Get A Grip

Well. I've only peripherally followed the Mutts and Moms/Ellen DeGeneres saga, believing that these reasonable, pet loving people would work to find a solution that would keep the best interest of the puppy in mind. This morning I viewed the ABC coverage of the story, and this is one of those times where I feel compelled to get on my soapbox.

It is clear Ellen is a devoted pet lover. It is clear that Marina Baktis, the owner of Mutts and Moms, is also a pet lover and has started her business to ensure the dogs she shelters are given great homes. As part of the evaluation for home placement, Marina and her team inspect the home and when things check out, an agreement is made that the puppy will be returned to Mutts and Moms if, for some reason, the placement doesn't work out.

As a business owner myself, I've learned that businesses evolve over time. This is a good thing, as an initial approach may not turn out to be the best path to overall business success. In this case, the business success was to find a good home for a puppy.

Yes, Ellen signed papers saying she would not "re-home" the puppy. Marina most likely had this clause in place because of a prior bad experience of finding one of her charges in less than desirable conditions. But Ellen didn't place the puppy in a questionable circumstance, unless you firmly believe that puppies shouldn't be with children under 14. Then I would argue that you are just wrong. My daughter was 8 when Chocolate came to be part of our family at three months of age. The bond they formed was magical, and each learned from the other.

Again, it's using our brains and forging a reasonable solution. Puppies are children themselves, so of course they need to be supervised in all situations, among human adults, other pets, and human children. If a guardian, such as Ellen's hairdresser agrees to that, what on earth is the issue? The puppy receives an abundance of love, the family welcomes a new member, and the children build wonderful memories that will stay with them all their lives.

Marina, get a grip. Fire your attorney and follow your heart. You began this business for the wonderful purpose of finding orphaned pets good homes. Whether you place them directly or they are placed by a trusted party seems inconsequential. Stay true to your dream and it will work out.