LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dog warden better than previous one
9/17/2013Your Aug. 24 editorial “Dead for a fine” suggesting that Lucas County Dog Warden Julie Lyle may be no different than her predecessor is unfair and misdirected. Under her leadership, the dog warden office’s policy toward euthanasia has gone from routine practice to careful deliberation after all other avenues have been exhausted.
It is sad when an animal has to be euthanized, as happened with Cheerio, the beagle mix held at the county pound for not having a license. The department followed required protocols and did all it could to find the unfortunate dog a home. The episode suggests that like many other so-called problem animals, the problem is with people.
A pet is a major responsibility that involves commitments of money, time, and love. Ignoring these puts the pet at risk and makes the owner liable under laws protecting the common good. It also robs the pet and owner of an experience that enriches the lives of both.
CAROL DUNN
Glenwood Avenue
Editor’s note: The writer was on the Lucas County Dog Warden Advisory Committee and is a past president of Planned Pethood, a Toledo-based animal rescue group.
Warden’s office a help to pet owners
Until recently, I was only aware that the Lucas County Dog Warden’s office would pick up stray dogs; I hadn’t considered that it would offer another service I would need.
My family dog had come to the end of his life, and I was struggling with what to do. I could not allow him to continue to suffer, but after spending $150 for a veterinarian and medicine, I felt another $150 vet bill for euthanizing was out of the question.
I contacted the dog warden’s office for a recommendation about who could help. I was told the office could. Because I had properly licensed my pet, the cost of his euthanization was only $15.
Everyone I dealt with at the dog warden’s office was professional, caring, patient, and compassionate.
The Blade should reconsider publishing these instances of euthanization. We are only doing what is best for our beloved pets.
DENISE HARRELL
Mayfair Boulevard
Dog stories hurt Toledo’s image
Considering everything that’s newsworthy, The Blade chose to run a page-one story about a dog that was put down (“Once-adoptable ‘Schultz’ is killed to shock of many; Beagle-basset hound mix was a favorite of pound staff,” Sept. 2).
Out-of-town businesses that are interested in locating or expanding in a particular area usually read local newspapers to help get the pulse of the community. Based on the content of that day’s Blade, the verdict could be: Toledo has gone to the dogs.
BOB McCARTHY
Maumee