Opinion: Cat lover calls hostile takeover of Chilliwack shelter by corporate interlopers a 'David & Goliath' battle

'Those of us who love the Haven and all it represents are desperate to see this onslaught brought to an end'

(Ed. note: I don't usually post "letters to the editor," but this one sent by a Haven volunteer encapsulates the frustration of Society members whose new board hired a six-figure-earning 'charity' CEO from Richmond financially questionable with a questionable history - PJH)

Mr. Henderson:

Thank you for your excellent article!

You have answered a number of questions to which we have been unable, ourselves, to find answers. The people who could have kept us informed were all muzzled by NDAs and management drones. Every single voice raised in support reminds us that we are not fighting this travesty on our own.

David knocked down Goliath with just a handful of stones. We are still gathering our stones.

Those of us who love the Haven and all it represents are desperate to see this onslaught brought to an end. We are watching the systematic clearing out and trying to prevent as much neglect and mistreatment of our cats as we can, but we are losing ground every day. Any effort to ask uncomfortable questions or speak out against this slow rolling destruction is met with more gaslighting, threats, and for the more recalcitrant, ordered off the property and warned against returning.

We are continually over-watched, our conversations monitored, our care for the cats reduced and altered, and we are expected to enthusiastically agree that 2+2=5. All of which, I hope, shows you why we are so grateful to you for busting open this infection that is bent on poisoning the Safe Haven into an unwelcome early grave.

I have been a volunteer for a few years. I love the cats, I enjoy the company of all the friends I have made there, I learn something new pretty much every week, and I've come to think of the time I spend there as one of the highlights of the week. The employees and volunteers who have not been thirsty enough to drink the Kool-Aid have been gradually pushed out and replaced with RAPS minions.

The Haven used to be a welcoming, happy place to hang out. There were always good conversations, laughing and joking, work to keep everyone busy, and lots of cats. Many people stayed long after their tasks were finished just for the company, but that all changed when the RAPS people came in. Now the volunteers who still come finish their tasks and leave.

Conversations are monitored and there always seems to be someone skulking around watching what we're doing. There is no laughing and talking, no questions or suggestions, no camaraderie, and very few cats. Even they seem to know things have changed. The house cats used to wander around getting in everyone's way, looking for treats and pets, jumping up on the table and counters, and "owning" the place. Now they keep to themselves. It feels like all the life and light and fun has just been switched off.

This time last year we had about 140 cats onsite and multiple fosters. (I'm not sure what the ultimate capacity is, but we've had as many as 167 at one time since I've been there.) This year we have about 50 cats onsite, and very few intakes in over two months. More than half the facility is standing empty at this time when litters of kittens, surrenders, and stray cats are arriving daily at other shelters. One of the shelters I contacted reported three litters (21 cats) in two days, another reported 69 intakes last week. This never happened while Christy Moschopedis [Ed.note: shelter manager on medical leave.] was in charge and it should not be happening now.

If we can manage to rid ourselves of these RAPacious people and their slow-witted followers, perhaps Christy would come back. If that were to happen, I'm sure she could have us up and running again in a matter of days. It puts a lump in my throat thinking about all the cats we could still save and all the innocent souls that will die without us.

I know that the Safe Haven will not go down without a mighty battle, or at least a loud one. It seems to me that the RAPS people have put too much faith in the boiling frogs metaphor. Perhaps it's time for them to learn about hornet's nests.

Sometimes just knowing that you hold the moral high ground isn't really worth a lot. But sometimes it's enough.

The more people are made aware of what is happening, the better our chances of stopping it. I don't think I am being overly melodramatic by saying that we are about to engage in the fight for the life of the Safe Haven. I also don't believe that we have yet reached "too late."

Please continue writing more about this situation. Thank you so very much for your support.

Name Withheld

-30-

Want to support independent journalism?
Consider becoming a paid subscriber or make a one-time donation so I can continue this work.

Paul J. Henderson
pauljhenderson@gmail.com
facebook.com/PaulJHendersonJournalist
instagram.com/wordsarehard_pjh
x.com/PeeJayAitch
wordsarehard-pjh.bsky.social