes lying to investigators and to the public.

I was one of the lucky ones to see what this place is — a  horrible cult. When I started asking questions about the pseudo-sanctuary, the directors immediately started removing my name from all forms of print and on the internet— it was as if I never existed to this place. The workers were threatened not to speak or write to me. They were told I was being sued and a temporary restraining order was slapped against me—all threats used to keep the other workers in line. All lies. The directors lied to investigators concerning my role at the pseudo-sanctuary and my reasons for leaving. These actions are indicative of a self-destructive cult.

If you think you have been affected by such a cult, here are a few thoughts to ponder:

Step 1: Thoroughly learn about the psychological dynamics of how mind control works. This way you will be able to see more certainly and clearly how you were systematically deceived and victimized by such an unscrupulous cult leader and its minions.

Step 2: Get therapy from a specialist in the area of cult abuse. Talk about your experiences with others that escaped a similar situation.

Step 3: Get real angry and seek legal justice against the cult’s leaders. Anger over injustice is appropriate and useful if used temporarily and appropriately used. More importantly when you seek legal justice against the abuser, you reverse the psychological victim/oppressor dynamics. You are now in control of the situation and can make a difference in saving others (animals and people alike).

Step 4: Don't lump all like minded groups in the same basket. For instance, don't assume all animal sanctuaries are cult-like. Next time, do your homework, check out the place you want to either work or volunteer at and never give up your dreams to help others - it is a worthwhile endeavor.

I wish you the absolute best on your journey through life and remember, one voice can make a difference - for no one else can speak the words on your lips.

"Once you rationalize the first misstep, it's easier to fall into a pattern of misbehavior."

New Year Brings New Surprises!

The New Year started with a bang! The pseudo-sanctuary failed to pay its property taxes, owed over several years, and now the local County District Courts has turned over the delinquent tax account to Collections. That means if the pseudo-sanctuary does not pay its over due tax bill very soon, it is possible the County tax assessor-collectors will show up at the facility and start seizing items of value to sell. Don't worry folks, I don't think they will seize tigers or lions -- it's more likely they will seize one of the MANY vehicles in its possession or the computers, office furniture, etc.

Then I learned a large company sued the pseudo-sanctuary for failure to pay monies owed for an internet records search service. The company filed suit with the local County Clerk's Office in January 2007. The pseudo-sanctuary was served, refused to respond or go to court, so the Judge ruled summarily for the plaintiff (company). The pseudo-sanctuary was, again, served notice of the judgment against them. In December 2007, the pseudo-sanctuary FINALLY paid the amount ordered by the Court, to include: original amount owed, plus interest (8.25%), legal fees, attorney fees, and court fees. The pseudo-sanctuary ended up paying about double which was originally owed -- approximately $7,000! This dollar amount was taken from the animals' mouths and used to pay for a frivolous service the directors purchased for no other reason than to serve their own needs – a record search internet service which was not animal-related in any way.

Oh, and remember, last year the directors gave themselves (with the blessing of the Board of course) a 150% salary increase!! The salary increase was more than enough to cover the cost of the overdue taxes and the frivolous company bill (before it went to court).

Needless to say, all this information was sent to the Texas Attorney General’s Office. Let see if these latest shenanigans got their attention!

On the plus side, a local Internet newspaper has been reporting the alleged activities of the pseudo-sanctuary on the web! I’ve learned his series of articles have quite a following amongst the animal rescue community and he has caught the eyes of the State and Federal agencies, plus the local media. Apparently, several people have come forward and provided him with information pertaining to their experiences with the pseudo-sanctuary. Some people are understandable angry (their animals are now dead of course) as they were promised life long wonderful care for their animals. Some people want to help, but are scared they will either lose their remaining animals if they speak out to the media or law enforcement. Some people want revenge. Some people want justice. And some people had such bad experiences they are afraid to speak out for fear they will be burned again.

I had no idea I would turn into a animal grief counselor when I started this investigation. Working with people, over the last 2+ years, whom have been lied to in the past and are now afraid to move forward in this case has been rather challenging. I cannot change what transpired in some one's past dealings with the pseudo-sanctuary--I cannot clear people's names (as there were many individuals discredited by the pseudo-sanctuary's directors and current staff, including myself) -- and I cannot promise people this case will resolve happily. All I can do is press forward--one day at a time--and pray the animals will receive the attention and care they so desperately need very soon. While I wish I could deal with all the emotions flying around this case - I have to remain steadfast to the cause - my main focus - the only reason why I started this entire investigation- to save the surviving animals. I'm not insensitive to peoples feelings, it's just I am only one person and there were a lot of hurt people out there wanting something from me I just am not capable of giving what everyone needs right now -- other than my promise that I will always be forthcoming and honest with each person and to make good on my promise not to give up on the animals. I believe I have earned the confidence of the current group of complainants whom had negative dealings with the pseud0-sanctuary directors. My main challenge now is trying to earn the confidence of the new “hurt” people joining the ranks of animal rescuers – and new “hurt” people seem to be joining the cause at a startling rate. Word is getting out that finally, progress is being made, and there is hope for the future. As we become a stronger, more confident group of people working hard to save the animals, it becomes almost impossible to ignore our pleas to remove the pseudo-sanctuary board of directors and instill a team dedicated to the health and welfare of all the sanctuary’s animals.