Dispute raises questions about Columbia Co. Humane Society
Editor:
We lost our beloved pet, Abigail, on Jan. 8, 2003, and it has been a long process for us to reach a point that as a family we felt ourselves ready to have another dog in our home. After much soul-searching, we determined it was at last time to look for that special pet.
Our granddaughter (living with us) and I set out on a shopping trip on Jan. 10, 2004, and decided to stop at PetSmart in the Target center to see the pets for adoption. We looked at the animals available and one black mixed breed seemed to just leap into our hearts and our arms. This was Jennifer, so named by the Columbia County Humane Society. We played with her and asked to adopt Jennifer for our own.
We spoke with a representative of CCHS and subsequently completed the needed paperwork, and the representative instructed us on what we needed to do in order to be ready for her home inspection to insure Jennifer was wanted. The representative instructed us we needed a safe yard, a doghouse and food. This we purchased on the same day, spending $200.
We were told Jennifer would be delivered to us on Jan. 16 after the inspection (which was never done). On Jan.16 the representative called at 5:30 p.m. to tell us Jennifer had coccidia and it would be two weeks before she would arrive at our home. We did not hear from the representative or CCHS again. I left many messages for her and did not receive any further contact. We became anxious over not getting Jennifer, and went to PetSmart on Jan. 30 to speak with the representative.
Upon approaching her with our concerns she became nasty and began raising her voice at my granddaughter and I. She stated she had 34 dogs and damage from the storm at her house, and she was tired! She continued to speak harshly to us and then stated that we were not ever going to get a dog from CCHS as we were obviously not qualified to be 'Pet Parents.' I pointed out that (my granddaughter) had been waiting three weeks, and the representative told me "Do not bring the child into this."
All this time the representative is shaking her head and pointing her finger. This was not only embarrassing to us, but the other volunteers backed completely away and put distance between them and this incident.
Is this why we see the same pictures of pets in your newspaper week after week?
The question now is, Where is Jennifer? And why is she not at home with us enjoying her new bed, toys, dishes, dog house and family?
Dee Bliss
Evans