Welcome to the documents that tell the whole sordid story of Waggin Train and their handling of Nikki

(formerly Nike) the dog. With the exception of the first and last emails, this exchange takes place between T, a donor who gave hundreds to support the rescue of Nikki, and Nannette LaRochelle, one of the principals of Waggin Train visit them at http://www.waggintrainrescue.org. The status of Nikki is unknown but she is presumed to be dead. You can read more about the circumstances which led to her assumed death at http://johnsibley.com/category/waggin-train/, which is my blog. Comments in red are editorial comments made by me. I have redacted this document to remove the names and identifying details of certain individuals and made minor formatting changes (mostly adding or deleting blank lines) to improve readability due to changes during forwarding. Other than that language is untouched. From: T Date: Tue, Oct 23, 2012 at 7:50 PM Subject: Nike from NYC ACC To: jane Hello, I pledged funds for Nike. Can you tell me where and how she is doing? I'd like to honor my pledge but want to know where she is. Thank you. From: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:53:27 -0700 (PDT) To: T ReplyTo: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC Hi, I have her boarding at [redacted]. L the owner of the kennel is a rescue friend of mine, and works SAR as well. She and other members of her SAR team are very L is one of the people whom Nanette relies on to make life or death decisions about Nike. I have been unable to locate any accreditation for L as a trainer or behaviorist, and I would expect that if she held such accreditation that Nanette would mention that or that it would turn up in searches, newspaper articles, or the kennel website. The kennel website does not offer training as a service. She works SAR (Search and Rescue) as a handler and is credited as such. The kennel she owns was mentioned in a 2010 newspaper article as follows: That kennel contracts with several communities in Central Jersey to pick up and euthanize cats. They also hold contracts for animal impounds with local towns. This is a private, for profit enterprise that provides shelter services for hire as well as having non-profit(s) incorporated at the same address. experienced with GSDs. L is Nike's main caretaker at this time, and is taking it slow with her, to help build up her confidence level. Nike was very traumatized as a result of the loss of her family, and shelter stay. She is settling in well at the kennel, getting used to the routine, noises and most importantly L. As she shows her adaptability, we'll be able to get a solid feel of the type of home that would best suit her. Thank you for your pledge. I am in dire straits financially right now and literally could not have saved her without your generousity and kindness. Nanette Website: www.WagginTrainRescue.org

Visit our FaceBook Page at "Waggin' Train Rescue - Nonprofit Organization" From: "t To: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2012 10:07 PM Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC Hi Nanette, Thanks for the update. Is it possible for you or [kennel name] to send a current pic of Nike? I'd like to forward to my rescue partner in LA (I'm in NCY). We'll both be sending checks. Thanks for saving her life. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry From: T To: Nanette LaRochelle Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC Sent: Oct 23, 2012 10:14 PM I mean I'm in NYC From: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2012 19:27:14 -0700 (PDT) To: t ReplyTo: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC Absolutely! I'll ask L tomorrow if she can get a picture to send. She has a volunteer come in during the week to help her with paperwork (and updating pictures of some of the other rescue dogs, I'm sure she can take some then.) We'll get them forwarded on to you. Nanette Website: www.WagginTrainRescue.org Visit our FaceBook Page at "Waggin' Train Rescue - Nonprofit Organization" From: "t To: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2012 10:45 PM Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC Great. Who do we make the checks out to and where do we send them? Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From: "t To: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2012 11:49 PM Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC The other check will be coming from C. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2012 19:51:32 -0700 (PDT) To: t ReplyTo: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC Hi , you can do one of two things. If you want to do PayPal, then if you click on the link under my name below it will take you right to our website where you can click on the donate button to access our PayPal. If you want to send a check, then you can make it out to Waggin' Train Rescue, and send it to me: [address redacted] We are a registered nonprofit 501c3, so all donations are tax deductible. If you do PayPal, please keep your receipt for your tax records. If you send a check, then keep a copy of your canceled check to do the same. Nanette Website: www.WagginTrainRescue.org Visit our FaceBook Page at "Waggin' Train Rescue - Nonprofit Organization" From: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2012 19:52:32 -0700 (PDT) To: t ReplyTo: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC > In either case, I forgot to mention to make a memo note that the donation is for > Nike. :) Thank you again. Truly. Nanette Website: www.WagginTrainRescue.org Visit our FaceBook Page at "Waggin' Train Rescue - Nonprofit Organization" From: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 5 Nov 2012 09:41:54 -0800 (PST) To: t ReplyTo: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC , I just wanted to let you know that I received the check from your rescue partner in

LA. Thank you so much. It will be a huge help with Nike's expenses. Nanette Website: www.WagginTrainRescue.org Visit our FaceBook Page at "Waggin' Train Rescue - Nonprofit Organization" From: "t To: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, November 5, 2012 1:01 PM Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC Great! Mine's will be on it's way soon...got delayed by Sandy. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry From: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 5 Nov 2012 10:17:44 -0800 (PST) To: t ReplyTo: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC I hope you're coming through the storm ok. The kennel where Nike is lost power for 5 days...but had a generator, so the impact wasn't too bad. She's doing well...building up trust with L. She no longer cowers in the back corner of the kennel (probably due to the fact that L gives her marrow and big beef bones every day to show her that good things are happening.) The next step will be getting her out on a leash for regular walks around the property. Baby steps are imperative because Nike has learned to respond with lunging and snarling when she is frightened, so we want to keep building on the positive experiences. Hopefully I'll have pictures for you soon...once L's electric is all restored, and her computer is back online. Nanette Website: www.WagginTrainRescue.org Visit our FaceBook Page at "Waggin' Train Rescue - Nonprofit Organization"

From: T To: Nanette LaRochelle Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC Sent: Nov 5, 2012 2:50 PM Nanette, We were very fortunate during Sandy...lost nothing, no water damage, minimal wind damage to trees, never lost power. And we live on the water so it's almost miraculous that we were so lucky. I have a [redacted] GSD, [redacted], who reacts with snarling and lunging too so I know what that's all about. I sometimes think about what his fate would be if, through some disastrous circumstances, he wound up in a shelter. I think we both know the answer. Is it feasible for me to help out in person with Nike and/or some of your other rescues?

You can text me @ . Regards, From: t To: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2012 6:23 PM Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC Hi Nanette, Have you received my check for Nike? How is she doing? I'd like to visit the kennel to check on her progress. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry From: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 23:26:37 -0800 (PST) To: t ReplyTo: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC Hi, yes thank you so much I received it last week. I deposited it on Saturday along with the one from your rescue partner. I had the chance to go and meet Nikki (what we renamed her) last weekend. I was doing a rescue of a mastiff, and picked him up and Hey, Im in favor of most options that save an animals life, but having a rescuer move her to a muni contract impound facility and not meet her for nearly a month (Nanette lives several hours away from NYC) seems a little odd for such a well regarded rescue and such a known vulnerable animal. took him to the same kennel I have Nikki at. While there, I had L bring out Nikki. I have to say my heart sank when seeing her. I was expecting to see a timid fearful girl, but at least one that was responsive...but she was much worse than expected. She would not engage, and if anything acted practically ferral. We had to stay in the corner of the yard, with our eyes (and postures) averted from her, for her even to run from the side yard gate into the open door of the main kennel entrance. She backtracked several times when she saw us (I was with a girlfriend), and tried to escape through the initial gate she had come through. L looped her with the lead, and then walked her to the other entrance. I walked within 10 feet of her and squatted down, posture to the side, eyes down, but she began pulling and lunging to get away. L reassured her, but is still unable to touch her (even with a finger touch to the back) without Nikki whipping her head and barring her teeth. L knows her limits, and doesn't push her. I have no doubt that she would bite if someone ignored or didn't read her fear posture. Another obstacle is that she is not food motivated. She'll sniff a treat that L will offer, but not take it. L been able to give her marrow bones in her kennel, and Nikki will enjoy them in solitude...not while L is near. She is clearly totally unsocialized, and reacts with I hesitate to make concrete behavioral statements based on photographs, but I feel the need to point out that there is no way this dog is totally unsocialized. Totally unsocialized dogs do not sit calmly on a leash in a chair in the lobby of Brooklyn ACC. Totally unsocialized dogs do not stand on lead beside a handler. To even leash a totally unsocialized dog of this size is a dangerous chore that takes very careful planning and

protection, and once leashed the dog will almost always continue to struggle to escape. This dog very clearly displays a degree of socialization with humans. Also note that there is no bite record, only a feeling of no doubt she would bite. So this dog hasnt actually bit anyone, only given warnings. Its pretty understandable that some dogs in this situation would be frightened out of their minds. aggression based out of fear. The previous owners must have left her in the yard 24/7 with no interaction...and as a result my guess is that she received bad vibes from passerbys, the neighbors or someone. I'm not surprised that the landlord gave them the ultimatium to remove her. She is a danger due to her fear and lack of socialization. If L didn't have 8 foot high stockade fences, I have no doubt that Nikki would have scaled them, and bolted. I've attached some pictures I took of her, you can see in many of them, the "frantic energy" she has...of just not wanting to be interacted with. We both have a lot of experience with fearful dogs, but in most cases you can see that the dog wants to engage in some way, or is responsive to tone etc...and it's a matter of building up trust through positive experiences. Nikki is not only fearful, but wants no engagement...no eye contact, no companionship etc. One of L's SAR folks is going to attempt to work with her...and I'm praying for some progress. I'll keep you updated. Nanette Website: www.WagginTrainRescue.org Visit our FaceBook Page at "Waggin' Train Rescue - Nonprofit Organization"

From: "t To: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 2:33 PM Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC Hi Nanette, My friend J went to the kennel and was informed that Nikki is not there. Can you give me an update on her status? Thanks. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry From: Nanette LaRochelle To: t ReplyTo: Nanette LaRochelle Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC Sent: Nov 21, 2012 12:39 PM , as I mentioned one of L's experienced SAR folks is now trying to work with her. S is also an SAR handler. Extensive searches do not turn up Ss name as any sort of accredited trainer or behaviorist. The skills involved in SAR handling are indeed impressive but they really dont relate to a frightened, possibly undersocialized animal. That is not at L's, but in her own home setting (we needed to see if her behavior would alliviate at all out of the kennel atmosphere.) It's quiet, and S is very experienced with GSDs. I'm going to wait to hear what S has to say before making any decision. I

The decision to kill was evidently made on the advice of two people without behavioral accreditation and with little direct involvement of the representative of the rescue who actually authorized and arranged the killing. cannot, and will not place a dog that is dangerous...even if it is fear based. The liability is just too high. Sadly, after meeting Nikki and seeing her in person, I am not hopeful. I have been rescuing for a long time, and before I pull a dog I try my best to get as much information about the dog and it's behaivor as possible. And in Nikki's case, I thought we had a pretty solid understanding of her past, and behavior. I sadly feel I put too much trust in the owner's notations (their crying son etc), and not enough in the volunteer's observations of her at the shelter. I chalked it up to just fear of the shelter environment. I specialize in rescuing and rehoming the power breeds, and know that the shelter can alter their "normal" behavior greatly due to the stress and anxiety they feel. For every rescue there is always the risk of the "unknown" but I try very hard to minimize it, by doing my homework before I commit. Unfortunately, in cases like Nikki, some behaviors (or results of neglect - both mentally or physically), are just not fully "visible" until they are out of the shelter, and in a neutral setting. Nikki is a prime example of this. It doesn't happen to me often, but when it does, I have to regroup, and figure out if I am going to be able to safely and responsibly rehome the dog. I'm not saying that I'm at this point yet, but I'm not going to lie to you when I tell you that part of being a responsible rescuer is to make the tough decisions (to euthanize) when needed. It's very hard, and I don't make them quickly or without serious This email was written two days after first meeting the dog. Clearly its considered kinda quickly. thought. However, I would rather be the one to make that decision, than for that decision making process be taken from me by a town animal warden or a court, as a result of an injury or an attack to someone. When and if I make the decision to euthanize, then I know that this soul I committed to, will leave this Earth humanely and peacefully with a person it is familiar with...rather than with terror and fear in the hands of strangers as would be the case if she hurt someone. Concerning yesterday, I'm So this decision to kill is being made based on fear of what a dog might do, not a record of actual behavior, and without a qualified individual being enlisted to help analyze and/or change that behavior, but with the comfort of a peaceful death. Gag me. Every dog can bite. Many do at some point in their lives. Liability can be well managed through good contracts, full disclosure, and insurance. The only way to never adopt out a dog who ever bites someone is to kill every one you come into contact with. sorry that J made the trip to L's without success, I had no idea she was going (I was at work and didn't receive your emailsl till I got home late yesterday afternoon) or I would have told you not to send her because Nikki was with S. Unfortunately, L was totally taken off guard by J's presence. First, she has very specific visiting hours and the kennel was closed (J was parked outside of the locked kennels gates, when L returned from the vet with several dogs that had just been spayed/neutered.) And second I would never send anyone to see one of my rescue dogs (let alone video tape them as J told L she wanted to do) without letting L know who and when they were coming. L is not a meek personality (that is an understatement), and I'm sorry if J got an ear full (I can only imagine.) Please understand though that she owns/runs a private boarding kennel and unless she hears from me, she will not allow anyone to see or interact with my boarding rescue dogs unless I tell her they have my permission (like a scheduled meet and greet for an adopter) as she would with anyone else that is boarding a dog at her facility. I'm sure you understand this. I am very grateful for your

sponsorship of Nikki, it has been a huge help in paying for Nikki's boarding. I'm not sure how to phrase my next statement so that it doesn't sound harsh...because it's not my intent...but I need to clarify something. I do not do "team" rescues. Although I am very appreciative of all the sponsorships and donations we receive from people who support our rescue dogs and efforts, I do not share the decision making process of my rescue dogs with anyone. When I commit to saving a dog, I follow it through from start to finish for that dog's entire life (even after they've been successfully rehomed into a However brief that life may be. qualified adoptive home - I will always remain their safety net.) That also means that the liability of my rescues falls solely on me, and I take that very, very seriously. With that being said, I'm more than willing to continue to share updates, but you would need to trust in my experience, decisions and the intrigity that my rescue has established in moving forward with Nikki. If however, you disagree and feel that as a result of me accepting the donation you and your rescue partner so generously made, that you must be involved in the decision making process of Nikki, then I have to very politely decline your gift, and return the funds to you. I do hope that you understand my position, but I completely understand and will respect if you don't. Please let me know how you would like to proceed. Nanette Website: www.WagginTrainRescue.org Visit our FaceBook Page at "Waggin' Train Rescue - Nonprofit Organization" From: t To: Nanette LaRochelle Subject: Re: Fwd: Nike from NYC ACC Sent: Nov 23, 2012 4:10 AM Nanette, I'm sorry if you received the impression that I am questioning your motivation, commitment, judgment or expertise. I am not. I do not consider this to be a "team" rescue. I'm aware that you are solely legally responsible for Nikki and have the burden of making the most difficult of decisions regarding her future. Whatever transpired between J and L was clearly the result of two strong personalities clashing. The fact that you weren't aware of J's plans to visit the kennel at my request and my being unaware of Nikki's relocation contributed to that particular combustion. Please know that I support you in whatever decision you make for Nikki. The money was pledged to rescue her from the killing factory and torture chamber that is the NYC ACC. You accomplished that goal. We do this as much as we are able. While the outcomes are not always as positive as hoped for, Nikki's is one of the most unexpected and sad. What a bleak life this poor girl has had. Please keep me informed on her status and let me know if I can provide additional support to help this beautiful girl.

If there is any chance at all of rehabilitating her and giving her a better life than she's had I want to help. Thank you for all that you've done for her and for them all. Regards, From: t To: Nanette LaRochelle Subject: Nikki Sent: Dec 13, 2012 2:07 PM Hi Nanette, I hope all is well with you. I'm wondering what Nikki's current status is and if she's doing better than expected based on your last email. When you have a moment I would appreciate a quick update. Thanks. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry From: "t To: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 3:18 PM Subject: Re: Nikki/Nike Nanette, I would appreciate hearing back from you on Nikki's status. Thank you. From: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2012 06:17:03 -0800 (PST) To: t ReplyTo: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Nikki/Nike Hi , forgive me...the holidays have me totally crazed and behind on emails. I've been working 5 days a week, and am now happy that I'm done, and off for the next 12. Now it's time to catch up. Sadly, there has been little improvement with Nikki, and I've made the decision (after she really lunged at S when out in the yard, while S was trying to "tempt" her with treats in neutral territory) to euthanize her. S and I agreed that we'd do it after the holiday, and Again, no evident contact. No harm. No bite, no mention of her biting ever, no record of Nikki ever having bit anyone. Sounds pretty workable. I have the vet going to S's home on the 27th. We want her to pass quietly and with as little stress as possible, so the vet is going to sedate her first (by simply putting a sedative in her food first.) This way, no one will be harmed trying to "hold" Nikki, and

Nikki will not be stressed or frightened by the handling. It's a hard enough decision to make...but having to hold a struggling dog, just adds to the heartbreak and trauma for all involved. Once Nikki is sedated and sleeping (or at least groggy), then S will pet and stroke her as much as possible, as she passes from this Earth. I'm sorry that this is the end result. I don't rescue dogs to euthanize them. But like we discussed before, I have to be able to safely rehome the dogs, without fear of them She was in this handlers home for a month without mention of a bite and there is no mention of any bite record, so Im not sure on what grounds thats a dangerous dog. I certainly dont know of a court that would declare a dog dangerous who hasnt actually caused any harm. And there are other options, including RTS (return to shelter) to give someone else a chance to work with her, or an appeal to sanctuary, or foster in an experienced and safe home with training guided by an accredited trainer and/or behaviorist. Im sure Im leaving out a few options here. Creativity is good. Sanctuaries actually make great places to work with undersocialized and fearful dogs. Unlimited time, fairly set schedule and routine, seeing the same people every day, wide open and secure spaces to work in. Even completely feral animals (yes, actually totally unsocialized) can sometimes be brought around (and adopted) after treatment in such environments. Of course, you have to seek those environments out. being a danger and seriously harming someone. I think that either Nikki was so unsocialized (left in the backyard 24/7 with kids or people taunting her on the other side of the fence) or that she has something neurological going on from bad genetics. She is just not responding to slow positive methods...there is no trust there. No wagging tail, no positive signs. Just fear and the instinct to flee, and if that is not an option, then aggressive reactivity. The only progress that S (and L) were able to make is being in her kennel without Nikki lunging at them. However, she would never reciprocate any attention or affection...never "soften". She genuinely freezes at any touch....like it is unbearable. And those touches were only able to happen when they were forced...meaning that she was on a leash, and couldn't get away...and a finger was gently laid on her...no scratching, or petting...just a touch sends her into "fear" mode. How odd to not have that taken care of after an entire 2 months of effort, much of which took place in a kennel. I couldn't have her euthanized before Christmas. It was just too depressing. I've placed 4 other dogs in the last two weeks, and celebrating their new lives just seemed to be totally contradictory to the wrenching decision of Nikki. Thank you again for your support of Nikki. Your sponsorship allowed her to have almost three months, where she was properly cared for, and loved. I'm sorry that it didn't have the outcome that we all had hoped for. It fills strange to end this wishiing you a happy holiday ahead, but I do. Nanette Website: www.WagginTrainRescue.org Visit our FaceBook Page at "Waggin' Train Rescue - Nonprofit Organization" At this point the donor, T, became very alarmed. She contacted me and provided me with the email exchange above as well as supporting data. I asked her to try one last appeal to reason.

From: t To: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com>; janeathai@gmail.com Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2012 4:00 PM Subject: Re: Nikki/Nike Nanette, I realize this is a very difficult decision for you to make but my firm belief is, except for health reasons, euthanasia is rarely if ever an acceptable option. I'd like to bring a GSD qualified trainer to evaluate Nikki at my expense. I'm requesting an additional week to make arrangements to do this. Thank you. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry From: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2012 18:10:03 -0800 (PST) To: t ReplyTo: Nanette LaRochelle <nono19320@yahoo.com> Cc: Jane Kleinsinger<janebearhillfarm@gmail.com> Subject: Re: Nikki/Nike I sent my email to you today, because I wanted to follow up on my word to keep you updated on Nikki's status. I know it was distressing to read, but I wanted to be honest with you. However, as I stated to you in previous emails, I do not share the decision making process of my rescue dogs with anyone. I do not need any additional trainer's input. I trust the individuals I have already enlisted (both that also specialize with the GSD breed.) Although difficult and emotional, I have not come to my decision quickly or Again, there is zero evidence that either of those people (L, the kennel owner, and S, the SAR handler see the use of both) is an accredited trainer or behaviorist. Expert input was evidently not sought, desired, or accepted when offered. without serious thought. That being said, I am firm on the decision I have made, and the reason I have made it, and will not discuss it further. Nanette Website: www.WagginTrainRescue.org Visit our FaceBook Page at "Waggin' Train Rescue Nonprofit Organization" So no more options would be considered, on which she was true to her word. This was the last email Nannette replied to, she ceased to respond to any offer of help or assistance at this point. I requested that Pets Alive evaluate the dog for sanctuary with the evaluation to be done by their accredited behaviorist. They very kindly agreed to do so, and T conveyed that offer.

From: t Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2012 20:45:43 +0000 To: Nanette LaRochelle<nono19320@yahoo.com> ReplyTo: t Cc: Jane Kleinsinger<janebearhillfarm@gmail.com>; <katyaedwards@hotmail.com.>; John Sibley Subject: Re: Saving Nikki/Nike Nanette, I am making an urgent plea for you to postpone for one (1) week your decision to end Nike's life tomorrow. Paws Alive may be able to provide sanctuary for her pending evaluation by their behaviorist. The request for a one (1) week grace period is needed because the behavorist is out of town for the holidays. I will provide whatever funds are needed for Nike for this additional week. If accepted she'll be worked with by their behaviorist and trainers. Paws Alive will accept all liability. My friend John Sibley, copied on this email, is aware of this situation and has reached out to Paws Alive to assist with saving Nike. We are all very eager to work with Waggin' Train to give Nike every possible chance to live and will be very upset if you proceed without giving us the opportunity to assist. Thank you. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry From: t Subject: Re: Saving Nikki/Nike Date: December 26, 2012 5:16:24 PM EST To: "Nanette LaRochelle" <nono19320@yahoo.com> Cc: "Jane Kleinsinger" <janebearhillfarm@gmail.com>, katyaedwards@hotmail.com, "John Sibley" Reply-To: t My mistake: I meant Pets Alive rather than Paws Alive. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry There was no reply to these emails, which was also sent to other principals in the rescue. None of them ever made any kind of response. With no response whatsoever from Waggin Train and Nikkis killing set for the following day, one more desperate attempt. This time a blog was posted at: http://johnsibley.com/2012/12/27/waggin-train-schedules-nike-for-death/

And a petition at: http://www.change.org/petitions/waggin-train-give-nikki-the-german-shepherd-a-chanceat-life This final email was sent. I do not like to do this; I did not want to get directly involved. This was done strictly as a last resort in the hope that focusing public attention on what was about to happen might bring them to their senses. From: John Sibley jbsibley@gmail.com Date: December 27, 2012 1:47 AM EST To: Nanette LaRochelle nono19320@yahoo.com Cc: Jane Kleinsinger <janebearhillfarm@gmail.com>, katyaedwards@hotmail.com Bcc: t Subject: Nikki/Nike Regrettable that it has to be this way but between the fast-approaching death appointment and the inflexibility I needed a little leverage, thus the just-launched petition and blog. I would imagine you'll be getting a lot of email today. It doesn't have to be the end of the road for Nikki/Nike yet. I've arranged for her to have an evaluation with Pets Alive's canine behaviorist and be considered for sanctuary placement. Even if such placement is not available, I believe there are likely other options for her (including an RTS - bad publicity for you, sure, but nothing like what I have in mind - and Nikki gets a chance at life). We need one week to make that happen. Of course, it is your rescue and you've already stated that you will do things your way. But you require the support of the public and you require donations to operate, and rescues who kill animals without ever having them professionally evaluated (the skills of SAR handlers, while impressive, have little to do with aggressive dogs) even in the face of an offer to do so at no cost to you are bound to be unpopular with the donating public. I can make sure that Nikki's story is prominently featured in web searches for Waggin' Train in perpetuity, or we can work together to save a life, I'll pull the petition and the blog post, and everyone comes out a winner. Please advise. All of Waggin Trains principals woke up to hundreds of emails. They started by deleting comments on their Facebook page and eventually just took it down. There was no reply to this email. There was no reply that I know of to any offers of assistance, and I know there were others. Nikki is now believed to be dead. Waggin Train is a member of the Mayors Alliance and receives funding and support from them. The Mayors Alliance has a stated goal of transforming New York into a No Kill community. It does not seem that they or some of their members really have any idea what that means. It is never right to kill an animal for behavior in the face of other responsible and available placement options. Rescue has a duty to pursue every avenue of possibility before considering killing and to actively and aggressively pursue every available placement option prior to the act that most of us claim to abhor. It is frequently quite avoidable. It was avoidable here.

Waggin Train saves a lot of dogs. All of us in the New York City No Kill and rescue community are grateful for that. I am grateful for that. This isnt about that and in the end, its not even about them. It is about one dog, an individual, and what we owe that individual. There are some who say we should not worry about dogs who have special needs while perfectly healthy ones die in shelters nationwide. I do not share that view because as a No Kill advocate, I know that we can and should save them all. So when an opportunity comes to save a life, when that dog is in front of us, when that animal is in our care, our ethical obligation is to save that life. When the ASPCA planned to kill Oreo, the calls for mercy rang out throughout New York City and the world and the outrage continued after her execution. When they proposed killing dogs in psychic pain, the New York rescue community recoiled in horror and fought to defeat that bill wholeheartedly. Now the arguments for death once put forth by the ASPCA here in New York are being recycled by the people who once fought against them, only because they have a personal connection with the group who made the decision to kill. The real question is if Nikki had an opportunity to be saved and was denied that opportunity. She did and she was. Nikki is Oreo. Only the players have changed. Before being killed, Waggin Train was offered, at no cost, a qualified behavioral evaluation by accredited professionals with significant experience with fear-based behavior who would be capable of giving Nikki a prognosis for rehabilitation and a corrective plan, as appropriate. They said No. They had more than one offer to take Nikki, including a facility they had used before and this offer was communicated to Waggin Train. They said No. They had an offer of evaluation for possible admission for Nikki from a qualified sanctuary that is also recognized by the New York City shelter system as a fellow New Hope rescue, and had that sanctuary accepted Nikki after her evaluation they would have assumed all costs, all liability, and would have provided maximum quality of life. That sanctuary has experience with aggressive dogs, does not believe in social isolation, and has successfully rehabilitated dogs deemed dangerous by others and where rehabilitation has not been possible, they have given those dogs a lifelong home where they have as much social contact as possible from dedicated volunteers and their progress is never given up on. They said No. None of the options involved would incur them any cost, as a donor had generously offered to cover any and all of them. Although Waggin Train did not and would not seek other options for this dog, the rescue community rallied in an incredibly short time to come forward and provide three life-saving options: 1. Expert assistance for Waggin Train to save Nikki, 2. Transferring Nikki to another rescue for saving, 3. Evaluation for possible placement in a sanctuary. They said No. A dogs life is worth more than No.