Blame for dead pet rests with shelter
JACKSON -- The Jackson County animal shelter has taken a member of my family and destroyed her, all because of incompetence or laziness.
I made a mistake in not keeping my dog, Wrinkles, in her pen. After two days of searching, I made the trip to the pound where I walked the kennels hoping to find her and bring her home, with no luck. Before I left, I gave a detailed description of Wrinkles to the officer at the pound. I was told that no dogs fitting her description were there but I would be notified if there were changes.
Four days later, I drove back to see if there was any news. To my surprise, she was destroyed that morning. I asked why I wasn't contacted. I was told she had been in an isolation room and the people working the day I showed up didn't know that there were any animals there. Why didn't they check to make sure before they sent me on my way?
Is this incompetence or dereliction of duty? All I know is that I am now missing a family member because someone didn't do his or her job correctly. I hope this will help other families who have lost a pet not have to hear: "Sorry, but we screwed up." Better yet, maybe the animal-control manager will make everyone else do their jobs.
-- Marshall Kirby