Laura Koerber is the author of a new book about the rescue of 124 dogs from the Olympic Animal Sanctuary in Forks, Wash.
The rescue mission was carried out in 2013 by activists with no support from local authorities.
Laura sent me a copy of her book, and wow, this was a story that needed to be told!
It is about a failed rescue “sanctuary,” small town politics, a consumer fraud investigation and small town corruption. I highly recommend reading it.
The book “I Once Was Lost, But Now I’m Found: Daisy and the Olympic Animal Sanctuary Rescue” is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats.
ALL PROCEEDS go to the rescues that helped save these dogs.
Here are my five questions with Laura Koerber:
That Mutt: How can dog lovers be sure the shelter or rescue they support is legitimate?
Laura: First, be empathetic to the animals there.
What is the place like from their point of view? Would you be happy if you had to share living conditions with the animals? Do the animals have room to exercise, good food, attention from humans, vet care, and a comfortable place to sleep?
Author Laura Koerber
Do not accept excuses or make rationalizations.
If the management is justifying their treatment by saying things like, “If not for me the animals would be dead,” as an excuse for crowded conditions, then it is not a legitimate rescue.
TM: What should a rescue or shelter do if it’s wrongly accused of animal neglect or cruelty?
Laura: Be open. Let the public see the facility. Invite the critics to see the place. Do a video tour.
TM: What’s something you believe in that other people think is crazy?
Laura: I’m not sure about this one. I’m a pretty level-headed person.
My sister, who is a psychologist, says I’m one of the sanest people she knows.
I suppose some people might think I’m crazy since I am vegan, don’t buy anything made of leather, bone or other animal parts, and check labels to avoid buying things that were tested on animals.
TM: Do your dogs sleep in your bed?
Laura: No room for our German shepherd mix, and our new dog (an elderly Shih tzu) has not thought about getting up in the bed with us. I suppose we will let him, when he does think of it.
Laura: Thank you for everything you do that is kind to animals.
Thank you, Laura!
If you have questions for Laura about her book or about the dogs rescued from OAS, let her know in the comments!
For more about Laura and her book:
Laura’s book: “I Once Was Lost, But Now I’m Found: Daisy and the Olympic Animal Sanctuary Rescue”
Laura’s publisher: Who Chains You Publishing
Publisher on Facebook: WhoChainsYou
“5 Question Friday” is a new feature on That Mutt where I interview people who work with dogs. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming 5 Question Friday, email [email protected]