Oh, for the love of Patrick!

The current controversy regarding who Patrick will be adopted to has become a viral issue being debated and argued over on just about every Facebook page created in Patrick’s honor.   A war, if you will, is being fought over not only where Patrick will live, but the credibility of AHS and their staff.

I am personally one to argue and debate a valid point until I am blue in the face, however, how valid are these opinions being spewed as ammunition in this verbal warfare?

Let me point out, if we calculated the total number of hours each person has spent arguing their empty, biased opinions on the same, imagine – just imagine, how many animals could have been cross-posted and subsequently saved.  Just food for thought.

Most seem to be on the side of GSVS, stating that the GSVS employee interested in adopting Patrick should be able to adopt him as they have provided his care, brought him back from near-death, etc.

I am of the opinion that Patrick, like any other dog, should be in the care of someone who can and will love him unconditionally for the rest of his days.  If that happens to be said GSVS employee, than so be it! 

It should be pointed out, however, that AHS, made the decision to save Patrick.  They could have easily euthanized Patrick, due to his emaciated condition and the thought of the costs of take care of the same.  They didn’t.   I have noticed, AHS hasn’t received much credit for this.  That, is sad.  There would be no Patrick, no Movement, no MIRACLE, if it wasn’t for AHS initially. 

This is not to discredit GSVS at all.  GSVS has done a beautiful job with Patrick and we owe many thanks to them as well.

Some people have claimed that AHS is only in this for ‘the money’.  From what I can tell, that accusation is false.  I do not work for AHS, I do not volunteer for AHS, I don’t even live in Jersey.  These basis for this accusation:  AHS has Patrick’s pictures copywritten.  HELLO?!  WTF! 

It is not a newsflash that our dear Patrick is a media sensation, and there has been overwhelming evidence that groups have been created just to market his image to make a quick buck.  I am under the opinion that AHS did this in order to PROTECT Patrick from being further exploited by scammers – you  know, people who are taking YOUR money and pocketing it?  Give me a break!

AHS is a 501 3(c) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, who has been running solely on donations since 1906.  That’s over 100 years that they have been around, sheltering, helping, adopting out and caring for animals.  That’s also over 100 years of experience when it comes to caring for and adopting out animals.  All of that experience is out the window now and only when it comes to Patrick?!

To those of you who are a part of the debate: 

Have you stopped to remind yourself that you don’t know PATRICK, you don’t know the employees at GSVS, you don’t know AHS and you certainly don’t know the behavior specialist who did the report concerning the possible GSVS adoption?  Did everyone take a crash-course over the weekend and become an expert?  If so, maybe I was too busy trying to save lives to notice.  Everyone needs to get their egos in check and put their opinions away. 

Fact:  We don’t know all the facts or the parties to this situation.

Fact:  We all aren’t experts.

Fact:  Our opinions are essentially without merit.  GET IT?

The only thing you radical debaters are doing is carelessly and senselessly bringing down the reputation that AHS has built in the last 100+ years.  In the long run, donations may be hindered, which means the care-standard for animals in AHS’ care may go down, with means more animals will die and less will be adopted out.  FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

Not only are you ranting and raving statements without validity which will ultimately have a negative effect on other animals in AHS’ care, you may also be hindering future updates regarding our beloved inspiration and miracle, Patrick.

If there are constant rages, don’t you think that IF AHS decides to place Patrick with another family, that they will then keep that information confidential so that no one will further harass his adoptive parents?  If that happens, you can kiss your updates goodbye. 

We must  remember that Patrick is a miracle, inspiration, and the poster-puppy for abused animals everywhere.  But Patrick is also still a dog.  A dog who has the same wants and needs as any other dog.  Let him be a dog.

There were THOUSANDS of applications submitted to adopt Patrick. 

This is all very bittersweet for me.  Its BEAUTIFUL that Patrick, a dog who was unloved and neglected for so long, has so many people who want to give him the love and adoration he never had. 

But where are these THOUSANDS of people, ready and willing to adopt, when dogs are being euthanized for space everyday.  We have THOUSANDS of people who want to make a difference, I implore each and every one of them to go ADOPT A DOG IN NEED.  There are too many beautiful animals being killed everyday simply because there isn’t enough space for them. 

It is ridiculously selfish to ONLY want to adopt Patrick.   

EVERYONE cares about Patrick.  Everyone, AHS, included, wants the best for Patrick (as seen by their constant updates on their page).  So lets stop the bidding war, clear our heads, and let the experts decide what is best for Patrick, Patrick the dog… not Patrick the media sensation.