So. The dogs of the Devoted Barn. What is the real story here? From the outside this is what we see.
1.) Dogs that have been in the organization for up to eight years
Now, we understand that the majority of these dogs have very sad stories. There is no denying that. What we don't understand is how it is expected that this dogs will rehabilitate in the current environment they are in. How are they expected to learn to trust people when surrounded by dozens of other dogs and commotion? Would they not be able to thrive in a more private, one on one, environment? We have all watched the videos of Melissa Borden spoon feeding the feral dogs while the rest of their pack is all milling around. If you haven't, head on over to their Facebook page, there are multiple videos. Here is one example. https://www.facebook.com/TheDevotedBarn/videos/372437951041871 How are these dogs meant to reach out to humans for comfort when they are surrounded by a canine support group? If you know anything about animal behavior, you would know that this method lacks common sense. After reaching out to several other rescues that specialize in rehabilitating feral dogs, they also confirmed that their method would be a MUCH slower process and possibly not have success in many cases. It is difficult already to find homes for these dogs but it will be much more difficult the older they get. Why not change the process to give them the best chance?
2.) The dogs have been living in a dirt floor building without temperature control or access to the outdoors
Why does The Devoted Barn not have to meet the standards that any other facility housing this large number of dogs would have to? If you read the Michigan Department of Agriculture's definition of an Animal Shelter they do fit into that category. They do accept owner surrenders and have received animals from other shelters. https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/licensing/animal/shelter If they applied for a shelter license, it would not be granted because their building does not meet the minimum requirements that MDARD feels are necessary to properly sheltering these dogs. In addition, because The Devoted Barn does not have a kennel license with the township, there are no regulatory guidelines that they need to follow when it comes to the housing of these animals. Just because they meet the bare minimum state guidelines for animal care, does this mean that it is acceptable? We will note that they lived in these same conditions in Monroe. This is an organization operating from donated funds and caring for hundreds of animals. They should be held to a higher standard of care in our opinion.
Now the dogs are not currently at the 1301 West Rose Center Road address. A judicial order forced them to be removed from the property because of an ordinance issue with the township (more on this later). From the photos TDB has posted, the facility where they are located does have an outdoor space for them. However, we do happen to know the location of the new facility and from what we have been told by volunteers, it is very small and definitely not the ideal place for the dogs either. What is the plan to get these dogs into foster homes or into a proper facility? Why has TDB not networked out any of these dogs until recently now that they are spending allegedly $8k/month on leasing this building? After all of these years why are only a few dogs are ready for foster or adoption? Currently to date as we write this, only 4 dogs are available for adoption or foster on www.TheDevotedBarn.org
3.) Dogs are adopted to members within the organization but their care continues to be funded by the organization
When dogs and other animals are adopted from other organizations is it the norm that their care is continued to be funded by donations? Melissa Borden for example claims that at least the dogs Doodle and Strawberry are her personal dogs. Yet, you can still sponsor their care via the website. There have also been posts asking for donations toward their medical bills. One post on July 19th 2021 requested money for "leg surgery" with no further details provided and said that the quote was $3400. No final bill was posted. A French Bulldog named Rylee does not even reside at the property but is listed as a permanent resident without any other details. This dog is also available to be sponsored on the website. Cami and Charley belong to Adrienne who was once a very involved member of The Devoted Barn team but has recently left. These two dogs are still on the website and available to sponsor. While it is reasonable for volunteers and officers to bring animals into their homes as permanent family members, at that point they should become responsible for their care.
As far as some of the other dogs that are special needs or have extreme medical issues, why are they not available for adoption if someone qualified and willing was interested? We have seen comments asking if Strawberry or Doodle were available for adoption and the answer is flat out "No." If there was a qualified individual interested that understands and accepts their need for medical care, why not? It would take the expense away from the rescue and they would be able to direct precious donated funds to other animals in need. We feel like the option should be available if the right home came along. Wouldn't Strawberry be happier living in a home and getting constant individual attention than being isolated in a room out in the barn?
4.) Multiple dogs and puppies have been introduced with medical needs and The Devoted Barn does not provide further updates
There have been several dogs and puppies that have come into the organization over the past several years that seem to have "disappeared" without further mention or updates. It is assumed that these animals have all passed away or were potentially adopted, but why did they not deserve a post to update people who may have initially donated to their care? This practice is disrespectful to people who have donated hard earned dollars to this organization and it's cause.
Just this year a plea was made to raise $8,000 for two dogs (Landry and Sara) to have surgical ACL repairs. Money was raised to help pay for the surgeries but ultimately a "private donor" stepped up to foot the bill. People who had already donated monies were told that their contributions would go towards aftercare for these two dogs. No other updates were ever provided on their surgery or recovery. It is unknown if the dogs even had the surgeries.
It is understood that many of the cases they bring in are severe medical cases that have a low chance at survival. It should still be expected that once a post is made announcing a new intake and donations are made for it's care, that the organization will continue to provide updates. Below is a list of dogs/puppies that were introduced and then rarely/if ever mentioned again after intake.
Ariya- Intake 12/1/2021
No Name Puppy- Intake 12/1/2021 (With Ariya)
Vermont- Intake 11/10/2021
Sarah and Sammy- Intake 8/22/21
No Name Puppies (Q2) - Intake 7/27/2021
Tiny Tim- Intake 6/30/21
Exotic Bully Cleft Puppies (Q2) - Intake 6/21/2021 (2/4 did ultimately survive)
Annie- Intake 3/27/2021
Gwen & Benedict- Intake 3/25/2021
Richie- Intake 3/24/2021
CJ- Intake 3/23/2021
Female Pug/Boston Terrier- Intake 2/2/2021
Aria- Intake 1/29/2021 (Owner surrender to animal shelter because of Mega-E)
Toby- Intake Jan 2021
Ridgeback Puppies (Q6)- Intake November 2020 (1 named Mollie mentioned 4/14/21 had $4500 surgery)
Stella- Intake 10/11/2020
Clyde-Intake 9/29/2020
Macy-Intake 8/15/2020
Penelope-Intake 8/10/2020
Jimmy-Intake 7/27/2020
Do these sweet angels not deserved to be remembered after their passing? Why would The Devoted Barn not update their followers? We have noticed that sometimes people do ask about their whereabouts in comments on Social media but they are not always answered.
These are just a handful of our questions surrounding the dogs of The Devoted Barn. The lawsuit with the township is a whole separate issue that deserves a dedicated post.
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