Letters to the Editor

Dog owners need to be responsible

9/2/2013

Cheerio was killed because its owners, not Lucas County Dog Warden Julie Lyle, failed him (“Dead for a fine,” editorial, Aug. 24).

The dog had reckless owners who let it run loose on multiple occasions. They didn’t ask for help with paying the fines. They didn’t take advantage of low-cost opportunities to neuter the dog, which they should have done after it ran away the first several times.

Cheerio scored poorly on two sections of an evaluation and therefore wasn’t put up for adoption. Cheerio was food-aggressive, most likely because it came from a home where feeding it on a regular basis was not a priority.

No rescuers came forward to take him, and neither did the Toledo Area Humane Society.

It’s time for people to take responsibility for their dogs and stop blaming everybody else. Ms. Lyle is doing a great job. Members of her staff give their best every day to make a positive difference in the lives of animals.

JEAN KEATING

Executive Director Lucas County Pit Crew Sylvania

 

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Warden should have tried harder

I hope the county dog warden receives many letters over the death of Cheerio. Have we lost all compassion?

The dog warden’s office killed that little sweet dog because the family could not pay the fees. I wonder whether there are other such deaths that the public hasn’t heard about.

Shame on the dog warden for not trying to keep this dog with its family.

MARY MILLER

Maumee

 

Dog pound helper saw real Cheerio

As a volunteer at the Lucas County dog pound, I saw another side to Cheerio’s story.

After identifying Cheerio the first week it came to the pound, the owners did not return during the next month. There was no inquiry about sponsorships that are donated at times for hardship cases. The $8-a-day boarding fee may be a large amount to someone with limited funds, yet the pound’s costs are much higher.

Cheerio flunked three safety evaluations. Sadly, this meant it could not be adopted.

Dog pound volunteers walk dogs daily, and receive training from a behavior technician, a post Ms. Lyle wisely developed. Ms Lyle’s office is developing partnerships with 40 groups that assist in moving dogs to foster or permanent homes.

Those who want to know the truth about the dog pound should stop in. There is always a wagging tail and a smiling face.

MARY ANN RADSCHEID

Cribb Street

 

Editorial wrong to condemn Lyle

Your editorial condemning the Lucas County Dog Warden is appalling. Under Ms. Lyle’s management, the dog warden’s office continues to improve. This community should be grateful for her efforts to get homeless dogs adopted.

Your attack is unjustified. Cheerio is dead because of irresponsible and uncaring owners, not for a fine.

TAMARA DAVIS

136th Street