Dear Editor,

I am a small animal veterinarian who has a non-profit animal rescue. I have taken approximately 30 dogs from Belmont County, so the articles and letter to the editor on the Shelter were of great interest.

I have worked with Jodi Apitzsch on animal welfare issues for almost 30 years, and with her husband, Aaron, since 2010. Their integrity and honesty is beyond reproach. Aaron’s photographs of the animals are nothing short of stunning, and the personal narratives about their experiences with the animals are incredibly insightful.

To characterize them, and other equally dedicated volunteers and former employees, as “disgruntled,” denigrating their hard work, dedication, care and concern as “interfering,” is shameful. Especially while the shelter maintains volunteers are critical to their success.

The volunteers, it seems, are to be seen, not heard, keeping blinders on and heads down, lest they see or comment on something they shouldn’t. All volunteers want as many animals as possible placed into loving, forever homes. However, many are also brave enough to call out egregious behavior when they see it, because only then will things change.

The Commissioners minimize any suggestion that things are still amiss, years after an OSPCA investigation. Yet, more people have concerns, than not. The response, instead of taking concerns to heart, is to make it even more difficult for volunteers to access the shelter, including “banning” them. Why?

The volunteer program is being revamped, by “clarifying” things so volunteers will know their “role” and the rules to follow. Forgive my cynicism, but I am concerned that translates to even more limited volunteer access. Is a confidentiality agreement far behind? When you are working so hard to quash the voice of dissent, there’s a problem. This is a County shelter — it should be 100% transparent. Not surrounded by walls designed to keep people out.

Don’t criticize volunteers for not being there during an emergency when you didn’t ask for help. Don’t minimize volunteers’ outrage over dogs being suddenly euthanized, when the shelter chose not to make their immediate fate known. Many volunteers knew and loved those animals. I took one of the long-timers, a blind pit mix that had been there for a year and a half, right before the others were euthanized. I believe that, had we not taken him, he, too, would have been euthanized. He is an amazing dog. Jodi, Aaron and others saw that in him.

Dogs go to Canada, but no postings, pictures or information on where and who they went to. You didn’t expect some skepticism?

A less than enthusiastic response to the announcement of a much needed new shelter, which has been promised for years? Conceptual design. Rising costs. A tremendous backlog on construction. The excuses for inaction have already been clearly laid out.

Change is needed, starting at the very top. Kudos to those willing to fight the honorable fight, and shame to those putting up unnecessary roadblocks.

“Acts of courageousness are contagious, and that is how change happens.”

Sue Rancurello, DVM

Bellbrook, Ohio