Thank you for your letter of March 23. While it is true that "unfortunate occurrences" happen in veterinary medicine, the death of Keiko was almost predictable and most likely preventable.
Why did M'Risa Marcus Mendelsohn operate a particularly challenging case in BARC's dungeon-like facilities ... why weren't modern diagnostic techniques unavailable at BARC but offered by others for this case not used ... why was Keiko not released to any of the rescuers and vets willing to extract her from a dangerous situation in a substandard facility ... why does BARC keep hiring veterinarians who have been disciplined for malpractice in other states ... ditto Bureau chiefs with zero shelter and animal experience ... The fact is that these were some of the formidable obstacles in the way of Keiko's survival, a dog who was gravely injured.
You bet I and others "look negatively on BARC." In view of the lack of good judgement displayed in Keiko's case, one does wonder whether anything has improved since the lackadaisical stewardship of Bill White, inept DHHS management, or the Gerry Fusco fiasco. With a new Mayor, however, some citizens expected a positive turnaround. Hope waned when Mr. Atencio, a man without the faintest acquaintance with shelters was hired for one of the city's most challenging jobs. Now it surfaces that Ms. Mendelsohn's professional record is tainted (Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine, 2007). Are inexperience and low performance requirements to work at BARC?
Your letter is appreciated, Ms. Lovell, but in no way constitutes a satisfactory explanation. Not because Keiko was just another abused animal of the thousands who enter and leave (most dead) BARC can this case be dismissed as an "unfortunate occurrence." Her case hits a raw nerve. Precisely because she was a victim of vicious brutality, she and any animal like her deserves the best care taxpayers can buy. It is a matter of record that BARC stood in the way of Keiko being rescued and of receiving the specialized medical attention she needed. Keiko had options and BARC denied her those options. How was this in the dog's best interest?
It follows that the matter should be investigated, not dismissed with the usual "shit happens at BARC" attitude.
Respectfully,
Dolores Proubasta
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