Dugan & Jake’s Story
"To error is human, to forgive canine". - Unknown
Golden retrievers are a special breed of dog as any golden owner knows. They have
an innate capability of knowing their master’s inner thoughts as well as sensing
their most private feelings.
Once a golden or two… or more…walk into your life, it will never be the same again.
These gentle dogs are playful, funny, sensitive, and irresistibly huggable. Goldens
become a part of you…and you are a major part of them. You are their pack leader…their
master…their life.
Ten year old Dugan and nine year old Jake are two such loving golden retrievers
who have been the special companions of 39-year old Arizona resident Joanne Williams
since they were puppies. The dogs have enjoyed a pampered life at home with her
filled with lots of outdoor activities including daily walks, hiking, swimming,
and playing with their canine friends at local dog parks.
Dugan and Jake exemplify the commitment of a devoted pet owner who considers healthcare
an essential component of dog ownership. Ms. Williams has meticulously provided
regular veterinary medical care for their entire lives as well as incorporated common
sense and preventive medicine guidelines to keep her devoted family companions healthy
and happy.
They were by her side in August 2006 when tragically, Ms. Williams suffered the
major trauma of losing her baby while more than five months into her pregnancy followed
by severe grief and depression. Two months later, she terminated the relationship
with the baby’s father.
While a woman’s body can physically heal and recover from such an overwhelming and
traumatic loss at such an advanced stage in pregnancy,
the emotional healing process often lasts a long time – it’s a very personal
and individual situation for each woman. In October 2006, Ms. Williams sought professional
support for treating the normal reactions of depression and anxiety, which were
diagnosed along with PTSD – post-traumatic stress disorder.
It was in this realm of irrational thinking that Ms. Williams found herself in tears,
turning over Dugan and Jake on December 2, 2006 to Sue Jordan, a volunteer of the
Arizona Golden Retriever Connection (AZGRC)
dog rescue organization. Only 24 hours later, she called Mrs. Jordan still crying
about giving up her dogs, telling her how wrong it continued to feel. Three (3)
days later, in a December 5th phone call, she made the explicit statement to AZGRC’s
president Candy Ziemer that she wanted and needed her dogs returned to her. Mrs.
Ziemer agreed, adding it had to be done quickly.
Heartlessly, the dog rescue
organization’s leaders did not return Dugan and Jake at that time, and they
have continually refused to return Ms. Williams’ beloved family companions ever
since. They refer to Dugan and Jake as their “property”, claiming they now “own”
the dogs.
A dog is considered “property” in Arizona as in many states. AZGRC’s leaders claim
that returning the dogs “would set a precedent” as well as it is “in the best interest
of the dogs” to not return them to Ms. Williams.
“My dogs Dugan and Jake and I have been through an unbelievable nightmare this past
year,” shared Ms. Williams recently. “I have tried everything to get my dogs returned
to me…so now I’m hoping everyone who understands how pets are family will help me
ask a “higher authority” to bring home Dugan and Jake to me – they are my family…my
babies. I appreciate all your prayers and blessings for my dogs to come home.”
The cost of legal fees, services and expenses incurred to reclaim Dugan and Jake
has surpassed $60,000. AZGRC has requested Ms. Williams be ordered by the court
to pay the defendants’ legal fees. To date, the Court has declined to award fees.
The legal battle continues with no end or trial in sight, and it is expected to
continue into 2008. This “legal paper shuffle” is estimated to have already amassed
combined legal fees and expenses exceeding $100,000.