ANIMALS

Hello All. It’s been awhile. I note that a couple of my buddies here wondered at my prolonged absence. Bax asked if anything was wrong and yes, unfortunately, there is,. Two weeks ago I received word that my father has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer which has metastasized to brain tumors. Currently he is getting radiation treatments and perhaps following up with chemotherapy. As you might well understand, very little has risen to that degree of importance in my life. Now that things are settling down, I feel a bit more comfortable in rejoining our group. I am also amused by some changes. RichK defending churches? What next? Cats sleeping with dogs? OH!!! The Humanity!!!.     :>)

A woman in Middleburg has been killed by her own Pit Bulls, and her son was attacked as well but not seriously hurt.  I can recall as a child when German Shepherds were the dangerous breed, then came Dobermans, Rotweilers and now Pits.

I love animals but I do not like this breed.  No doubt there are those out there who love them, but for me personally I just don't like them.  People will say "it is all in how you treat the dog" and I disagree with that too when a particular breed has just been so overbred.  Like I said these cycles with aggressive breeds of dogs has been here before.  These dogs had never caused a problem before, and they turned on their adult owner.  Both dogs are dead now. 

As an animal rescuer for the past 15 years, I was very happy that a regular Pets Section was included in your Saturday editions when the Clay County Line changed formats and became MyClaySun.  The section devoted to shelter animals and and animal interest stories brings alot of awareness to our community about pet overpopulation and the need for responsible pet ownership.  Most, if not all of the animal rescue groups in our community, are not for profit, and rely heavily on venues such as yours to get the word out to the community about the plight of homeless animals and the importance of spay/neuter to reduce pet overpopulation.   I feel fairly comfortable in stating that many Clay County residents eagerly anticipate the pictures of the animals for adoption each week in the Saturday edition.  

HAS ANYONE HAD ANY EXPERIENCES THEY WOULD LIKE TO SHARE (GOOD OR BAD) WITH THE ANIMAL CONTROLS IN BRADFORD, CLAY, PUTNAM OR DUVAL COUNTIES.  I AM TRYING TO DO SOME RESEACH AND GATHER SOME INFORMATION TO HELP OUR LOCAL ANIMAL CONTROL AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS OR COMMENTS OR EXPERIENCES THEY HAVE HAD PERSONALLY.