Stalkers In Animal Rescue?
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Sam Basso
PHOENIX , AZ AREA: (602) 708-4531
OR, if you are out of this area, inquire about a telephone or e-Lesson
Email: [email protected]
There are a small percentage of people in animal rescue that think it is their job to exact vengeance on someone else in rescue. In many ways, they operate the same way as a stalker… 1. A grievance. Often paired with the fact that these people have a miserable life, so they need someone else to blame rather than themselves. Some are also psychotic, but not all. Some are just evil people. 2.) Their motive. They then target someone in the belief that attacking them will serve their purpose. The grievance can be irrational and mythical. We often ask ourselves “why” this person is doing it, and don’t realize that often there is no meaningful reason. Even spouses, boyfriends and girlfriends can do this. Maybe jealous of their partner’s relationship with you, or your relationship with others, or the time you invest in rescue. 3.) They research. Yep, they study you. And with so much of your personal stuff on Facebook, and about your rescue group on your web page, and such, they gather information. Sometimes they get the information from others that are your friends. 4.) They prepare to attack you. There is planning involved, it isn’t just random. 5.) They then breach your security. They cross lines. They attend your events. They start commenting inappropriately on your Facebook posts. They might even visit your home or place of work. And 6.) They actually attack. I’ve spoken with people over the years who were afraid of their safety. I haven’t read of any physical attacks, but it is always a possibility.
Think on this. Jerry Lewis was asked by a longtime employee to do a background check on her boyfriend. He did. Later, she told the boyfriend Jerry Lewis had done it. This enraged the man, and he then stalked Jerry Lewis for years, even going to his home with a gun and threatening to kill him. Eventually the guy went to prison and died there in 2001.
Now, did Jerry Lewis’ deed deserve any of this? No. And a few of attacks you’ll get in rescue, that follow this pattern, won’t either. Can you be so politically correct and careful so as to not offend some nutjob? No.
Don’t know if this helps.
I will say this, if you are the stalker… get help. What you are doing is immoral, and your perceived grievance is going to cause harm. Your feelings are lying to you. The Bible says, “vengeance is mine”… let the Lord sort it out. It isn’t your job.
Sam Basso is a professional dog trainer and behaviorist, in the Phoenix/ Scottsdale metropolitan area. He’s known for being fun, kind, intelligent, and humane. Sam Basso has a unique personal touch. He has appeared on his own TV show, been a guest radio expert, gives seminars, publishes a dog related blog, does rescue volunteering, and is active in promoting animal welfare and fair dog laws.
