I think it's sad that the family had the dog taken away but I totally hold her accountable for it. She didn't read the contract? What kind of idiot doesn't read a contract before they sign it?

most people don't read all the fine print on a contract. what kind of animal shelter removes a dog from a loving home? she tried hard to make the situation work but the dog and her cat just didn't get along. she found a more suitable home for it, she didn't just abandon the dog on the street.

I can see them removing the dog long enough to evaluate the new owner... but it seems silly to keep him away.

Man, that's messed up. Hopefully those little girls get the dog back.

Why wouldn't you read all of the contract? Sorry, but that just doesn't make sense. It's a standard clause for just about all shelters, rescue agencies and breeders!

I like Ellen. She seems to be a very nice person. I think she made a bad choice in not reading the whole of the contract. She admitted it, she never lied about anything about Iggy. She could have easily said, that he was fine. I think the animal shelter should have given the dog back. Poor thing.

A lot of times people don't read the contracts because they have someone smiling and nodding at them reassuring that its no big deal, nothing major, just sign here to take home the doggy.

Unlike with a car loan or a credit card app there isn't some magical number, like an interest rate, you can look to and make a check of. Instead you scan for what you do understand and make sure that that is agreeable.

People do it everyday because the value of our signature has gone down in the perception of most Americans. We're asked to sign for everything, do you read the fine print on your receipt at the grocery store?

Odds are Ellen assumed something as innocuous as saving a dog from being exterminated was going to be fine and dandy.

One point:

Ellen has NOTHING to cry about IN THE WORLD!!

I went to the doc today (HMO) and signed a bunch of stuff, they were the standard forms (I assume) because I didn't read most of them. HIPAA, not responsible if I die getting a CBC, ok to treat me. The only form I questioned is who they're authorized to talk to about any of my medical conditions. I authorized my brother and that's it. Probably should have added my mom and dad but they were rushing me through the paperwork. The whole thing still took 3 hours. AND, I worked for lawyers for many years and I KNOW better than to sign something without reading it. Today I did it. I can totally see this happening.

I feel so bad for those little girls and for the puppy who is now back in a cage and not with a loving family. I hope the shelter reconsiders.

I just saw the Ellen thing on the news. I've always liked her. She's good people.

True.

This is a shame that they'd do that, but it's more complicated an issue than it appears.

I sign papers every single day without reading them thoroughly.

How many people here read their last software agreement completely?

I like Ellen, I feel bad for her and the family... the asshats that took the pup away need to step up and do the right thing and give it back...as I bet they will.

True Dat!

One commentor on the Ellen Show website did make a good point. The clause is standard procedure for most if not all rescue missions. I appreciate her absolute wreck of an emotional state, but what if this shelter had the best intentions, and now all of the ellen loving contingency is at their door with pitchforks and torches? That may effect the future operations of what she initially felt was reputable enough to adopt from. I am on the fence as to if this was a wise use of her media presence.

I do hope the family is able to re-adopt the same dog and a lesson is learned by all. I think perhaps that's why I'm on the fence. There is a lesson to be learned.

nope. the asshats are keeping it:

Oh, she's one of those.

Well she's not doing her animals a service by being one of those "I'm right, and I'm in charge" type of asshats.

Here in California, reputation is key. Her attitude will affect her adoption's.