Hello,

I am completely confused about why these people are considered heros.
I just watched my first episode of Animal Planet Heroes Phoenix and was appalled by the techs lack of action concerning the puppies that were attacked by bees. First they show her doing nothing once the decision was made to call the police. How about making sure your truck at least has a clean compartment for the puppies prior to having your arms filled with the suffering puppies. Watching her move so slowly getting ready to transport them was painful to see. Then every puppy died?! What? How does that make any of them heros? They did nothing above and beyond the call of duty. Please help me to understand 'cause I was truely saddened by this episode.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kim g,

I totally agree with you. I watched that episode last night and I feel the same way you do. All of those puppies died and it really upset me. They seemed to me that they were not moving fast enough. Plus, the homeless lady was not making it easier either. Still, all of those puppies died and I just hate to see animals suffer and die like that. I have two cats that I love and adore so much

It is easy to criticize when you are not out there doing the work they do. Cat Galaxy is doing a story on the EAMT unit which definately shows how dedicated these people really are. If you want to read it go to www.catgalaxymedia.com.
As for the puppies, they were stung repeatedly by Africanized Bees which pretty much is a death warrant for the dogs. These aren't the kind of bees where if you desturb them they give you warning they are about to attack. These bees will instantly swarm and attack in large numbers. They will sting repeatedly and sometimes it results in injury or death. These bees are territorial and will swarm if you are stupid enough to wander into their territory. They often attack in greater numbers.

They are easily aggitated and a lot of times you don't even have to disturb the hive to have them attack. And yes they will attack up to a 1/4 mile from the hive. So, before placing judgment on the EAMTs you should read the facts.

Actually I do know about Afrcanized bees and completely understood what had happened to the puppies and their mother. I didn't make myself very clear, I was questioning their use of that story to show us what "heros" these EAMTs are. It was an awful program.
You weren't just a bit disturbed that the gal, with her arms filled with suffering puppies, was trying to clean out her truck so she could transport these poor little ones? Please!
I tuned in to watch a show about the heroics being performed by animal rescue peoples and instead watched pain, suffering and what I feel was bad judgement. Sorry.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jettapony,

Like I said, it is pretty easy criticize when you are not there. If you don't like the show, you don't have to watch it. BTW, do you know how many times a day they have to clean out their trucks? They have to do it a lot especially when there are sick animals involved. Would you rather the EAMTs say "lets just throw the animal in the truck" even though the last animal that tech transported vomited in the compartment or was sick with upper respiratory infection?

What these EAMTs go through on a daily basis would blow the mind. They have a tough job to do under very difficult circumstances. I highly suggest you read Cat Galaxy's stories they are currently doing on the EAMT unit. It really shows what these men and women go through every day. Not every case ends up well. There are going to be losses.

It sounds to me like you are expecting every rescue they do to be a victory. Most of the time this show does show that, so maybe you are used to that aspect, but in Cat Galaxy's written series you will not see fluff and everything written is taken from the EAMTs' perspective. The stories show both the good and the bad.

You are being awfully critical of these people who are out there every day rescuing animals that not a lot of people care about. Perhaps you should go through the training and join the unit. However, as one EAMT put it, the job isn't for everyone and you have to know how to handle it. I don't care how tough a person is, what they deal with every day would make a lot of people say "I quit." No day is normal for these people and just like police officers and firefighters the EAMTs can't shut off their job when they get home.

So, before you start criticizing maybe you should contact the AHS and ask to go on a ride along with the unit (although I am not sure if they have a civilian ride along program but you could ask) and see exactly what they have to deal with. You'd be amazed how well they handle each case and the amount of stress they go through.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: catprotector,

Jettapony - I think those of us who are true fans of this show will pass you off to ignorance. You admit this is your first show. If seeing these puppies die disturbs you so much, then you shouldn't watch the show. You ain't seen nothing yet! It is unbeliveable what you will see when it comes to the horrific treatment some animals have to go through. These people ARE heroes and are threatened every day to protect these animals from further harm. It was a tragedy what happened to the puppies, but they did all they could. Do you not realize how many thousands of dollars went into the treatment of those puppies? Not to mention the time and effort of the doctors, most of which donate their time without pay. A good friend of mine is a vet at a local shelter three days a week. He performs all of their emergency surgeries - FOR FREE. Do you know how many greedy vet's would never consent to that? My friend is a hero because he cares and he is making a difference. It's a shame the puppies didn't survive, but just because they didn't does not take away the importance of what these people do on a daily basis.

Sorry folks but you are going to have to deal with the fact that I still believe that that particular rescue was a mess and did not portray them as heroes. You obviously feel differently and felt that we have so much to learn from the showing of this suffering and should just be so impressed with the monies spent on these puppies. Shame on you for that.
By the way I have been a volunteer at a local animal rescue organization for over 20 years. I have seen some pretty disgusting cases of abuse. I have over the last 25 years, personally taken in and rehabilitated over 100 animals and have volunteered at numerous oil spill clean ups and I am not new to the animal rescue scene and I hate to tell you but I feel I do have a right to criticize what they showed us on that episode. It was appalling!

Jett,

Do you know how many things get edited out of these shows? There is stuff you also don't see and in the case of those puppies, the EAMTs fought despirately to save every one of them just like they do with any animal. It is obvious how ignorant you are about what the EAMTs have to do. You seem to think that every rescue that the EAMTs go out should be a victory and that isn't going to happen. The EAMTs are constantly having to deal with cases of abuse and having to rescue animals that are hit by cars, stuck in a fence, fallen down storm drains, and other risky situations. Some of these animals unfortunately do not make it and that is a reality. And yes, when they lose an animal it weighs pretty hard on them. Despite the losses think of how many animals also that would not have gotten a second chance if the EAMTs weren't out there doing their job.

As I stated before, you are being awfully critical about a situation you know nothing about or weren't involved in. A loss of an animal can be devistating to these people and they are often rescuing animals even when they aren't on duty. It is really easy to criticize when you aren't out there with them and seeing the things they have to deal with every day.

I find it interesting that as soon as it was pointed out how wrong you are about the EAMTs, you suddenly came up with how you are involved with animal rescue as a volunteer and have all this experience. You note also how you have taken in over 100 animals. The AHS takes in thousands each year. In fact they are still taking in 850 cats per week. Some of these cats were brought in by the EAMTs and rescued from quite a few rough situations.

You have no right to criticize these people at all. If you saw what the EAMTs had to deal with every single day then I think your tune would change rather quickly. If you are truly involved in the rescue community then be glad the EAMTs even exist especially if you work for a Phoenix area animal rescue organization. The EAMTs often come to their aid as well and the other rescues will also work with the EAMTs and help them.

The next time you decide to criticize the EAMTs, I suggest you learn more about them and see just how much work they have to do. It is a very stressful job that is almost impossible to shut off even after they leave their shifts. For the EAMTs it is non-stop.

Shame on me...how dare you jettapony. As I said, chalk this one up to ignorance. As someone else posted, I HIGHLY doubt you do any rescue work or you wouldn't be so shocked by this episode. And yes, we have a lot to learn by watching these programs. It's about educating the public and maybe if they watch, and learn they'll get inspired by these heroes and see how much work we still have yet to do to save these animals. That has happened to many people I know - myself included. When I started watching I realized how much these shelters need our donations and volunteer hours. I volunteer when I can at my local shelter with my friend, who I said was a vet. They do amazing work. Through shows like this I have learned and actually adopted a wonderful dog because of it. I realized these animals are given a second chance and I wanted to be a part of that wonderful experience. So they don't all turn out as happy as you'd want them to. Unfortunately, that's life and as I said, it doesn't make them any less of a hero.

Lilianna,

I have to agree that Jett should have shame shoved on him. He/she was way out of line. They say ignorance is bliss sometimes but I too highly doubt Jett is involved in animal rescue. The EAMTs have come to the assistance of other animal rescue groups around the Phoenix area but they also have come to the aid of the EAMTs. The EAMTs don't think of themselves as heroes. They feel they are just doing their job and that it is much tougher than most other occupations out there. If you are complaining of a tough day at work then you might want to think about the EAMTs and what they deal with. One moment they are climbing up a tree to rescue a cat, the next they are dealing with an act of animal cruelty.

I think the series Cat Galaxy is writing puts it all into perspective and shows just how much the EAMTs deal with on any given day. What they do and how they handle it is simply amazing.

Thanks "catprotector" for your words. I just don't understand some people. Ten years ago, we wouldn't have been watching a show like this. But because of education and public awareness, these animals are being rescued and we can see it for ourselves. It wouldn't be reality if all the endings were happy and warm and fuzzy. People need to see that. I think "jettapony" was just upset by the outcome. And it is upsetting, but unfortunately, it doesn't always turn out well. I hate to say it, because it is tragic, but at least the puppies didn't die of neglect, starvation or violence like so many do. There truly are worse endings out there for these animals. My shelter dog has burn marks on her back left leg and thigh from her abusive owner. She is on medication for anxiety and always will be. When I first got her she was 20 lbs. underweight. Every rib and vertabrae down her back showed. It was pathetic. She has been a real challenge, but all the love and affection she gives me makes it all worthwhile. I would love to know more about "Cat Galaxy". Is that a new show on TLC? I've never heard of it.

No. Cat Galaxy is a radio station for cats. You can check it out at www.catgalaxymedia.com.

You two should resist in responding to anything written in these forums.
Anyone who thinks the general public needs to see animals suffering and dying is messed up totally.
Why don't we also have a program called "The animal horrors" It will show all this reality you both feel we need to see.
Should we air abortions also? They are an unfortunate reality but I don't want to watch one.
Maybe a show called "Drunk driving and dying" Imagine the great footage you could put together to make that point.
We can all feel helpless and sad all the time. Would you two like that?
I feel sorry for you.
Look hard and find some gentleness in your lives.
You appears you need it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mod_kelly,

You have a lot of nerve to call the rest of us terrible animal rescue advocates because we want the public to see that animal cruelty does happen. You can't bury your head in the sand and pretend it doesn't. The EAMTs are dealing with it every day. I think you need to leave the board's Jett because you obviously came in here to do nothing more than to stir up trouble.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mod_kelly,

While we don't expect everyone will see things in the same light... we do expect everyone to treat each other with respect...even in the heat of disagreement.


Thanks for your cooperation.

I would like to appologize to any EAMT's who felt insulted by my comments.
I did not mean it to sound like I was critisizing all EAMTs. I was commenting on that particular episode. It was very upsetting.
Yes, I know that animals suffer and die every minute and have seen the aftermath of animal abuse and neglect first hand and I have adopted many rescue animals. Really, I have.
I was just taken by surprized that they took us through that horrible scene with the puppies and then they all died. I really thought it was a story that didn't need to be shared. That's all!
Again I appologize to all EAMTs who might have been insulted by my post. It was a judgment on the shows producers more than anything, I lashed out at the wrong peoples.
Good day to all and hug your pets often.

Jettapony - I am glad to see you have apologized to the EAMT's. I think if I were one and read your post I would not only be angry, but feel very defeated.

As for your ignorant statements: What kind of monsters do you think we are? Do you think we ENJOY watching these terrible things? Like I said earlier, if the public doesn't see these episodes, they will never be educated and see that these things actually exist outside of their sheltered little worlds. We as Americans do not realize that the greater population of the world, pets and humans included, are in great need. Do you think the news crews actually LIKE going to impoverished countries like Africa and show the horrible conditions they live in? NO! It is for education and awareness. Without us seeing it for ourselves, it is simply someone else's story.

Also - an abortion is a CHOICE. To get into a car drunk is a CHOICE. These animals who are neglected and abused have NO CHOICE. It is up to us to protect and care for them, be it by financial support, or volunteerism. To compare animal cruelty to these subjects is ridiculous.

illiana---you're beating on someone when they're down. That's not fair or cool. Jetta sucked it up and appologized---move on

Dearest Lil,

I really didn't want to hear you go on and on again. My apology wasn't to you or because of you. It was the moderator’s response. She wasn't just addressing it to me but you are too full of your self-righteous B.S. to notice. You make this so much worse and I was just trying to end it.

I hope that some day you will look back on what you have said here and be embarrassed. To say people need to see suffering because we live in our sheltered little worlds. My God that is unbelievable of you. Please stop. Nobody needed to see these puppies die; there was no lesson to be learned here. Period!

Good-bye!

I'm sorry mod_kelly I really did try.
These folks are just making this so hard.
I promise that I'm done with it though.
I said what I felt I had to say.
Sorry if it got a bit mean spirited but dang!