Ellen DeGeneres Dog Story: Here’s the latest news on the Ellen DeGeneres dog story (pictures & video below) pitting the popular talk show host against Mutts & Moms, an animal rescue group run by Marina Batkis.
On today’s Ellen DeGeneres show (taped yesterday), Ellen will once again plead for Iggy, the dog she adopted and gave to her hairdresser because it didn’t get along with her cats, to be returned to the hairdresser’s family.
Ellen DeGeneres Crying About Dog
Ellen says the fight should not be about anything but the dog, and the dog just needs to go back to the family.
Marina Batkis, owner of Mutts & Moms, reportedly has received hate mail and death threats because of the uproar over snatching the dog back.
Marina claims that Ellen’s hairstylist’s home is an unfit home for the dog because the two daughters, ages 12 and 13, are too young to care for a dog.
The Mutts & Moms website has been taken down and Marina Batkis has retained a media spokesperson.
Baktis claims that DeGeneres’ celebrity is the sole reason why she’s getting all of this attention.
“Celebrities you know, they, they get preferential treatment. They have lots of money. They go into a restaurant they get a table. And so you know, this contract was breached. It was breached. So people need to understand when you enter a binding legal agreement that you can’t just go, ‘And here you go, I don’t want you.‘”
Here’s the real facts behind the Ellen DeGeneres dog story:
- Ellen never submitted an application to adopt the dog
- Ellen’s home was never inspected by Mutts & Moms
- Mutts & Moms has placed dogs in other homes with young children
- Mutts & Moms never updated the dog’s microchip to Ellen’s name
So, basically all this holier than thou stuff that Marina Batkis is pulling here is just a load of hooey. The whole drama is about power and control, not about a safe home for a cute dog.
Ellen DeGeneres Crying About Dog
Here’s Ellen and gal pal Portia de Rossi walking their dog, Wolf.
Here’s Ellen and Portia at the Emmys (without a dog):
Watch the Ellen DeGeneres show today for the latest update on the dog snatching story as Ellen pleads once again for little Iggy to go back to a family that really does love that cute little dog!
And that’s the latest news on the Ellen DeGeneres dog story.
Tags: ellen degeneres, ellen degeneres dog, ellen degeneres dog story, ellen dog story
October 17th, 2007 at 9:54 am
I feel so sorry for Ellen because obviously she cares so much about this dog and her friend’s children.
These Mutts & moms people are really on some kind of power trip! That video of them showing up to snatch the dog under the pretense of doing a home inspection in just insane. They obviously came to grab Iggy and run and because they hadn’t updated the micrchip like they should have done they get to snatch the dog back?
They are just really evil people!
Here’s a link to Ellen’s blog post about Iggy so you can post a comment there as well:
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2007/10/iggy.php
October 17th, 2007 at 10:04 am
“Mutts and Moms owners Marina Batkis and Vanessa Chekroun were in possession of the dog and will not be giving it back, attorney Keith A. Fink told The Associated Press.”
I think that Vanessa bitch is really the evil one. She’s the one who showed up on a Sunday to snatch the dog.
And you’re right about the power trip thing. It’s pretty obvious from their initial threats to Ellen that they were going to call the media and report her violating her “contract.”
She signed adoption papers for a dog somebody else abandoned. I bet if this family had showed up in the first place to adopt Iggy, they would have approved them right away.
So the Mutts & Moms people make a big stink and then they complain about the media attention and the hate mail?
They are complete idiots who enjoy being cruel! They should never have bene allowed to run an animal rescue group in the first place!
Even the SPCA and the Humane Society out there are against them! So what does that tell you about who’s right?
October 17th, 2007 at 10:08 am
I hope Marina and her little power struggle closes her shop down!!!! Death threats are a waste of time and as dumb as what she did… but she obviously is not a legit animal lover or woman/person. Ellen did not ask you for special treatment… You, Marina should have minded your own rules!!!!!! I honestly hope that you loose the ability to have anything to do with animals ever again!! I think you are a waste of good energy……. How powerful do you feel now???
October 17th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Ellen’s dog adoption story is definitely a heartbreaker.
If we can learn anything from this mess, it’s that if you’re going to do a dog adoption, only adopt a dog through a legitimate agency like the Humane Society or the SPCA.
If you use one of these dog rescue groups for a pet adoption, then your subject to the erratic whims of the people that run them…
Bottom line: Adopt a dog the right way and only deal with legit groups, not whackos like Mutts & Moms.
October 17th, 2007 at 10:40 am
Marina Baktis
Mutts and Moms
4610 Cerrillos Drive
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
1.818.932.8914
pawboutique@yahoo.com
Marina Baktis
578 MC Wilton Place
Altadena, CA 91001
Phone: 626.797.7662
Email: mbaktis@hotmail.com
October 17th, 2007 at 11:38 am
This whole Ellen DeGeneres dog adoption situation has gotten way out of hand…
Whatever happened to mediation?
And why does Mutts & Moms need an attorney named Fink for a media spokesperson?
And what in the world was with that comment that stupid attorney made about them not sueing Ellen over the whole dog adoption mess?
Here’s what was in an AP news story I just read:
[quote]
Attorney Keith A. Fink, who doesn’t legally represent Baktis and Chekroun (but is authorized to speak on their behalf), confirmed to The Associated Press that the women will not give back Iggy.
“She doesn’t think this is the type of family that should have the dog,” Fink told the AP. “She is adamant that she is not going to be bullied around by the Ellen DeGenereses of the world … They are using their power, position and wealth to try to get what it is they want.”
Baktis claims that DeGeneres’ celebrity is the sole reason why she’s getting all of this attention.
Marina adds though, that she has no plans to sue Ellen. [end quote]
WTF?
What’s Ellen done that any other person wouldn’t have done?
You rescue a dog and adopt it. It’s too hyper for your other household pets so you find it a good loving home. Then somebody decides they can go on a power trip and snatch the dog back?
Then Mutts&Moms pretends to be all high & mighty about it when they never even followed their so-called “rules” with this dog adoption or during lots of other dog adoptions…
Ellen’s the one that should be sueing these heartless bitches!!!
Maybe she could get Judge Judy to hear the case!
Now that would be juicy!!!!
October 17th, 2007 at 11:55 am
[...] hitsusa wrote an interesting post today on Ellen DeGeneres Dog StoryHere’s a quick excerptThe Mutts & Moms website has been taken down and Marina Batkis has retained a media spokesperson. Baktis claims that DeGeneres’ celebrity is the sole reason why she’s getting all of this attention. “Celebrities you know, they, … [...]
October 17th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Marina’s husband filed for divorce, and the judge granted it. Before that she was evicted from her home. I don’t think this woman is fit to be a rescue. Her corporation is suspended. Take away her dogs, give them good homes. If she can judge others, we can judge her.
Case Summary
Case Number: LD046221
BEYLERIAN, HAGOP JACK VS BAKTIS, MARINA CHRISTINA
Filing Date: 11/02/2005
Case Type: Dissolution of Marriage (General Jurisdiction)
Status: Default Judgment after Prove-up 07/06/2006
Future Hearings
None
Documents Filed | Proceeding Information
Parties
BAKTIS MARINA CHRISTINA – Respondent
BEYLERIAN HAGOP JACK – Petitioner
NAZARETIAN LEON – Unknown party type
Case Information | Party Information | Proceeding Information
Documents Filed (Filing dates listed in descending order)
07/06/2006 JUDGMENT ENTERED-Req & Ntc Filed
05/11/2006 Request-Default Setting
05/11/2006 Request-Default Setting
Filed by Petitioner
04/13/2006 Request-Trial Setting (NO RESPONSE HAS BEEN FILED )
Filed by Petitioner
02/10/2006 Request-Enter Default
Filed by Petitioner
01/12/2006 Proof of Service
Filed by Petitioner
11/16/2005 Declaration-Serv Pre Dec Dis Inc (—-AND FINAL – PETITIONER )
11/16/2005 Declaration-Income & Expense (—-PETITIONER )
11/16/2005 Declaration (—-PROPERTY – PETITIONER )
11/16/2005 Schedule of Assets & Debts (—-PETITIONER )
11/02/2005 Petition-Dissolution
Filed by Petitioner
11/02/2005 Summons-Family Law
Filed by Petitioner
Case Information | Party Information | Documents Filed
Proceedings Held (Proceeding dates listed in descending order)
07/06/2006 at 08:30 AM in Department NWJ, Weiss, Susan K., Presiding
Trial-Default Prove-Up – Granted
Case Summary
Case Number: 97C03642
MIHALY, KLARA B. VS. BAKTIS, MARINA
Filing Date: 11/05/1997
Case Type: U.D.- RESIDENTIAL (Limited Jurisdiction)
Filing Court: Pasadena Courthouse
Status: CASE DISMISSED
Future Hearings
None
History Information
Parties
Plaintiff: MIHALY KLARA B.
Attorney: ATTORNEY AT LAW – ROBERT LEIGHTON
Defendant: BAKTIS MARINA
Attorney: None
October 17th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Both those moms&mutts women are wackos!
Loved that comment about Ellen sueing them on Judge Judy. That would be freaking hilarious!
Probably be the top-rated TV show of all time…LOL!
October 17th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
The video of ellen is the most ridiculous thing i have witnessed in a long time. But to keep on topic concerning dogs i have found a site that might cheer the crazy lesbian up.
http://www.topblogcontent.com/2007/10/17/worldwidefidocom-the-cuttest-website-in-the-world/
October 17th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Just how is it that anyone knows who first threatened to go public? My money’s on Degeneres and her hired publicist. You’re gonna take the lawyer’s word? OK, I own this nice little bridge in Brooklyn that I’ll let go really, really cheap.
Ellen Degeneres and her over-the-top performance are just one thing that’s wrong with this picture. But for that, this matter would have remained private and there would be no talk of animal rescuers in general losing public support or pet store owners losing business. Another problem: The timeline. Degeneres got the dog less than a month ago.
Very few of you seem to get it. Degeneres (not DeGenerous, that’s for sure) is an actress and she used her acting skills in an attempt to get her way.
Turn your lights on.
I’m with the pet store broads on this one.
October 17th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
I agree some celebrities may abuse their status to get what they want but many surely don’t. If there is a top ten list of down to earth celebrites that will bend over backwords to help others and do what’s right its Ellen. So Ellen made an honest mistake that violated her contract, she even admitted it and apollagized… all sincerely I might add. Now all these people are sending Marina Baktis threats and hate mail. This too is wrong and only is making matters worse. Perhaps kinder emails appealing to Marina’s good nature would help. Marina should admit that morally she made a mistake as well and make an exception to her “contract” with Ellen, not because she is being asked by a bully celebrety but because she is being asked by a sincere caring celebrity. Obviously, the family who had the dog were caring and loving. The only ones really being hurt by Marina’s stubbourness is the poor dog and the little girl who wants to care for the dog so badly. So come on Marina be a noble person and admit that you are going way over board here and make things right. I am sure if Marina gives the dog to the family things will get better. In fact, Ellen should think about letting Marina on the show to give the dog back to the family. This would be a win win situation for everyone involved, the dog, the little girl and her family, Ellen and Marina’s business. And I think Ellen should ask her fans to stop sending those horrible emails too. The whole thing is just stupid and out of hand. Make things right people everyone involved has some fault in the whole mess, some more than others (Marina).
October 18th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
These Mutts & Moms ought to be out of business and they really nreed to evaluate their own guidelines with regards to adoption. The noise and pictures in the video with Marina are indicitive of an unfit home. If I was in charge of doing a home visit prior to adoption I can tell you that the adoption would be denied.
Publicity like this and praying on one’s emotions whether they be “star” status or like the ordinary hard working people of this world is a real cheap shot on the parts of Mutts & Moms –
Sinserely,
Karen Dunlap
Concord, California 94520
October 18th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
I think it is really a disgrace on the part of mutts &Moms they have nothing to do but complain about such a small matter, in my eyes theres nothing more important than children raising pets and at 12 , i am not a celb and marina should be ashamed of herself, hope the little pup give her a good old fashion NIP
October 18th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
WOW………..amazing isnt it, like a self proclaimed born again christian who stabs you in the back and lies and cheats……..hypocrites really.
i hope they get their license taken away, because obviously the welfare of animals is not their main concern, i adopted from peppertree….and rescue operation, my son was 7 and im a single mom…..
was my son too young to care for a dog??
and why inspect the hairdressers home, but not ellens??
makes no sense…..theyre out for the money, shame, shame, shame
October 19th, 2007 at 1:22 am
I highly disapprove of Mutts and Moms, Marina Batkis and Vanessa Chekroun’s actions. They acted on impulse with vengeance on the goodhearted-ness and best interest between a celebrity and deserving children; not with empathy or forethought. In researching the web, PETA, Humane Society, BBB, and SPCA historical information, these owners have not proven themselves respectful or caring. In fact they show spite, more than anything. Reviewing everything to date re. Marina. She still doesn’t show any emotion for the human bond between animal and a well deserving family. A reasonable human would not act on impulse driven by a bogus contract but allowed time for review and reasses the situation. A responsible business owner would have responded by now to the media, attorneys, and press with a RESOLUTION and not hiding and REACTING with negativity. When one appears as a villain one would naturally want to disarm the situation; not in this case. Nothing on the news has touched me in such a way that i would be actually reaching out and being an activist.
This is Marina’s quote: “Celebrities you know, they, they get preferential treatment. They have lots of money. They go into a restaurant they get a table.”
Look close at her glasses >. I try not to be judgemental but something doesn’t seem right.
October 19th, 2007 at 7:43 am
Slumping in the ratings? Blow a story out of proportion about puppies and kids and then cry a lot.
WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
October 21st, 2007 at 3:32 am
I like Ellen a lot but c’mon, this is crazy. She messed up. I wish that the agency would have given the dog back, but if I would have had to go through what the people at the agency are going through ( death threats, constant calls…) I would have said the hell with everyone too. Anyway to see what I really think go to
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZiKHXIH0WHw
There’s some extra footage and my take on the whole deal. My blogs are kind of… different.
October 22nd, 2007 at 12:55 am
Ok I have no idea why this is such a big deal. Yes I agree the woman from Mutts and Moms is a control freak. But Ellen is also a drama queen. Seriously, there are thousands upon thousands of dogs out there waiting for a home and some tender-loving care. Just adopt another one already.
October 24th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
i’ve just found out that m&m’s license to operate was suspended in December of 06 because they refuse to make a list of who works for the organization.(sounds fishy to me, sounds like she’s hiding something) that makes ellens contract with them null and void!!!! what that woman did to that family really is criminal she literally stole the dog!!!! she didn’t have a license to operate, the dog didn’t belong to her it was ellens dog and she had all the right give it to a good home!!!! its obvious to me that baktis woman is only in the pet buisness to make a profit and exploit good rescue orginizations. Ms. baktis had on gucci eye glasses, drove a luxery mini-van and has a designer purse, yet she went on and on about how poor she is, yeah maybe now that her scam has come to light
October 28th, 2007 at 12:08 am
Well, the one lesson learned from this situation is…. If you adopt from a wacko rescue organization and they call you about the dog you adopted, just tell them that everything is fine and that the dog is doing wonderfully. Tell them that you have done everything that you were supposed to do. Tell them whatever they want to hear in a nice voice…. and then do whatever you want with the dog (other than be mean to it or abandon it).
If they show up at your house because they want to see the dog. Have them arrested for trespassing.
Better yet, adopt from the county pound. Then it is actually your dog instead of being on loan from the rescue. Plus you don’t have to pay some wacky dog lady several hundred dollars for a stray.
If Portia could have told one little white lie, these little girls would still have their dog and the Wacko Mutt Moms would not be having their lives threatened. Lying is not always a bad thing when it saves the love between two girls and a little puppy.
My old college bud used to run a dog rescue before she became employable. She says she never would have taken that dog away if it was in a good home, but that she would have asked to see the new home. She doesn’t worry about such things anymore though b/c she has a real job.
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:04 am
Are there more testimonials around the site?
September 21st, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Isn’t the sole purpose to find the dog a great loving home. Where is this woman talking about the girls are to young. I have grown up with dogs since birth. She gives rescues a bad name. Its a sad story all around. I am glad those women are out of biz, but sorry for the dogs.
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:55 pm
This country is going to the dogs!!!
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Ellen does amazing work.. she is beautiful, no?
September 25th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points also.
December 20th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I just wanted to say kudoos!
January 12th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Interesting article, but what ever happened to the dog? will visit again
February 15th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Ellen broke the rules, but because she is a celebrity she felt like she should be able to get away with it. All she had to do, if she didn’t want to keep the dog, was to return it to the shelter as she said she would when she adopted it. TV stars think they can get away with anything.