Open Letter to: Dr Walter Woolf, Air Animal, and IPATA
It is with heavy heart that I remain OUTSIDE of IPATA. It is NOT by my choice !! After all, I was a Pre-Founder of IPATA. Had it NOT been for the meetings that Sam, Frank and I had in the 1970's, there would be NO IPATA today. For some reason you continue to deny this. You have re-written history to leave this out. You would have it seem that some mystery occured and the 6 wise families just happened to be in Chicago at the same time during the blizzard of 1979. Oh, so be it, if that is how you want it !!
We had visions that IPATA would be a group of enterprizing pet shippers who not only felt that such an organization would be of much benefit to the new industry, but also to the pet owning public for the proper welfare of pet relocation....
Recently, while still a member of IPATA, I voiced some concerns that IPATA was getting out of hand. I voiced opinions about the really out of hand high prices being charged by 3rd party pet shippers. How I felt that IPATA was NOT responding to my concerns about: pet scams; shipping kennel construction; the fact that I thought IPATA should be more concerned about returning military families NOT being able to afford to ship their pets back to CONUS; and on and on..... I was having problems being within a professional organization who did NOT seem to have the same concerns as myself.....
The main problem IPATA seemed to have with me was expressing my views, especially about 3rd party shippers. This seemed to really hit home. In a really vital place. The income for such 3rd party pet shippers.!!
Sadly, Dr Woolf suddenly felt it was time to get rid of Action Pet Express. The best way would be immediate expulsion, WITHOUT benefil of hearings, or a chance for me to protect myself. The upcoming convention in Dublin in 2009 would be an excellent time since they knew I would not be attending. Many letters and emails were exchanged between members of the ethics committee, and others within IPATA. Walter, you yourself had your own lawyers contact me to stop calling you a 3rd party pet shipper, or they would see me in court. When I pointed out to them, that you yourself had this very term within your own website, they stopped bothering me ! You made very clear to ALL that it was YOUR DEMAND that Action Pet Express be immediately removed from IPATA membership, by any means available. It MUST be done !!!!
And, some other 3rd party pet shippers joined in your call to eliminate me. Such voices as Pet Relocation in TX, who by the way at that time ALSO included within their website that they were in fact: a 3rd party shipper; Animals Away; Pet Express in San Francisco; Jet-A- Pet. Strange that NO other IPATA member seemed to be so arroused. They knew that what I was saying was correct, but they did not want to make waves. They did not want to be kicked out of IPATA.
During this time, you, Dr Woolf, called me on two different occasions to voice your displeasure with me, THEN hung up on me saying you did NOT want to hear my side.
Yes, Walter, this is only something you, me, and our God knows.......
In Judaism, actions are FAR more important than beliefs. Within Rambam's thirteen principles of faith: are contained: God knows the thoughts and deeds of men. And, God will reward the good, and punish the wicked. Judaism focuses on relationships. Among which are relationships between human beings...... Walter, where do you want to be at the judgement time?
Seems to me that IPATA does NOT wish to tolerate disention, difference of opinions, or any discussions if they pertain to changing the operations of the organization. I voiced se veral differences, and was kicked out during the kangaroo court hearings.
Since I left, the Code of Ethics was re-written, to make it even MORE difficult to voice any opinion, other than that held by Dr Woolf.....
Based upon the huge amount of calls and emails I get everyday, many people wonder why IPATA seems to totally refuse to even address the issues I have brought up ?? In such cases, there is usally one or two answers to this: Either IPATA knows that what I say is correct and they do not want to open a can of worms; and/or, They hope by NOT addressing these issues, the issues and/or I will simply fade away..... At his point I think the public would be correct in assuming that all I have said about: 3rd party shippers; kennel contruction; returning vets; etc is indeed MOST correct......
Walter, in spite of all our differences, I do at this time extend an olive branch to you, and to IPATA. I do wish to mend fences. I do wish to let bygones be bygones. I would much rather be within IPATA. I want IPATA to once again be successful and trustworthy of the pet owners who wish to use them.....
I must mention one item that keeps coming up in my conversations with the many IPATA members I still do business with. The job of the Administrative Secretary, Ms Cherie Derouin. So many are indicating they think there should be a change made.
And, many feel that Sally Smith and Gay O'Brien have both been IPATA presidents so many times, that some new blood and ideas must be forthcoming.... As elder stateswomen they have done a fine job. Now, some new ideas are necessary
