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Animals suffering because of debate

Re: Dogs should be reunited with original owners, Diane Steinle column, July 16.

Do you think you could have bad-mouthed the Humane Society of Pinellas any worse? Whatever former director Rick Chaboudy did or did not do should not have to affect the animals currently at the shelter.

Thank you, Dr. Kenny Mitchell, for your comments. I thought all animal organizations are supposed to work together.

The Humane Society has taken such a public beating. And who suffers? The animals. Do you think after all this with the "Katrina dogs" that shelters and animal organizations are going to help out in the next disaster? What nonprofit organization can afford to house, feed and medically care for animals for such a long period of time? The only organization that can do that would be a county facility.

And it amazes me that after this debate, the Coutures have yet to come forward with a veterinarian to show these animals were medically cared for.

I think the board of directors of the Humane Society is trying to do whatever they can to fix Chaboudy's mistakes. Please don't hold his mistakes against the good people and animals at the shelter. A true animal lover will continue to support the homeless pets.

Ms. Steinle, I hope you can sleep at night after bad-mouthing a nonprofit organization and poor, defenseless, homeless pets. Why don't you leave a shelter full of innocent animals alone?

Lillian Pottberg, Clearwater

It's time to move on, end human pain caused by case

Re: Diane Steinle column and letters to the editor about Katrina dogs.

I have tried to remain objective and have written letters in order to concentrate on solutions, and have tried not to play the "blame game." It is unfortunate that in our country today folks love to place blame.

Should we blame the Couture family for losing their home? Should we blame Pam Bondi for fostering and loving the St. Bernard, Master Tank, alias Noah?

After reading the letters, I felt the need to respond and state my opinion. Give the dogs back to their rightful, legal owners. Unless someone can prove that these dogs were legally surrendered, then they should be reunited with the Coutures.

I have read many letters on both sides. One letter writer's comments about treating this as an abuse case are heartfelt, but no one has been charged with abuse. Another letter stating "let the dogs decide" was almost comical. Perhaps it was meant to be. I hope so.

My experience with fostering and placing dogs in new "forever" homes has shown me many things, but most importantly, dogs are very resilient. Normally they will bond and be happy with a new family that returns their unconditional love with a special love of their own.

I feel that it is the humans that are suffering now. I can just hope and pray that the courts will make a sound decision, based on the law, very soon, and let everyone move on.

Unless you were there, it is hard to explain the emotions that the aftermath of Katrina evoked. Everyone was there to help, and mistakes were made. There were just so many animals. Rescuers' thoughts were torn between taking them to a safe haven and trying to ensure that those same beloved animals would be reunited with their human families.

Compassion to all animals, human and nonhuman.

Nancy Dively, Tarpon Springs

Bondi should show her compassion, return dog

I am a dog owner and this situation has left a hole in my heart for the Coutures. Pam Bondi needs to show the ethical person that I'm sure she is and return this animal to his rightful family. Please have some compassion for these people who have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

In your heart of hearts, Pam, be the protector that you have been in such a noble fashion of the rights of all people. We don't always get the chance to be a hero - some of us never. I have two adult children and an 8-year-old Shih Tzu. I would be devastated if I were losing my heart and soul. Please show the world, Pam, that you really are the person we're proud to have represent us in the courts every day. God bless you always, Ms. Bondi.

Kenneth Kunig, Largo

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[Last modified July 26, 2006, 22:10:24]