It was with sadness, shock and anger we read the letter (12-26-14) from Jan DeSantis. We were volunteers who were walking the dogs at KHS. We were there 50+ hours weekly and EVERY dog got walked daily. We did this for years. We were dismissed for refusing to sign a new policy meant to stop volunteers from speaking out. This was implemented shortly after a volunteer wrote about a dog scheduled to be killed.

In his poignant letter to the community, the Board President proudly pointed to the number of volunteers KHS had, over 100 active. Where are they? We knew when we were forced to leave the dogs would suffer and it breaks our hearts to hear they are. Decisions made with vengeance by this Board to terminate dedicated volunteers does not affect people, it directly affects the animals who are the ones the Board is there to care for and protect.

We are mystified as to why they chose this course of action. They are a Board who does not value community cooperation, transparency or input. It appears to us they want total control without any checks or balances. It is not only sad to see a select group dictate what happens at KHS; it stops all potential for growth. Why support a group who wants no questions, demands silence and shuns those who offer their time and talents?

Meanwhile, the animals pay the price for their ignorance. Mr. Smith, is this your idea of the “paradise” you referred to?

MARY KIT LYNAM

SHERI PAGE

SUE WOMBOLT

CECELIA NOLTHENIUS

SHINKO WHITEHORN