To the editor:
I am writing this letter in regard to the letter from Jennifer Hughes in last week’s paper. Her letter made some strong accusations toward the management and cleanliness of the Houlton Humane Society without getting all the facts. I would like to offer some information based on fact, not biased opinions.
I am sure we will all agree that the recent ringworm is a tragedy. I am a volunteer and supporter of the shelter as well as the husband of the executive director Heather Miller. I have been in numerous shelters over the years and I consider Houlton Humane Society to be one of the cleanest and best kept facilities in the state. The management and staff work their fingers to the bone to provide a clean environment for all of the animals.
The question I have is how can someone pass judgment when they have no idea what goes on in a facility? Ringworm is a shelter’s worst nightmare. It is asymptomatic in most animals until they have the full blown illness. In the past few weeks, we have all studied ringworm night and day to fully understand what is going on. Management and staff of the shelter have pushed their emotions to the limit to solve this issue and save as many animals as they can. These people are “animal people” period.
I have watched my wife and the rest of the crew in tears as they are having to make these hard decisions. No one there wants to see an animal die, this is where the tough decisions come in. Do they euthanize these contaminated cats or do they take the risk of contaminating the rest of the population, themselves and the public? Ringworm is a serious illness that people and animals can spread so easily. The staff and management have done the most thorough and professional job I have ever had the honor of witnessing. Along with the veterinarian’s supervision, this matter has been handled with the highest standards and the utmost consideration for all current and future animals.
In the letter last week, she stated that she was “no expert” and I must agree. I will say that the Houlton Humane Society is being run by the finest “experts” we could possibly have. From the Board of Directors, to the on-site staff and volunteers, these people dedicate their time and emotions for little to sometimes no pay. These people are the experts.
I have watched my wife go through some very tough times in the last few weeks. From sleepless nights, to long hard days, she has had to make these decisions for one reason — the good of the animals. With tears in her eyes, she deals with these sick animals with unconditional love. Those people who think her decisions are not right, should stop and think what would they do? The upsides and downsides of your choice, long-term and short-term. Heather puts her heart and soul into her work every day. I can’t count how many nights I have come home to a sick cat or injured dog that she has brought home to give medicine to or change bandages every two hours. How many hours she has spent finding homes for stray and abandoned animals, never asking for a thank you. Heather, I thank you.
So, I am “appalled and saddened” at the fact that someone could make comments without knowing all the facts and without realizing how it would affect other people. I hope everyone reading this will realize the wonderful job they all do at the Houlton Humane Society. They all deserve a “thank you”!
Jon Miller
Houlton
