WHY WON'T AZ GOLDEN RETRIEVER CONNECTION RESCUE RETURN TWO OLD GOLDENS TO THEIR OWNER?
IT HAS BEEN OVER ONE YEAR…762 DAYS and counting…that
two beloved and well-cared-for senior Golden Retrievers named Dugan and Jake have
been HELD HOSTAGE from their owner by a dog rescue group known as the Arizona Golden
Retriever Connection (AZGRC).
The owner, 40-year old Joanne Williams of Chandler, Arizona, has relentlessly tried
every potential avenue to reclaim Dugan (10 yrs) and Jake (9 yrs), whom she has
raised since puppy hood.
A law suit was filed in Maricopa County Superior Court in February 2007, yet there is no end or trial in sight…nor answers to these questions:
- WHY hasn’t the Arizona Golden Retriever Connection returned her beloved dogs that she has requested back since December 5, 2006?
- WHY is the AZGRC so obsessed with keeping these two senior golden retrievers who are not abused, neglected, unwanted or homeless?
- WHERE are the monies coming from to pay the legal fees and expenses of the court case since AZGRC is funded by donations.
AZGRC reports itself to be a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 volunteer organization relying upon donated monies to support its operations. It governs itself and reports to no one.
- This “legal paper shuffle” is estimated to have already amassed combined legal fees and expenses exceeding $100,000.
- Public outrage and debate, as well as a recommendation from its national golden retriever rescue committee to return the dogs have not brought home Dugan and Jake.
- The AZGRC leaders refer to Dugan and Jake as their “property”, claiming they now “own” the dogs based upon the surrender forms signed by Ms. Williams. A dog is still considered “property” in Arizona as in many states.
- They also claim that returning the dogs “would set a precedent” yet their own actions prove otherwise.
- They cite that it is “in the best interest of the dogs” to not return them to Ms. Williams. (That same phrase is listed on the surrender form as one option AZGRC has as a dog “property owner.”) What is this decision based upon?
There is currently NO agency in Arizona that provides oversight, regulation, control or licensing of non-profit corporations including animal rescue and animal welfare organizations.
There is also NO person, organization, or agency in Arizona with which an individual can talk, file a complaint, or request assistance regarding an issue with an Arizona non-profit organization.
This allows the leaders of a non-profit organization, like the Arizona Golden Retriever Connection (also dba Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue) to do what it wants without any fear of reprisals.
And, they leave Ms. Williams to suffer the emotional anguish of not only losing her baby at 5 ½ months gestation but, due to its related emotional depression and anxiety, also the loss of her two long-time canine companions.
WHY?
An overview of Dugan & Jake’s story can be read by clicking on
this link.