There are a few reasons for the lack of action to
improve/replace our old, inadequate animal shelter, referenced in
Kathleen Flynn’s letter printed on Dec. 27.
Fear of Reprisal and Apathy are Why Animal Shelter Services are Lacking
Dear Editor,
There are a few reasons for the lack of action to improve/replace our old, inadequate animal shelter, referenced in Kathleen Flynn’s letter printed on Dec. 27. First, I totally agree with her about everything she said, and also with Evon Dumesnil’s letters. However, the chances of getting positive action appear to be slim to none because of apathy and fear.
The apathy rests with Supervisor Don Gage and Director of Agriculture Greg Van Wassenhove. To these individuals, the shelter is a pesky area of government services which is required and which they will provide at the most minimal level allowable.
The fear rests with the shelter employees (with good reason), and with FOSMAS itself. The reason the county shelter staff will not and cannot work with the community for the betterment of conditions for the animals is that they face the possibility of losing their jobs. Since Mr. Van Wassenhove oversees the shelter, one does not disagree with him. The last person who did is no longer the shelter program manager.
FOSMAS is another matter. In 2005, the Board of Supervisors, with Mr. Van Wassenhove’s approval, voted to close the shelter an additional day to “save money.” An effort led by Ms. Dumesnil with some help from other FOSMAS members, community involvement, a Dispatch editorial, and testimony before the Board from the Animal Advisory Commission, resulted in the Board rescinding that action.
After the success of this effort, we were strongly told by certain FOSMAS Board members that the FOSMAS mission does not include any political activism or “confrontational” actions. We were made to understand that our involvement was not welcome.
The fact that the shelter manager and FOSMAS ignored your invitation to bring a quantity of homeless animals to your large indoor pet fair is sad and incomprehensible. FOSMAS is quite content to have their monthly “pet fairs” at the local pet stores where they bring a few cats for possible adoption. I guess this qualifies as apolitical and non-confrontational.
Elaine Jelsema, Gilroy
Senior Shuttle Service Saved – Now Let’s Show Our Support for St. Joseph’s
Dear Editor,
I am thrilled to hear the senior citizens van will continue operating thanks to at least two great groups.
I have special fondness for St. Joseph’s Family Center because of the direct help they give people in need, without asking for forms to be filled out, or placing people on ridiculously long waiting lists. Their help arrives in the here and now, when it’s most needed.
When I first heard the disappointing news about Nob Hill ending it’s transportation program for seniors, I was trying to figure out how to rally the community to have every citizen in Gilroy send in $5, but St. Joseph’s came through in grand fashion.
I’d like absolutely everyone reading this paper to send a donation to St. Joseph’s as a thank you and an acknowledgement that we recognize their good work that benefits all of us in one way or another. The amount of your check doesn’t matter – what matters is that we all appreciate what they’ve done by sending at least something.
Laurie Weber, Gilroy
Editor’s note: St. Joseph’s Executive Director David Cox asks that donations be sent to 7950 Church Street, Suite A in Gilroy. The memo on the check or attached note should indicate the designation of the donation … i.e. senior shuttle service.
