We probably all heard of about Joe Arpaio, Maricopa longtime sheriff, elected first in 1992, and re-elected since then for a total of 5 terms 4 years each.Sheriff Joe has come up with many new and innovative ideas throughout the years.
We thought it might be appropriate to make note of Maricopa's approach to animal shelters, under the leadership of Sheriff Joe, especially since many neighbors in Oro Valley have an interest in the "animal shelter issue."
Maricopa County was spending approx.$18 million dollars a year on stray animals, like cats and dogs. Sheriff Joe offered to take the department over, and the County Supervisors said okay.
The Maricopa Animal Safe Hospice (MASH),is a no-kill animal shelter operated by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) in what was formerly Phoenix's First Avenue Jail. The facility opened by Sheriff Arpaio is a 30-year-old jail previously used to house inmates, but was closed for repairs to plumbing in December 1999. Though no longer suitable for housing inmates, the jail looks like a paradise to the four footed victims now housed and recovering there. The MASH location in the First Avenue Jail is air-conditioned, and the cells have been reconditioned to comfortably house animals.
"The purpose of the shelter is to provide a safe, healthy and healing shelter for animals who have been abused, neglected by their caretakers/owners and rescued by the Animal Cruelty Investigative Unit."
Sheriff Joe's no-kill animal shelters are staffed and operated by prisoners. They feed and care for the animals. Every animal in his care is taken out and walked twice daily. He now has prisoners who are experts in animal nutrition and behavior. They give great classes for anyone who'd like to adopt an animal.
The prisoners get the benefit of about $0.28 an hour for working, but most would work for free, just to be out of their cells for the day. Most of his budget is for utilities, building maintenance, etc. He pays the prisoners out of the fees collected for adopted animals.
His budget for the entire department is now under $3 million. A couple adopted a Weimaraner from a Maricopa County shelter a few years ago. He was neutered, and current on all shots, in great health, and even had a microchip inserted the day they got him. Cost:$78.
34 comments:
Sheriff Joe for President!
The best Sheriff in the US!!
Criminals in tents, dogs in air conditioned comfort.
Sheriff Joe rocks!
Brilliant! The dogs are alive and happy. Prisoners can get a feeling of worthiness as well as love and attention and as a result become more 'manageable'. And, the relative cost is minimal. It's a win, win, win, situation!!!
I wish people would realize that animals are totally dependent, helpless, like children; a trust that is put upon us.
- James Herriot
Did everyone see the letter to the editor in the Sunday Star paper about PACC killing a dog, even after the owner called to tell them that he'd be coming in to claim him? Chalk up another one for PACC.
So, all of you who have dogs/cats but are still against Oro Valley taking over animal control from Pima County, how would you feel if it was YOUR dog or cat that PACC killed even after you called to claim your pet?
Do any of you think that this would happen if Salette Latas was overseeing this program?
Way to go Sheriff Joe! We've been 'Dupped" in Pima County with Dupnik!
I don't think Salette would be willing to oversee any shelter while on the council.
Her job is to find an alternative for Oro Valley petowners. I think she can.
You go Joe!!!!
VC...Accidents do happen and I am confident that the folks at PCACC felt very bad after this incident.
However you may have hit upon something that Salette and her husband could do and would probably be very effective.
Art,
Thanks for finding this piece of info. It's a very creative solution.
So much rehabilitative therapy with animals has been done, even in Alcatraz with those on death row. There is real hope in that, says this idealist and animal lover.
There is a program for lifers with thoroughbred race horses that are no longer employed and headed for euthanasia. Some very isolated violent men who cannot engage people have bonded with these powerful animals.
Severely autisitc children have bridged the world of communication through animals. Now there is a group that really need rehabilitation. Bet the K-9 detail of the OVPD might find the animal shelter of interest.
Maybe Joe A would allow those who choose this detail to pick their own uniform color instead of pink!
OVOT,
While Salette and Jeff do a professional job at whatever they dedicate time to, your comment waxes sarcastic rather than sincere.
Why does this very feminine, hardworking, focused,councilwoman, who is a former professional air controller, business woman,wife and a mother who's endured the ultimate tragedy of the death of her adult son so threaten you?
Your comments don't just question her political positions but attempt to demean her character.
As stated earlier, you are doing YOURSELF not Salette in with such invectives. How you comment reflects more on YOU not her.
OVOT, your inclusion in your post that "accidents do happen" is a 'bit' cold; in a 'no kill' shelter this 'accident' could not have happened - you have just given further argument that such shelter should be instituted! Accidents don't just happen, they are CAUSED!
Good for Sheriff Joe!
My questions about having a similar shelter in OV would be
Is there a need for such a shelter here, do we have that many stray animals? Would
other people outside OV start bringing their unwanted animals to the shelter and would OV end up with the cost? And NO I am not cold hearted nor cruel, etc. Just asking\
About the Pima shelter putting down the pet dog, well it seems there is something missing in this story. The reason they gave for putting the dog to sleep does not seem reasonable, at least to me.
If the policy is to keep an animal for xx days, then that should be followed.
Some people have animals with physical problems so the shelter should not be determing that the animal is not wanted based on that. Give all the owners the same xxx amount of days to claim their pet.
Having owned a "handicapped " dog I can say he was just as valuable to us as any other dog . But I do recall that when initially he was very sick and I called the shelter trying to get more details about his past, I was told if I was not happy with him to bring him back and exchange him for another dog. Not kidding they told me that!
For now I think the shelter should extend the days before they deem an animal unwanted.
Once again Cox comes to the forefront of ignorance.
He's not smart enough to realize our bloggers see right through the crap he spews.
His reference to "Salette and her husband" is just another example of idiocy.
That was Cox's way of getting around referring to Jeff as either Captain or Colonel Latas----a title he demands Cox use in referring to him. Inasmuch as Jeff is a full time pilot, Cox has no reason to bring Jeff's name into the equation other than an ill attempt at sarcasm.
Speaking of jobs, perhaps a good one for Cox would be to scour the streets of Oro Valley picking up left over dog poo!
Zev, et al....
I don't have an opinion one way or the other about no-kill shelters versus the alternative. Unfortunately the problem is with idiot humans who do not care for their pets and have them 'fixed'. And at some point, unless THAT problem is resolved much better than it is now, I just don't see how a universal no-kill animal world could become a reality.
There are a lot of things in this world that would be nice and feel good. But we have to deal with reality. Sometimes reality is "a bit cold".
I think the Arpaio resolution to a problem is a great one. Maybe some folks should take this challenge on as a project and see if sufficient pressure can be brought to bear to make it happen in Tucson.
Lastly, to all of those who had snippy little comments about my reference to Salette and her husband Jeff, it was VC that set forth the idea when she said, "Do any of you think that this would happen if Salette Latas was overseeing this program?"
Thinker and Everyone Else,
When I said, "overseeing" I simply meant that she would not go to all the work of fighting to get this service in Oro Valley only to then turn around and completely walk away from it. I didn't say she would leave her council position and become the Director of Animal Control. I was implying that she would continue to have SOME involvement and that as long as she had ANY involvement in it at all, you would not see ANY animal put down unnecessarily as in what recently happened at PACC.
As usual, my words were twisted and turned into something else.
VC....Allow me to point out who your friends are.
"I didn't say she would leave her council position and become the Director of Animal Control."
Nor did I. But the gutter snipes (Native Spirit and Art)chose to interpret it that way.
Thinker,
I reread the comments from Native Spirit and Art and I can't find anything that indicates that THEY are the ones who misinterpreted my comment...that "oversee" meant "Director."
It was actually Deacon who interpreted it that way with his comment, "I don't think Salette would be willing to oversee any shelter while on the council."
You also appeared to interpret it that way when you said that Salette and her husband would be "very effective" at this and that I was the one who "set forth the idea."
But the idea I set forth was misinterpreted.
Your comment that the problem is with "idiot humans" is correct. I stated the same thing on another post.
Maybe we could put all those idiot humans in a shelter and give them 30 days to get "smart" and if they don't, then we can euthanize THEM. Now THAT's a program I could get behind! Eliminate the CAUSE of the problem instead of the RESULTS of the problem.
I'm only half-joking.
VC...They misinterpreted my comments, as usual. Art isn't smart enough to understand a rational presentation and Native has been drinking too much of Art's Kool-Aid and feels a need to take shots. I was simply agreeing with you that both Salette and Jeff would be effective in that role.
Every time Cox opens his mouth, he puts his foot in it.
It seems he always has to explain how everyone else consistently misinterprets his ignorant comments.
OVOT,
"...drinking too much of Art's Kool Aid"...are you referencing Jim Jones, of Jonestown, the cult where 913 members of Peoples' Temple commited suicide or were murdered?
Now why does that event spring from your fingertips on the blog?
Are you alleging there are cults in Oro Valley?
I think he's referencing Ken Kesey and friends (circa 1968) who believed they saw the truth through the use of LSD/acid. It became known as the "acid test."
Later, Tom Wolfe wrote a book called the Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test.
I think in the past Terry Parish accused some of us of drinking the Kool-Aid and I imagine this is also what he was referring to.
If there's a connection to Jim Jones, I hadn't heard of that. But perhaps Thinker can enlighten us.
Thanks, VC!
Looking forward to OVOT's confirmation of your info...
Native...I don't know the roots of "drinking the Kool-Aid" but it's use usually indicates a person or prople who simply 'go along' or mirror others. Some of your recent posts have taken on some of the negative characteristics of Big Bird (private joke between Art and myself) up on the hill.
I think the product used at the Jones incident was described as grape juice.
As for your cult question, I am not alleging anything. But I do know one person in this community who thinks he is 'godlike' and believes he is our 'savior'. Care to hazard any guesses???? :-)!!!
Whatever Cox is talking about, I don't know, but our readers should be assured, the only thing I want between me & Cox is a helluva lot of space.
Although I see fit to respond to his lunacy, my best advice to Native Spirit, Mscoyote, Cowgirl and all others, is to just disregard him.
He's not worth your time.
OVOT,
I respect that fact that you admitted using a phrase you did not know the etymology of. Kudos on your public humility.
Art, while I agree that some comments are better not answered, his humbling himself publically warrants one from me. Hope you understand.
OVOT, you told VC that you were sincere in saying you thought the Latases would be good administrators of a no-kill animal shelter.
Why do you think I questioned that?
It's because you sprinkle your comments with so much free floating criticism that if you are well intentioned, you have taught us to doubt that you can say anything positive.
Because VC's references are not ones I am knowledgeable about, let me address your quote as if it referred to Jim Jones who is credited for the deaths of 913unreflective "followers". It fits your description.
Layton, a Jonestown survivor who wrote the book SEDUCTIVE POISON, describes the fatal liquid as "cyanide laced Kool aid." FYI
Jim Jones is described as charasmatic, a religous figure focused on money, equality and sex, required absolute authority, tolerated no questions or critical inquiry, isolated members from the outside world, and cut them off if they rebelled, was abusive to his members, taught members that they were never "good enough", that he was always right and the ultimate source of truth.
Does that describe Art to you?
If he were so authoritarian how is it that he publishes your comments?
Does he ask for contributions?
Is he abusive to those who blog?
Ostracize those who have an opinion different from his own?
In my opinion, those very qualities are characteristic of TOV gov and fuel the contributions to this blog.
Did it ever occur to you that I support Art's comments because we agree, not that I am a blind follower?
Oh, OVOT, my family and friends would roar laughing at your observation. You have no idea who I am, do you? For starters, I am a registered Independent.
Native Spirit,
Thanks for providing the other Kool-Aid story. I hadn't heard of that one. Both stories seem to mean the same thing...a person who isn't capable of independent thought so they simply believe whatever their drugs or some other person tells them.
Sounds like the people who listen ONLY to Fox News!
Native,
I have no clue why you would question my comment nor am I concerned that you do. Most participants on this blog question many of the comments I post as I question theirs in some cases.
As for your description of Jones vs. Art, some of the descriptive phrases used to define Jones fit Art. Art believes he is always right and the ultimate source of truth. Yes, he is abusive to folks who post and he is extremely vociferous toward those post comments contrary to his opinion.
I also see Art in another venue and some of my observations are based on his actions in that arena.
The fact that you agree with Art isn't surprising. Whether you agree with him or not has nothing to do with my Kool-Aid remark.
Cox--- You continue to make snide innuendos that prove time and again that you lack common decency and common sense.
Instead of more BS, why not say it was in a softball game, where you act like a spoiled brat.
Why not talk about the day you screamed at my friend Dick (The Zee Man,) who has the good sense to avoid you where ever you may turn up.
Your crap (3 times, on the blog)about me talking to a police officer is more of your idiotic comments that have no place here.
The only reason I saw fit to leave those comments here, was to allow the few readers that may not yet know what an evil mean-spirited person you are to see first hand what just about everyone else knows.
You were told a number of times previously to eliminate ALL references to my and Dick's personal life from the blog, but you are too ignorant & arrogant to understand that.
Art, Art, Art.
Once again you speak with forked tongue. Please let me and others know when I screamed at Dick. Our shortstop and he got into a heated discussion one day and since I was the manager that day I advised Dick (loudly because he was halfway out to his left field position)to direct his comments to me if he had any issues and to stop acting like "his buddy".
And since you asked, I'll comply. On the softball field you act like a spoiled brat.
And I don't talk about your personal life. I know nothing about your personal life. I only talk about how you act in public and on this blog.
LOVE
OVOT,
Art publishes your comments. Yes, you two disagree. OVOT, many times your comments are abrasive.
Art suggested I ignore your comments...I objected because you acknowledged that you did not know the source of the Kool-aid comment...Even though I disagreed with Art's suggestion, he published my comment. This shows his willingness to accept difference of opinion. Art is not authoritarian.
He has not ostracized me because we have differing opinions.
VC has a different take on "Kool Aid/Acid". VC corroborates that there are similarities in both references. Thank you for saying so, VC! Art prints both comments...It enlarges the total picture.
You and Art have a long established history..."of other venues"...Many bloggers who do not mirror Art's views are published. He is open to diversity. I suspect he is that way because he knows difference of opinions can enrich the dialogue.
This blog was created as an independent, non business-owned forum, to discuss local matters to help OV excel...Art is not spending his time on this to make money, to solicit converts, to find willing nubile partners, nor baseball proteges...He has NO spiritual agenda except encouraging dialogue about issues that impact on all of OV's residents. He invested his time, money and creativity to give all of us this forum...He is not trying to convert us to his way of thinking, nor to run off to the jungle and form our own community, but rather to give a voice to those whose opinions don't get printed in the newspapers. This is an "Inde", if I may be so bold.
So when you imply that I am 'merely' an Art follower, you are incorrect...While I care deeply about Art's issues, there are some we do not agree about. Right, Art?
You said you don't get why your comment ignited my fire. I agree. You don't get it. Trying to unravel that conundrum for you might help you understand what is happening.
An aside, if you call yourself "objective thinker" is your wife a "subjective thinker"?
I am for diversity, excellence, divergent thinking, democratic process, representation, not authoritarian control, not dictatorship, for fiscal transparency not just the "Big Guys" decisions, no taxation without representation...Service for all constituents, not just the wealthy.
If you two, disagree, disagree. It makes life interesting. "People, not puppets" as the saying goes.
We can disagree without being disagreeable.
Native....I thoroughly enjoyed your post.
If you go back to the beginning of this blog you will find a long history of Art hurling insults at me and my opinions. He frequently posts inaccurate information about me and Oro Valley which, if left unchallenged, becomes 'fact' to some. Should I, or any of the other folks who are normally opposed to Art's position, make any attempt to correct him, he snaps and fills space with derogatory comments. When you ask him to state HIS position on matters another diatribe is unleashed. At times he simply attempts to delete my comments entirely because they don't fit his mold. He has learned that I will continue to post them until they remain. I have had some folks send me private e-mails and correspondence asking that I send them information that they know Art has blocked. IN MY OPINION, Art doesn't want an open dialog. He wants his viewpoint presented and approved by all. He is so paranoid about my dissent that he thinks I post under different names. Deacon was one of his victims. There was another during the last election. I have never posted a comment on this blog under any other title than OVOT.
Now, I will readily admit that there are times when I direct comments at Art and refer to him in less than endearing terms (Big Bird for one...and he knows exactly what I am referring to but doesn't want to discuss it) just to yank his chain. Call it a characted flaw if you wish. But he never fails to react. :-)
You refer to some of my postings as "abrasive". I don't respond well when needlessly attacked. Political correctness is not my forte. Being absolutely clear on where I stand, and usually why, is.
I do a great deal of research and talk to a variety of folks to gain information in an attempt to keep what I place on this blog as accurate as I can. When I am incorrect or have posted bad information I readily admit to that. When I don't know, I am not afraid to acknowledge that fact.
I am accused of denegration when I only challenge. I am accused of demeaning someone's character when I agree that she would be great at overseeing an animal shelter.
It is not uncommon for people to OVERreach when reading material authored by an opponent. I submit that happens frequently with my posts. You asked if I was alledging the existence of cults. I said no. Some others don't bother to ask what I mean. They assume or simply form their own opinion and run with that.
I dearly love to discuss things Oro Valley. I enjoy bantering back and forth. I relish injecting humor into discussions. I am certainly not opposed to disagreements...they're healthy. But as I stated, I don't respond well to personal insults.
Have a great weekend and stay cool.
Once again, Cox sees things differently than just about all our other bloggers.
He lies when he says I ever blocked anything other than personal comments about me or others, which I readily acknowledge doing including the recent time that he posted what was a resume.
I will not allow him to use this blog to promote himself.
He can continue to come to the defense of his good friend Kunisch: he can continue to endorse the OV Marketplace: he can still say he wants a $48 million park:he can continue to believe it's smart to give OUR money to the likes of TREO, GOVAC, etc: he can offer his opinion on anything,as long as it is WITHOUT ANY PERSONAL COMMENTS THAT HAVE NO PLACE HERE.
For example, his stupid innuendo, noted on three different posts, about me talking to an OV police officer.
Let's see how long it takes for another snide comment from him---like referring to me as "big bird" where I'm supposed to know what he's talking about.
Our astute readers can judge me and judge Cox. I could even do a poll question: Who is more trustworthy & believable; Art or Cox?
Except, Cox would say it was a biased question, because the vast majority of our readers know him for what he is!
OVOT,
There is that expression that "it's not what you say, it's how you say it". Those who lobby for that would argue that anything at all can be said but it's how tactfully it's put forth.
One of my nephews as a youngster(he's now 44) used to be very candid with each of his parents, often getting directly at issues that might hurt their feelings. It amazed me how he could do that. He had that gift which he morphed into a very successful law career.
Art states the blog is "issue-oriented" not "personality oriented".
Your friends had difficulty getting onto the blogsite. So did I and was talked through registering on the computer. For those of us with less computer savvy or older PCs, that may be what's preventing our getting our posts on rather than being excluded.
I am impressed with what Sheriff Joe had done and agree with Oro Valley Thinker regarding the Sheriff, BUT, I am amazed that a person with intellect would lower themselves to refer to a well-informed writer, as "gutter snipe". OVOT appears to have enough education to present his debatable ideas to prevail without demeaning his adversary. Or does he?
wondering if OV has the mind set to duplicate what PHX has done? Somehow I think OV would foul the whole process. But I would like to see the same here thats in PHX.
OV611....
I am unclear what you mean when you say, "duplicate what PHX has done?"
Would you please clarify?
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