Dog Expert: Memphis is "Unadoptable" -- For Now
At the Bloomfield Town Hall Forum Thursday night, canine behaviorist Jim Crosby presented his videotaped evaluation of the pit bull.
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At a town hall forum about Memphis the pit bull, an expert said the dog is not yet ready for adoption – and won’t be until he is fully rehabilitated.
Jim Crosby, a Florida animal expert hired by Bloomfield Township, said on Thursday he conducted a thorough evaluation of the dog, who has become famous locally.
Crosby presented a videotape of the session at a two-hour Town Hall Forum Thursday night. Crosby said the dog is not a candidate for euthanasia, but recommended that he undergo a carefully-monitored rehabilitation program.
The news that the dog would not be put to sleep seemed to cause a collective sigh of relief by the animal’s supporters who attended the hearing.
“The rehabilitation for Memphis needs to be done in a controlled environment,” said Crosby, “meaning, some place where he doesn’t have a chance to mess up and ruin his chances [for improvement] . . . after a period of time, I think he would be appropriate for potential placement in a carefully screened home.”
When pressed to say whether he considered the dog "unadoptable," Crosby said yes.
Since the February day Memphis first arrived at the shelter, he has been the subject of heated controversy – and sometimes acrimony – between Bloomfield Board of Health officials and shelter employees. Claiming the dog was being mistreated by health department employees – which the Board of Health has consistently denied -- Memphis' supporters launched a concerted campaign to "Save Memphis."
Supporters of the Save Memphis campaign have an actively chronicled the saga on their Facebook page.
On Thursday, council chambers were filled almost to capacity as Crosby presented his videotaped evaluation, followed by a question and answer session hosted by Lore and Health Officer Mike Fitzpatrick. Police officers were positioned at all times near the two Health Department officials.
The event was largely peaceful --save for a few shouted comments – and afterward Lore she said she was satisfied with the outcome.
“Our intention was to have a non-biased person come in who was not involved [in the controversy] in any way,” she told Patch. “He determined the dog was unadoptable.”
Crosby’s findings concurred with a previous evaluation of the dog by St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison that deemed Memphis an unsuitable candidate for adoption due to aggression issues.
However, the St. Hubert’s report was strongly contested by Bloomfield animal trainer Jeff Coltenback, who conducted his own eight-day home evaluation of the dog. Coltenback concluded the dog is ready to be placed in a home environment now and sought to adopt the dog himself. His application was denied.
Upon hearing Memphis once again called “unadoptable,” Coltenback approached Lore after the meeting and served her with court papers.
“My objective was serve Karen with a lawsuit. I’ll be serving [papers to] the animal shelter and [Township Attorney] Brian Aloia tomorrow,” he said
Afterward, Lore refused to comment on the Coltenbacks’ action. As for Coltenback, he said he had no other recourse. “I tried being nice and doing it their way. Now we’ll let the courts decide.”
Though he declined to discuss specific charges, Coltenback told Patch details of the lawsuit would soon become public knowledge.
The “Save Memphis” campaign was the latest disagreement between the Board of Health and some members of the public. A few months ago Health Department Director Karen Lore banned certain volunteers from assisting at the premises, a move that created a hailstorm of protest from the volunteers, and accusations of misconduct on both sides.
Karen Banda
8:26 am on Saturday, September 8, 2012
"When pressed to say whether the dog is considered "unadoptable," Crosby said yes."
What he said further, was that Memphis should go to a home with experienced owners who would be able to further train him. He also stated that Memphis is a "soft dog" and doesn't need hard training. Meaning he had a couple of behaviors in need of correction which could easily be done in the right home. And that, ladies and gentlemen, means a home exactly like the one Jeff and Diana Coltenback can and want to give Memphis.
G. Lombardi
8:26 am on Saturday, September 8, 2012
There is a clear idiocy in not allowing people that want the dog and who are trained, recognized handlers of the breed to do so. There is compounded idiocy and an absolute squandering of taxpayers money, spending Lord knows what on "testing" and "re-testing" the poor animal. End this debacle now and give the dog to the loving home that wants him!
sherry scucci
8:26 am on Saturday, September 8, 2012
Get the info correct I was at the meeting and what Crosby said was that Memphis was unadoptable at the present time but he believes that with rehabilitation Memphis would definately do well in a home and not a sanctuary
Pat Gilleran
8:26 am on Saturday, September 8, 2012
Ah yes- the Bloomfield health Department violated the Open Public Meetings Act(OPMA)in their refusal to have public comment. Instead they demanded that questions be in writing (a passsed out 2 pens to the crowd of about 85) and then chose which questions should be asked, edited others, and decided not to ask others.
If you were there and want to share in the complaint - either Superior Court or the Essex County prosecutor's office- pm me on facebook.
We will also be working on bringing up both Lore and Fitzpatrick on ethics charges and seeing what we can do to have their licenses removed. Anyone who would like to work on this action please pm me.
Others are taking this fight to town hall and will be petitioning the town council to take back control DDirector and also vote on the Bloomfield Health Department's budget- giving them YOUR money.
At the town coucnil meeting on 9/4 Mayor McCarthy tried to say he was powerless over the Health Department.
Not so Mr. Mayor - YOU FUND THEM.
Stay tuned - this one is far from over.
Lyudmyla Mayorska
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
I wasn't there, so I can't help in any other way than to applaud you on taking a stand. Maybe Ms. Federico-O'Murchu will actually be interested in investigating this along with you, and reporting on such violations.
J Crosby
8:26 am on Saturday, September 8, 2012
To clarify one line: I said that Memphis was "unadoptable-TODAY" ( with emphasis on "today"). Based on my experience Memphos has a strong likelihood of safe placement after further rehabilitation. Jim Crosby
Karen Banda
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Mr. Crosby, thank you so much for giving Memphis a fair eval and for letting us see how it was done and what needed to be addressed. We only wish you could make a recommendation...of course that he be adopted by the Coltenbacks. I understand you don't work that way but it just leaves the door open for the Health officials Karen Lore and F. Michael Fitzpatrick to refuse to allow the Coltenbacks to have Memphis out of spite, which clearly is the only thing behind this entire, sad, ridiculous and unfair situation.
Liz Thomas
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Thank you, Jim, for clarifying your statement. And thank you for traveling all the way to New Jersey to evaluate Memphis. All of us who support the Coltenbacks appreciate your work.
Linda Federico-O'Murchu
8:44 am on Saturday, September 8, 2012
@Crosby - yes, you are quoted in my video clip. The headline is merely paraphrasing.
jfc
10:57 am on Saturday, September 8, 2012
I'm sorry but this is turning into the biggest amount of bullshit yet. I'd like to know the amount of money that has been and will be spent over someone who wants to adopt a dog.
Karen Banda
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Absolutely, jfc. This could have easily been ended months ago if anyone in charge (Karen Lore and F. Michael Fitzpatrick specifically) were clear-thinking, rational and well-balanced people. Unfortunately for all of us but especially Memphis, they aren't.
Steve
12:33 pm on Saturday, September 8, 2012
I'm for dog adoption but everyone must realize that in today letigious society, if anything were to go wrong in the future, the township could be held liable.
Leigh
12:51 pm on Saturday, September 8, 2012
No Steven, that isn't the case which is what makes this all so crazy. When you buy, adopt or rescue a dog, you sign paperwork releasing the adopting agency from any liability and you in turn, take it on yourself. Think about how many dogs bite and do you ever hear of anyone but the owner being sued?
To squelch any such excuses the town could come up with, Jeff offered to buy separate insurance for up to two million dollars and put the town on the policy so that there was no risk incurred.
These are just small town people with a lot of power issues.
Steve c
12:51 pm on Saturday, September 8, 2012
So, Mr. Coltenbeck is sueing, and I as taxpayer have to pay for the township's defense. Mr. Coltenbeck, please listen to the experts and let this play out instead of wasting our money defending your lawsuit. The dog needs proper training before it can be adopted.... I LOVE dogs, but this is ridiculous.
Karen Banda
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Jeff has every right to sue in this case. I, too, am a taxpayer but in this case which is a clear abuse of power and act of spite, I am more than happy to foot the bill. I contributed to Jeff's legal expenses and will do so again if he needs it. This is about more than "just" Memphis. These people are out of control. They (Karen Lore and the rest) have stated and act as if they don't answer to anyone and can continue their abusive treatment of the public, the animals and the volunteers without repercussions. Well, they answer to US, the taxpayers. And one way or the other they will finally learn that lesson. Enough is too much already.
Nuria Rodriguez
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Mr. Coltenbeck is a dog trainer! He's perfectly qualified to TRAIN him. Maybe instead of telling him to stop his suit, you should be telling your town council to stop using abusing their power and allow him to adopt the dog!
Lyudmyla Mayorska
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
When town officials are abusing their power and don't allow a qualified dog trainer (that Mr. Coltenbeck is, actually) adopt a dog he's been working with (or did you miss this part? http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4580950171126 ), then yes, Mr. Coltenbeck SHOULD be suing, and you shoudl be asking town officials to stop wasting your tax dollars, and do what's right, and release the dog to a family that loves him, wants him, can train him and deserves him.
Liz Thomas
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Jeff Coltenback is an expert in Dog Training, behavior and the like. At least get your facts straight before making "I'm a tax-paying citizen" comment. Jeff owns Paradise Pet on W Passaic in your town (that you pay taxes to) and is the founder of Pitty Rescue. He has years of experience with dogs. Memphis WAS being properly trained by Jeff. Read the back story to all of this and then make an informed opinion.
Pat Gilleran
6:01 am on Monday, September 10, 2012
steve c
The town has left coltenback NO CHOICE. They are the one's in control. Yes, we as taxpayers will have to pay...what I don't understand is the Town Council who says that they have NO CONTROL over the Bloomfield Health Department and Board of Health...and yet. They appoint the Board of Health, The Health Department Director is hired or promoted via their vote, they fund the Health Department through the budget.
They are clearly in charge and refuse to be involved. There are ethical problems that have been brought to their attention- they don't respond.
Come to the Town Council meeting on 9/10/12 ~ 7pm Municipal Building and let them know that we hold them ACCOUNTABLE!
Leigh
12:51 pm on Saturday, September 8, 2012
No Steven, that isn't the case which is what makes this all so crazy. When you buy, adopt or rescue a dog, you sign paperwork releasing the adopting agency from any liability and you in turn, take it on yourself. Think about how many dogs bite and do you ever hear of anyone but the owner being sued?
To squelch any such excuses the town could come up with, Jeff offered to buy separate insurance for up to two million dollars and put the town on the policy so that there was no risk incurred.
These are just small town people with a lot of power issues.
Frobnitz
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
There is just so much BULLS**t coming from the Bloomfield Animal Shelter and the Bloomfield Health Department. Let Jeff adopt Memphis.
Pat Gilleran
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Steve c
Mr. Coltenback is suing and others of us are going to the Essex County Prosecutor because of the unethical and illegal behavior by the Bloomfield Health Department. We cannot have our public employees behaving this way.
How much money will be spent because of an out of control Social Worker??
Pat Gilleran
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Mr. Crosby,
Thank you for the quote. I felt that your evaluation was quite fair and that Memphis did surprisingly well. My only disagreement is that the Bukowski shelter routinely adopts out dogs with far greater problems (I know because I adopted a dog-agressive dog from there) and I feel that Memphis is being required to be perfect.
I went to the Brookdale dog park today (I take my pointers EVERY day) and heard talk of a vicious pitbull in Bloomfield who had bitten children. We all know where this sort of PR is coming from.
curbkiller
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
No Leigh, I'm sorry but anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason. They can contest any contract or agreement. In this case, with Brian Aloia being the township attorney, it's not out of the realm of possibility that a lawsuit could be filed and won against Bloomfield.
Let the Coltenbecks write a contract of their own assign full responsibility and give them the dog. If something happens, which is a definite possibility with a pit bull, they will have assumed full liability because it will be under the terms of their contract.
Karen Banda
8:06 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
. If something happens, which is a definite possibility with a pit bull,
curb, are you serious? A pit bull is no more likely to bite than any other dog. Please don't tell me you believe the negative BS about these poor dogs! Why would a man like Jim Crosby OR someone with so much on the line like Jeff Coltenback advocate for Memphis if he was a "definite" problem? Please don't perpetrate the stereotype of this maligned breed. I've seen more pitties in my years at the Bloomfield Animal Shelter than you have, I'm sure, and not one of them was any different than any other dog.
Pat Gilleran
6:01 am on Monday, September 10, 2012
Hey curb - they have already offered to and have been turned down. The Board of Health said at their last meeting that "contracts aren't worth the paper they are written on" (even if it is written by the township attorney). Coltenback has also offered to purchase insurance and put the town on it so if sued they are covered.
This one makes no sense whatsoever- as lots of things in town do.
My personal opinion- it's SPITE and POWER
Karen Cobb
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
What Jim Crosby said is that Memphis is unadoptable now but Jeff is an expert dog handler so theres no reason why Memphis can't go back to him.
Power hungry officials again who will not admit they have made mistakes and ganging up together to show they are in charges.
And the evidence is out there that Memphis is being cruelty treated in their care and that care being executed by an ex convict.
Geoff Gove
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
The ultimate irony was seeing Michael Fitzpatrick turn the meeting into a fund raising plea to everyone in attendance and watching on TV. In other words, he wants us to pay the Board of Health for the consequences of their decision to keep Memphis from Jeff. It was an irrational decision borne of spite.
Sheri Smith
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
This is just crazy! The dog should go in a Home!!!! In the video the dog acted like any dog would with a strange person running by it in dark cothes. Give me a break Release the dog to Jeff he has the insurance and give the dog a home in which it needs. They can do all the testing at the shelter and the results are going to be the same the dog is stressed and you would not expect it to react any other way if you know anything about dogs! These so called specialist that are testing the dog do not know what they are doing!!!!
Linda Guffin
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
To Steve c.... It all becomes political. Memphis is the "straw that broke the camels back" or it was the "last straw" I am not in the community but what I have read from numerous community members and volunteers of the shelter ready to publicly make their case, this Shelter is not being run in a responsible way for the animals. It makes sense to do what needs to be done rather than sweep it all under the rug and pretend that your tax dollars are being used efficiently, ethically and for the purpose that they were budgeted by the elected members of the community.
Karen Banda
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Dear Ms. Lore: Please see Mr. Crosby's comment, above, and stop twisting and spinning the facts to fit your agenda. You have zero credibility at this point.
Duh
6:01 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Lore needs to back down from this. I think she's the one unadoptable. Add her side kick, Fitzwhateverhisname. And Steven, go tell that to your township council. If they played fair and right, and just gave the dog to the C's, you wouldn't be paying for your township's sinking defense.
Pat Gilleran
9:53 am on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Lore "we won't be addressing these questions"..."if there is anyone who wants to work with us...we will welcome your input"
OK folks, once again the Acting Director of the Bloomfield Health department wants YOUR input and has requested it
at a public meeting. Let's give them some input...yet again
http://cvp.telvue.com/player?id=T00304&video=129401
e-mails to write to about Memphis
Mayor and Town Council:
Themccarthy@msn.com
rbrown@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
echalet@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
njoanow@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
cbernard@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
pdunigan@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
mvenezia@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
bernardham@onebox.com
Health department
klore@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
mfitzpatrick@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
Karen Banda
8:06 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
~ CALL TO ACTION! ~
If you are concerned about Memphis or have been at the shelter and are upset about the shorter public hours and the effect that will have on adoptions, please come to the council meeting on 9/10 and let your voice be heard. Meeting starts at 7 PM, council chambers, town hall, 1 Municipal Plaza, Bloomfield. If you'd like to join the rally for Memphis before the meeting, arrive at 6:30. Bring your own signs or signs will be available on site. Help us get the message across: STOP THE MADNESS! MEMPHIS BELONGS WITH JEFF AND DIANA!
Pat Gilleran
6:01 am on Monday, September 10, 2012
Hey steve- Jeff coltenback has offered to sign ANYTHING and to take out $2million in insurance so that the town isn't liable...this is a good dog who just needs a home.
Several years ago it was Dobermas and Rottlwielers who were considered "dangerous dogs" . It's all in the owners- i know having been attacked by biting chihuahuas in the South Mountain Dog Park. I decalare my Pointers on my insurance and pay an extra price because of them.
This is all SPITE and POWER from the Bloomfield health Department.
The "fired" the volunteers in March. Put the Trap neuter and release program on HIATUS in March (now we're overrun with feral cats) and closed the FOSTERING program. Now the ANIMAL SHELTER is only open 2 hours a day whenit was open 4 per day and now it's only open monday thru Sat when it was open 7 days a week plus holidays.
All of this is costing the town and taxpayers Money. HOW LONG ARE WE GOING TO PAY THE FREIGHT FOR A WHACKED OUT POWER HUNGRY SOCIAL WORKER WHO CAN'T RUN HER DEPARTMENT OR THE ANIMAL SHELTER.
Bottom line- it's gonna cost us a lot of money- in fees- in lawsuits. I DON'T WANT TO PAY IT..BUT SHE'S PUT US IN LIABILITY'S WAY and refuses to back down.
curbkiller
6:02 am on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
No argument here that the town is trying a power play, but the fact is pit bulls are dangerous. They are not recognized by the AKC because they are not a true breed. The dogs have been inbred so much to get them as vicious as possible for fighting. While any dog can turn on their owners or other people, pits have a much higher rate of doing so. They are dangerous dogs. They might be sweethearts today, tomorrow, next week or year, but it only takes once for them to attack. These dogs are pure muscle, and it often takes many gunshots from police officers to take one down.
While I understand the issue at hand, and I know that the township is trying to pull a power move, I don't want that dog living next to me regardless of what the experts say. I love dogs and have had many as pets, but it is the only breed that I am afraid of being around.
JMHO
Pat Gilleran
6:50 pm on Monday, September 10, 2012
Save Memphis NJ is holding the Memphis Mile Dog Walk set for Saturday, September 15 at 11 am.
The Memphis Mile will begin in front of Bloomfield Town Hall located at 1 Municipal Plaza in Bloomfield, NJ. Dogs that are leashed are invited to attend, along with their family members, to honor Memphis, who is currently being held at the John A. Bukowski Shelter for Animals in Bloomfield. Renowned dog trainers Jeff and Diana Coltenback, who have asked to adopt Memphis, will be leading the Memphis Mile. After the walk, water will be served for all four-legged participants and their friends in Watsessing Park, across the street from Town Hall.
Please bring signs showing support for Memphis. Derogatory signs are prohibited. RAIN or SHINE!
Pat Gilleran
6:27 am on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
curb, almost every dog that comes through Bukowski and neighboring shelter is a pit mix - as is memphis. Because they are mixes there has not been inbreeding. I invite you to the memphis walk this saturday- we'll end up in Watsessing park - probablt by 12oon. There will be pitties thater that you can meet.
You can also meet my exuberant fanatastically active German Shorthaired Pointer/Lab puppy - Merlin. Who wouldnever ever have passed the bahavior evaluation.
If a stranger came into our home and showed aggression Merlin would have "alerted" much more than memphis did. We expect our dogs (we have 2) to protect us, our home and themselves.
Hope to see you there!
Karen Banda
1:50 pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Curb, by many accounts the AKC is a joke. But that's not the discussion here. Pit bulls are no more dangerous than any other dog. Don't help perpetrate the stereotype. Please.
curbkiller
9:11 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Karen and Pat-
I must clarify my statements because my previous posts were not clear.
If the pedigree of the dog has been documented, showing it is a pure-bred Pit Bull Terrier, than it may be more trustworthy and acceptable as a pet. But, without that documentation, there is no way to know that the dog did not come from a chain of inbreeding. It's not a stereotype that the breed has a history of being interbred in an effort to bring out its aggression. There is a history of the dogs being bred for fighting and for gang and drug dealer protection. I'm not perpetrating the stereotype, you are simply denying the facts because THIS dog is being treated unfairly by the town. Not all dogs are bad. Bad dogs come from bad owners/breeders. There is no guarantee that Memphis is not one of the "bad" ones.
I still stand by my opinion that I don't want any pits living near me or by my children.
JMHO.
Lyudmyla Mayorska
11:20 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
This is the problem, here. No one would claim to pretend to know the law, unless they worked in a law firm and studied it. No one pretends to know how to drill a tooth, unless they studied to be a dentist. In all disciplines, people are recognized as authorities in each field by their experience. Yet, everyone feels they are a dog expert without setting a foot into a dog shelter or spending years studying dog behavior!
People who have never fostered a pit bull, never worked with a pit bull in a shelter, never owned one, never attempted to train one, feel like they are experts enough to condemn the dogs to isolation and suffering. Mind boggling.
This dog deserves a qualified loving trainer that Coltenbeck is. There is nothing else to add to it. Ms. Lore and her buddy need a new job ASAP.
fxja
9:11 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Let's see...
1, 2, 3 evaluations that Memphis is presently (not forever) unadoptable.
1 breached contract between the town and the adoptee.
And dozens of unreasonably emotional dog lovers wasting our township's time and resources.
Priceless.
Lyudmyla Mayorska
11:20 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Let's see...
1,2 incompetent evaluations with hooded yelling fellow and a plastic hand.
1 evaluation by a nationally acknowledged expert that clearly states that Memphis will be just fine in the hands of a trainer that a dog has a connection with. He also emphasized that Memphis is NOT a candidate for either euthanasia or sanctuary.
Zero breach of contract on the part of the trainer.
2 power hungry officials who broke the law on Open Public Meeting by lying and refusing to allow questions, and now require your taxes to pay for their delusions. I wonder why... Maybe because they have no reasonable answers. Oh, wait. That's not a maybe, that's a certainty.
Not dozens, THOUSANDS, according to the number of signatures collect, of people who choose to speak up for injustice.
123,234,235 dogs across the country with way more behavior issues than Memphis.
Did you even bother to watch this http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4580950171126, go to the meetings, learn what the expect who came to evaluate Memphis actually stands for in this case?
Joelle Caputa
11:20 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
And how is he going to be fully rehabilitated unless you let Jeff adopt him and work with him 24/7? That ensures PROPER training.
Pat Gilleran
1:28 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Can you tell me why the in-shelter volunteers were dismissed in march 2012 (I can - it was because we were reporting animal abuse by shlter staff)
Can you tell mw why Trap Neuter and release is on "hiatus" (i can it is because of SPITE and POWER)
Can you tell me why there is now no FOSTERING program at the shelter (I can it is because of SPIE and POWER)
Can you tell me why shelter hours and days have been reduced from 1p-4pm 7 days a week +holiday to 12n-2pm Mon-Sat (i can - it is so that no animal is adopted out of the shelter)
Pat Gilleran
1:28 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
YES fxja the unethicalness of the Bloomfield Health Department and Board of Health is PRICELESS! I for one, am tired of paying for it over and over and over again.
Pat Gilleran
1:28 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
and curb- bad employees come from bad Managers. The Director of the Bloomfield Health Department is one of them- people have documented her hring of unqualified personnel - time and time again.
There seems to be no one in town hall who will handle the issue- the Township Administrator is also the Director of Personnel- all Department heads report to her.
She referred the complains of unethical behavior back to the Board of Health who has already condoned the behavior.
Pat Gilleran
1:28 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
ps- curb- my delightful and exuberant German Shorthaired Pointer/lab mix- Merlin is not a breed recognized by the AKC and neither are the most popular mixes cockapoos and labra-doodles. I'm not sure what being purebred has to do with all of this (ps I'm Irish and Czech- not pure-bred either).
curbkiller
7:28 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Pat-The difference is the in-breeding that has taken place along the line of the breed. It's that simple. Mutts are not recognized as any breed because they are mixes.
Lyudmyla Mayorska-I do not claim to be an expert, so your comment is not appreciated. I've stated all along that I have posted that my comments are MY OPINION.
I have not attacked anyone with my comments, and have only posted my opinions, so I don't understand why my comments have become an issue here. But since people have chosen to use my posts as a lightning rod, I'll give you something to comment about.
Memphis is a dog. I haven't seen anyone in the community get this worked up about helping a human being. Nobody in our community is jumping up to hold a walk in honor of the wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, putting lawn signs out promoting donating blood at a time when there is a severe shortage, or raising money to help residents of Bloomfield who have been displaced by a fire. There are more people getting upset about this dog than attend council meetings to voice their opinions about our taxes and school scores that are falling.
My point is that we need to keep some perspective and prioritize our concerns. I feel for the Coltenbecks and the dog, but there are bigger issues that the community should be getting upset about.
AGAIN...JUST MY HONEST OPINION
Karen Banda
8:44 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
ATTENTION BLOOMFIELD, NJ RESIDENTS. Are you concerned about your rising taxes?? Did you know the township is currently engaged in a lawsuit that they will needlessly fight that has a FREE and SIMPLE solution? Well contact the township and tell them! Here are the addresses if you are concerned about YOUR tax dollars being spent on fighting a lawsuit that has a simple and FREE solution!! Anyone else is welcome to voice your opinion and exercise your rights!! FREE MEMPHIS and save the township money!!!
mfitzpatrick@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
klore@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
law@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
health@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
rbrown@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
echalet@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
njoanow@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
cbernard@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
pdunigan@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
mvenezia@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
bernardham@onebox.com
twpadm@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
Lyudmyla Mayorska
8:44 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Curb, my "expert" comment wasn't exactly aimed just at you. It was directed much more so at the pit bull stereotype in general, and the disgust I feel toward Lore and Fitzpatrick for their ignorant and power-hungry behavior.
As far as making a fuss about people vs. dogs issues, I do not live in your community, but people have a choice to voice their concerns and speak on their own behalf. They might choose not to, but they DO have a choice. Animals don't have that choice. Someone has to make time to stand up for a dog like Memphis.
For myself, all I can say is that I still am recovering, cast boots and all, from stress fractures in both feet I earned on a 20 mile walk for hunger four months ago, and I have for years supported Save the Children charity. I assure you, people who care about animals often have more compassion for the human kind, than those who do not care about animals.
A defenseless dog has my absolute attention because it will not ask for help, will not plead its case. NO ONE will care, if you do not care. There is a very good reason to get worked up about this dog, or any other tortured animal, because if you don't care that an animals is suffering (and intelligent pack creatures, dogs and humans alike, suffer greatly in isolation), what kind of a heartless thing are you? When I say "you", I don't mean YOU. I'm speaking in general terms.In Dr. Suess's words, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
curbkiller
10:07 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Lyudmyla, I can't argue with your last post. However this is getting out of hand. I support animal rights and protection. I am a pet lover and have had numerous dogs that were family members. I also think the dog should be given to the Coltenbecks immediately.
It angers me to see everyone standing up for this dog, staging a walk and posting yard signs, when we have vets returning from combat and not getting the services they need, or our rising taxes that are the result of an inept mayor and council. People will come out to walk for Memphis but will limit their action about taxes and other issues to bitching on a website when taxes affect everyone.
I want what's best for the dog, but there has to be priorities.
JMHO
Karen Banda
8:59 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
It's about an "acting" director who has had that position for 4 years. Why? It's about that same person who smugly tells members of the public that she answers to no one.
It's about a Board of Health who tells the public they don't have to answer their questions. It's about a Board of Health with no practical experience voting on decisions that affect innocent, defenseless, voiceless animals and who are stone deaf and blind to what is right.
It's about a Board of Health that repeatedly votes to approve "emergency hires" for the animal shelter without questioning the need for so many and why it's always an emergency. It's about a board who votes to accept the resignation of an employee who didn't resigned but was fired. No one questions? It's about a board who approves the hiring of an ex-convict under an alias. No one checks?
It's about a department that has always done it's own thing and was always out of control and no one in town hall cares. It's about a mayor and council who don't have the cohones to stand up to an "autonomous" board (appointed by them and whose budget comes from taxpayer dollars and is approved by the council).
I could go on, but what's the point? To you it's all about a dog.
It's not "just" about a dog.
Pat Gilleran
8:59 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
hey curb,
I'm working on the Memphis issue because of what the Bloomfield Health Department and Board of Health have done to the Animal Shelter in the last year
~ fired the in-shelter volunteers in March 2012 (yes get rid of that free help)
~ put TNR on hiatus (let those feral cats breed)
~ disbanded the Foster program at the shelter (oh goody keep those dogs and cats caged and not socialized- therefore unadoptable)
~reduce shelter hours and days from 7 days a week 1pm-4pm +holidays to Mon-sat 12n-2pm no holidays (make it impossible to visit the shelter)
~REQUIRE that DRIVERS LICENSES be presented when visitn the shelter- keeping them on file (isn't there a former felon employed at the shelter).
I appreciate your suggestions as to what I and others should be working but reserve the right to pick the projects that I find the most important.
SAVE MEMPHIS!
Pat Gilleran
8:59 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
and curb - whose priorities must we follow - feel free to come over to my house to tell me what I should be doing next (you don't know the half of what I do... and who I'm doing it for).
So, my advice to you is - volunteer where you want, make your own decisions and don't focus on others, one person CAN make a difference!
I will let you know that now that they have been aroused and feel they can make a difference some of the SAVE MEMPHIS folks will get more involved in local affairs- especially after they have seen how residents are being treated, how their taxes are being spent, and how insane this all is.
Lyudmyla Mayorska
8:59 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Life is about day to day things. Life is about having a heart. Call me crazy, but taxes are way down my list of priorities when compared to a tortured animal. I can't speak for the vet services because I simply don't know enough about the issue, but I know this much... The minute you want people to stop caring about a dog, you are asking for the people's hearts to harden. Is that really what you want?
To walk away right now from Memphis, and leave him in the hands on the clueless shelter and outrageously run city council is a crime, and you bet they won'tlet go without a fight. The tighter the Lore and Fitzpatrick want to hold on to their control in regards to the decision on Memphis, the more evident it is how much they need to step down. Sometimes it takes a "small" issue, such as a suffering animal, to highlight everything that is wrong with a system. They might have been able to talk their way out of all other problems, but it's quite black and white with this one.
You want people to make time for an issue? Stand up for it and lead. Make FB support pages, spread the word, contact media. What is your priority over a suffering animal stuck in a cage without contact, or love, or a kind word day after day for MONTHS? What do you make time for instead of Memphis? You want to change the world, you have to start somewhere. I start with Memphis. If you wish to judge my priorities, I think you should show by example what you mean. And guess what. I just might follow.
Pat Gilleran
8:59 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Just to follow up- have you considered attending:
Building ONE New Jersey
Promoting sustainable, inclusive and economically prosperous communities
2012 Statewide Public Meeting
Sunday September 30, 2012
4 pm – 6 pm (doors open at 3 pm)
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837
Join 1,000 clergy, local elected officials, community, business and labor leaders from across New Jersey to press state and national policy makers to act on bipartisan
solutions to pressing problems impacting our communities.
§ Lower Property Taxes
§ Equitable School Funding for Diverse Communities
§ Infrastructure Funding
§ Fair Housing
§ Criminal Justice Reform
curbkiller
2:43 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
It's a travesty the way the township has treated the shelter. Lore, McCarthy, everyone. Why the township would fire people who cost nothing thus reducing expenses, who work tirelessly, give of their time to clean-up animal feces, bathe, feed and give affection to said animals and do it for no recognition is beyond moronic and insane.
Pat, I have a ton of respect for the work and advocacy you do around town. I had respect for you individually until your last few responses to my posts. They reeked of pettiness and immaturity. I thought you were above that.
I only posted my beliefs and opinions, and never attacked a single person. If people want to support Memphis, than that's their choice and my opinions won't change them.
Karen, your dedication to the shelter is commendable and should be welcomed and promoted to the residents. It takes great commitment to volunteer, and more so to volunteer for the welfare of those that cannot thank you personally.
Thank you both for working to make Bloomfield a better community. We need more people like you to step up.
Pat Gilleran
7:46 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
curb- sorry you didn't like my responses...I'm feeling just a little put upon and am willing to concede that I'm tense and under major stress.
maybe it's the fact that my husband lost his right leg in April after a long battle to save it. maybe it's the fact that every time I deal with the healthcare system it involves my doing everyone's job (which seems to include nursing, keeping track of meds, and checking the bills).
maybe it's the mayor and town council who refuse to deal with the mess at the Health department and Board of health.
Just an FYI - Breed specific legislation is illegal in NJ.- there's a law - I'll post it here later
Alex Gorrell
8:41 am on Sunday, September 16, 2012
To Karen, Pat, and the others,
When making your case you should refrain from making personal judgments about the board of health officials and just state the facts. You claim to know that the board and director are spiteful and power hungry and you also keep insinuating that the board of health hates animals. You have no way of knowing that and zero evidence to back up those claims. Your repeated comments on this site and your accusations in town meetings are hurtful and possibly dangerous and while you may disagree with the board's policies remember that they are still human beings and your malevolent words matter.
Lyudmyla Mayorska
7:40 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
Alex, I hope you are right. I hope our words do matter and they act accordingly.
You say we have no facts? Here is a number of facts, since you missed them.
1. The board LIED and violated the law by screening and refusing to answer questions at the meeting.
2, They LIED when they claimed Coltenbeck used an electric collar.
3. They just paid a nationally acknowledged dog expert to tell them what we knew all along: Memphis IS trainable and should be in rehabilitation with a trainer as we speak.
4. One more fact? Coltenbeck IS a trainer! Why are Lore and Fitzparick keeping the dog away from him again?
5. Something is shady going on at the shelter where claims of abuse are abound, documented, while volunteer and foster programs are nonexistent (here is another fact for you, this summer I volunteered at a small town shelter that has 400 volunteers on the list. Get the picture?)
6. Here is another fact: dogs, just like humans, are social creatures. They SUFFER in isolation. Lore and Fitzpatrick are responsible for Memphis's suffering.
7. One more fact: to rehabilitate a dog, you have to pull it out of a cage and work with it. You need a dog trainer - not a lawyer, not a health board director, not a mayor - a dog trainer. Oh, wait... there is one in town. Last name is Coltenbeck.
8. The dog bit no one.
9. Discrimination based on a breed is ILLEGAL in your state.
What are your facts?
Pat Gilleran
7:40 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
Alex,
We have appeared before the BOH many times and they have refused to listen. They condone the health Departments actions. They are responsible for their lack of action in this manner. That is my "evidence". The Board of Health meeting notes back up my claims. They have approved the hiring of 4 unqualified Shelter managers. They approved the promotion of the vet tech who allegedly (we have emails reporting him) abused memphis. I have reported that ms. Lore's actions are out of SPITE and POWER! I continue to maintain that claim.
it is the Health Departmentcondoned by the Board of Health that have "fired" all in-shelter volunteers, put the Trap neuter and release program (TNR) for feral cats on haitus,. There is no longer a FOSTER program at the shelter. Shelter hours have been reduced from 1p-4pm 7 days a week 365 days a year to 12n-2pm Monday thru Saturday. And memphis, a pitbull who has a family and forever home to go to remains incarcerated and captive at the shelter.
We are not responsible for any of these actions. The Health Department and Board of Health are.
If you think that these are things that responsible people do and condone - You are sadly mistaken. Please remember that it is innocent animals that the Health Department and BOH are hurting as well as the reputation of Bloomfield.
Deana Steel
10:42 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
I thought the evaluation was a joke!!! The money the town spent to bring someone from Fl. Who apparently told peple what they wanted to hear. My Shepherd is a rescue and would have been wanting to kill him through the fence. As far as walk in the dog run , trust me that was not happening he for sure would have gotten bite! Holding the Mephis down I was amazed at what a awesome temperment that dog has. Again mine would of for sure would bite. My dog according to that evaluation would be put to sleep, deemed not adoptable!!! As far as Schutzhund people using rubber mallets and being heavy handed I think that evaluator needs to be evaluated!! Best of Luck to Jeff & Diane. As far as the town Wake Up People!!!
Geoff Gove
1:19 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Many of us in the room watching the videos for the first time were convinced that Crosby would conclude that there were no issues requiring continued incarceration. I spoke to Jeff recently about that and he had the same feeling. When I was a teenager, I had a golden retriever mix for 10 years that never would have made it out of Bloomfield's Shelter.
Stephen A. Strunsky
4:33 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
I've now read two complete Bloomfield Patch stories about Memphis after seeing "Free Memphis" signs in Montclair and a snippit of a News12 story on t.v., and yet I still have no idea how Memphis came to be held at the Bloomfield shelter, who brought him there and why, who were his owners and where did they keep him, or any other factual elements of his background and situation. Can someone please fill me in. Thanks very much.
Shannon Burk
5:51 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
@ Stephen A. Strunsky They state "Memphis, a stray pit bull mix was picked up by an animal control officer in February" They state they do not know who his people were or if he had any, though he seems very nice and cared for I bet there was someone once upon a time.
Shannon Burk
4:33 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
I am so sad for Memphis! All this time he is in a shelter, where he gets limited human contact, limited exercise and little to no love! These people should try spending the amount of time they have had Memphis in a Jail cell to feel how this poor baby feels. I am all for the Coltenbacks’ adopting Memphis. They are trainers already and they obviously love him very much. Enough is enough! Stop abusing Memphis and allow him to have a loving life already! <3 Memphis and the Coltenbacks’
Geoff Gove
5:51 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Steven: Here's the first hand account by the Animal Control Officer who first found Memphis:
~ MEMPHIS ~ Shared from the ACO who picked him up:
Moira Ghant
Memphis was initially caught on a pole then I transferred him to a leash once him behavior/temperament was established...he was calm and willingly hopped into my personal vehicle and was transported to the shelter...He made himself comfy for the ride he was tired long morning... I walked him into the shelter on leash filled out intake form and set him up in his cage with food and water...he did not give me any trouble at all and was well mannered... he did not growl or show any signs of aggression towards me at any time either on pick up or during the 7months I cared for him... I bathed him walked him around the shelter...he was the same from the day I picked him up Memphis till my last day there February 6Th 2012 till August 2012...I have never seen him behave (BAD) to anyone he sit, stay, smile and grunt like a pig I never used treat with Memphis he listened...I named him Memphis.
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