By Glen Zipper Project director, k9 connection
In regards to Natali Herrador’s May 2 (letter) entitled “Seeing red over Pinky,” I felt it important that I respond on behalf of k9 connection to clarify any misperception over Pinky, our organization’s relationship with the Santa Monica shelter and the manner in which the article in last weekend’s Santa Monica Daily Press came about. k9 connection is a non-profit organization that rescues homeless shelter animals and brings them into schools to counsel, educate and inspire some of our community’s most at-risk teens. Specifically, our students train k9 rescues in basic obedience to help them become more adoptable, and learn a little something about their own potential in the process. In recognition and support of our efforts, the Santa Monica Police Department has graciously opened the Santa Monica Shelter to our organization and its volunteers. Since the inception of our relationship with the Santa Monica Shelter more than 100 k9 connection Adoption Outreach volunteers have been recruited and work seven days a week to help Santa Monica Shelter dogs find permanent, loving, safe and responsible homes.
Pinky happens to be a perfect example of the symbiotic relationship between k9 connection and the Santa Monica Shelter. Today, Pinky’s student trainer is a better, happier person and Pinky is a better, happier dog.
Finally, it should be noted that this weekend’s article was merely an attempt to bring greater attention to Pinky’s need for a forever home. Nowhere in this article did k9 connection attempt to assume undue credit for Pinky’s road to recovery, nor can I reasonably understand why it would be interpreted this way. The point, as always, was to help a deserving animal find the happy ending she deserves.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 3, 2007. Read the original PDF.