In defense of Pet Rescue

As a resident of 22 years, a voter and a taxpayer in Bloomingdale, I feel I must attempt to right some grave wrongs that are being posted as facts concerning Pet Rescue.

I am a former paid employee of Pet Rescue, as well as a volunteer for many years. At no time have I ever seen any of the situations that are being testified to. Quite the opposite. Dale Armon has spent her life in one passionate pursuit; that of rescuing, healing and re-homing the hapless pets that people callously throw away. I have seen her take in animals that no other shelter would touch. She would spend exorbitant amounts on their care, surgeries and rehab. When I was there, meds were top priority, and many is the time that a volunteer was roundly reamed for not handling this task properly.

As to cleanliness, many times over the years, I have stopped by randomly with supplies, or to walk a dog or two, and I have found conditions excellent. I cannot fathom the propagation of the lies concerning the state of the housekeeping. There was extreme care in the housing of sick animals in special rooms or areas, where intensive care was provided, so healthy animals were not put at risk. (There was rejoicing when a hospital incubator was donated and we were able to care for abandoned newborns.)

There also was an overwhelming amount of paperwork, medication scheduling, testing, trips to vets, etc. We never seemed to have enough hands on deck. All of this was on the shoulders of one person, along with a few dedicated staff and volunteers, many of whom remain loyal and hardworking today. With rapid volunteer turnover, no sooner was someone trained, then they decided they did not like the way Ms. Armon talked to them, and they were gone.

Shame on the mean-spirited people who seek only to get this sanctuary closed.

Jeanne Sill

Bloomingdale