UPDATE 11/10/17
WOW –
We are blown away at the kind words of support in defense of Grateful Paws and we’d just like to say THANK YOU!
The positive and heartwarming comments were very much appreciated.
BTW: We wanted to let you know the Pet Loss Center/Pet Heaven in Miami has withdrawn their offer to sponsor a memorial service for OLLIE –
So we are back to square one in the planning… We were aiming for Sunday, December 10th – but we are still working on a location and details.
So please keep checking Ollie's page here on this website.
Thanks again…
We are as sickened as you are about OLLIE’s final resting place…
We learned when you did, what may have happened to his ashes. The Lab has not returned our call and we are still awaiting confirmation.
In all fairness, I would like to clarify what was reported in the Sun Sentinel. Unfortunately, by running with a story before all the facts were found and before speaking with a Grateful Paws representative, there have been many negative comments in response to this article. Please know, the article posted today is a revised version from what was posted yesterday evening.
Ollie was part of an active criminal investigation, and in an attempt to strengthen the case against his killer when caught and placed on trial, it was recommended that Ollie have a necropsy performed at the State Lab in Kissimmee. Grateful Paws offered to be financially responsible for those expenses.
In our many years of rescue, we’ve never been in a situation where a necropsy was required and admittedly, did not know the State’s procedures. At the time, it was mentioned that his physical body would likely not be returned but the actual end-disposition of Ollie was never discussed. We were all still in shock at his sudden passing so the thought never occurred to check. It all happened so quickly. In 48 hours, his abuse and story went viral ~~and we were trying to respond to more than 600 emails and 250+ phone calls. I take full responsibility.
Had I thought to do the research, I would have seen this: State of Florida Dept. of Agriculture website under Necropsy. "We are not a research institution; therefore, carcasses are not used for any purpose except diagnosis. The laboratory is unable to return your animals body, ashes, tissues, collars, toys, bed or cooler following a necropsy. Private cremations cannot be performed by the laboratory".
The other misrepresented fact indicated Grateful Paws refused an offer to have Ollie buried outside of Broward County.
Grateful Paws was contacted by Nadia Barkett from Pet Loss Center/Pet Heaven. We were elated when they offered to provide a free Memorial Service for Ollie, but we declined to have the Memorial in Sweetwater (SW Dade County), a considerable driving distance from Hollywood. General opinion of those who wanted to be involved in the planning of the service agreed that a location in Broward would be better tended. We politely declined a “service” not a burial. Grateful Paws NEVER refused to have him buried at Pet Heaven.
But to those who think HUMANS FAILED OLLIE AGAIN… No we did not.
He died with thousands of people praying for him and surrounded by people who loved him.
He died in loving hands – not in a suitcase on Lee Street in Hollywood, FL.
His SPIRIT is with all of us
His abuse brought more awareness than any other dog ever has
His combined reward is likely the largest EVER in an abuse care
and Ollie will forever remain in all our hearts.
And through the generosity of people like you, we are advised the COMBINED REWARDS between Peta & Crime Stoppers has exceeded $70,000.
I apologize for any misunderstanding or confusion – and for being remiss in not checking into all the facts beforehand. As I said, we are awaiting a call from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regarding Ollie’s ashes~~~ and if there is a way we can retrieve his cremains, we will try.
We would like to thank you for your continued support with regard to Ollie and the continued awareness and abuse of all animals.
Jan Milbyer
Founder
Grateful Paws Dog & Cat Rescue
Email: jmilbyer@gmail.com
www.gratefulpaws.org
We are as sickened as you are about OLLIE’s final resting place…
We learned when you did, what may have happened to his ashes. The Lab has not returned our call and we are still awaiting confirmation.
In all fairness, I would like to clarify what was reported in the Sun Sentinel. Unfortunately, by running with a story before all the facts were found and before speaking with a Grateful Paws representative, there have been many negative comments in response to this article. Please know, the article posted today is a revised version from what was posted yesterday evening.
Ollie was part of an active criminal investigation, and in an attempt to strengthen the case against his killer when caught and placed on trial, it was recommended that Ollie have a necropsy performed at the State Lab in Kissimmee. Grateful Paws offered to be financially responsible for those expenses.
In our many years of rescue, we’ve never been in a situation where a necropsy was required and admittedly, did not know the State’s procedures. At the time, it was mentioned that his physical body would likely not be returned but the actual end-disposition of Ollie was never discussed. We were all still in shock at his sudden passing so the thought never occurred to check. It all happened so quickly. In 48 hours, his abuse and story went viral ~~and we were trying to respond to more than 600 emails and 250+ phone calls. I take full responsibility.
Had I thought to do the research, I would have seen this: State of Florida Dept. of Agriculture website under Necropsy. "We are not a research institution; therefore, carcasses are not used for any purpose except diagnosis. The laboratory is unable to return your animals body, ashes, tissues, collars, toys, bed or cooler following a necropsy. Private cremations cannot be performed by the laboratory".
The other misrepresented fact indicated Grateful Paws refused an offer to have Ollie buried outside of Broward County.
Grateful Paws was contacted by Nadia Barkett from Pet Loss Center/Pet Heaven. We were elated when they offered to provide a free Memorial Service for Ollie, but we declined to have the Memorial in Sweetwater (SW Dade County), a considerable driving distance from Hollywood. General opinion of those who wanted to be involved in the planning of the service agreed that a location in Broward would be better tended. We politely declined a “service” not a burial. Grateful Paws NEVER refused to have him buried at Pet Heaven.
Pet Heaven has been actively working on a site for the Memorial Service, at a Broward County park or similar location, but availability and permitting has been the cause for delay. At this moment, we are aiming for December 12, 2017 in Broward County – details to follow as soon as they are finalized. http://www.gratefulpaws.org/ollie.html
But to those who think HUMANS FAILED OLLIE AGAIN… No we did not.
He died with thousands of people praying for him and surrounded by people who loved him.
He died in loving hands – not in a suitcase on Lee Street in Hollywood, FL.
His SPIRIT is with all of us
His abuse brought more awareness than any other dog ever has
His combined reward is likely the largest EVER in an abuse care
and Ollie will forever remain in all our hearts.
And through the generosity of people like you, we are advised the COMBINED REWARDS between Peta & Crime Stoppers has exceeded $70,000.
I apologize for any misunderstanding or confusion – and for being remiss in not checking into all the facts beforehand. As I said, we are awaiting a call from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regarding Ollie’s ashes~~~ and if there is a way we can retrieve his cremains, we will try.
We would like to thank you for your continued support with regard to Ollie and the continued awareness and abuse of all animals.
Jan Milbyer
Founder
Grateful Paws Dog & Cat Rescue
Email: info@gratefulpaws.org
www.gratefulpaws.org
