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Washington Performing Arts Society Auction Cairn Terrier Pup To Raise Funds

Item Update 22/06/06

We have found out the the pup actually fetched 1700 Dollars.

Here is link to the AKC letter sent to WPAS AKCLETTER

Original item posted 7 June

Below is a clip from a news item published in the Washington Post::-

“WPAS gala raises $900,000

May 26, 2006

Support for the arts is alive and well in Washington if the outstanding success of the Washington Performing Arts Society 40th anniversary gala last Saturday is any indication.
    The $900,000 fundraising goal was met with the help of Bob Levey's auctioneering talents, which raised $92,000 through the sale of a trip to the Salzburg Festival, embassy dinners, a helicopter trip to an Inn at Little Washington feast, two cello recitals by Washington Performing Arts Society President Neale Perl (one to be claimed by longtime supporter Jacqueline Badger Mars) and the requisite cute puppy -- a Cairn Terrier (now residing with Steve and Kathy Ginsberg). “

If you follow this link to the Auction Catalogue you can see where the Cairn Came from and how much it sold for!

Shame on you……http://www.wpas.org/page_pdf/FINAL_CATALOG_2006.pdf

Brenda

Here is a link to the kennels that “donated” the Pup, go to the puppy section! Potomac Kennels   (With Thanks to Geoff Thomas)

I would like to thank Sean Albert for this information and the following

“Do you think the Cairn owners in the breed’s country of origin might be willing to write letters of protest to the WPAS?

Interested clubs and individuals may address correspondence to:

rheavers@WPAS.org

Rachel Heavers
Publicist
Washington Performing Arts Society
202-533-1886
2000 L St., NW, Suite 510
Washington, DC  20036

I am pleased to report that:

Molly Wilder, CTCA Delegate to the AKC, will soon contact the WPAS to express opposition to the WPAS auction of a puppy.  Mrs. Wilder will also contact the CTCA and her regional club about this matter. 

It is to be hoped that AKC involvement in the matter will be a reality soon.

Nancy A. Staab, Corresponding Secretary West Highland White Terrier Club of America, wrote a powerful letter to the WPAS protesting its auction of a puppy.

Karen Hansen, President of the Scottish Terrier Club of America, wrote to me to express solidarity in opposition to the auction of a puppy by the WPAS.  It is anticipated that the Scottie folks will contact the WPAS through institutional and private channels.

The WPAS has not rescinded its decision to auction a puppy annually.  ”God’s mill grinds slow, but sure.” Time will tell.

Sincerely,

Sean

Sean Albert

SeanPAlbert@aol.com

Attachments:

Good Morning,

My name is Rachel Heavers and I work at WPAS.  I received the email you sent to WPAS regarding your concern over the Cairn Terrier puppy at our Gala.  Every year, WPAS connects a Cairn terrier puppy with a pair of new parents. Because the Gala is an annual event, attendees know that the puppy will be available at the auction and have ample time to consider if the decision to own a pet is right for them.  WPAS clearly explains that pet ownership is a serious commitment and responsibilities are clearly outlined and agreed upon before we allow ownership.

Let me assure you that WPAS cares a great deal for these animals and are concerned only for their best interest.  The proud new parents of the puppy are long-time friends of WPAS and anticipated the arrival of the puppy for many months prior to the auction as an important addition to their family.   Potomac Kennels is also a long-time friend of the organization and is happy to have a chance to connect a family with a new pet and to make a contribution to the many educational and cultural programs WPAS provides for the Metro area.

Thank you for all the work that you do for Cairn Terrier Rescue programs and for your concern.  Please let me know if you have any additional questions. 

Sincerely,
Rachel Heavers

Rachel Heavers
Publicist
Washington Performing Arts Society
202-533-1886
2000 L St., NW, Suite 510
Washington, DC  20036

 Sean Replies:

Dear Rachel:

I thought you might be interested to know how auctioning puppies is viewed by various national dog clubs in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia.  It is my hope that the WPAS will not auction a puppy at future fundraising events.

Sincerely,

Sean