I am sharing this post with all of you because I feel very strongly that everyone needs to see just how the restrictive and unbending anti-dogs laws really effect the individual. The unfriendly Town of Holland, Wisconsin is a place you don't want to live.
Here is a story of dogs, highly and careful trained, dogs who give back to the community far more than they will ever take, dogs who brighten the lives of many. This is the story of a town chasing away dogs trained to provide a community service. No, the dogs in question are not of the breeds the headlines love to tout as killers. The dogs in question are Labrador Retrievers. I ask you, all of you, just what sort of people live in a town that drives away dogs trained to bring a little sunlight to shut-ins, encourage a child to learn to read, entice an old man to take his medicine? Is this the sort of cold, uncaring town you would chose to live in? For me, I know it is a town I would go out of my way to avoid. Shame on you, Holland, Wisconsin, shame on you.
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In the wake of the town board's decision not to issue a variance for the number of dogs I have, I've been preparing for each dog to go to his new home. What should the dog take with him to help settle in? What do the new owners need to know about their training and handling? What do these people need to know about the dogs' individual likes and dislikes? What their souls are like?
One of the dogs leaving is my Reno. Oh my God. Reno.
He needs his semi-deflated basket ball. A bumper of course. A cow femur bone preferably stuffed with peanut butter, but it's fine plain if that's all there is. He'd like a spot on the couch if one's available, but he'd never be rude or pushy about it.
He gives 5 with both paws individually and then "10" with both. After this, he leaps into the air, and then spins one circle and grabs his tail. He's a very mellow dog by nature, and this trick just cracks him up. It's his only one.
He barks three barks to let you know someone's arrived, and then quiets. Other than that, he never makes a noise. His obedience is terrific, on or off leash. His manners are terrific. He has the temperament of an angel. He passed his Canine Good Citizen / Therapy Dog International test as a walk in. He leaves and go lays down when you eat, although he's happy to help you out with the leftovers if invited. He looks sad when you give him a bath or trim his nails, but he always cooperates. Reno always cooperates.
He is wonderful with anyone he meets, human or animal. Any age, any temperament. He used to go to work with me at the assisted living facility. There was an old crotchety man who would only take his meds and come out for meals in exchange for being able to take Reno for a walk and throw a few bumpers for him. The only time I ever saw this man let his guard down or his expression soften was when he was with Reno. He'd been a hunter when he was younger. I guess the dog took him back to better days.
Reno loves to ride in the car. He makes the most wonderful face if you ask him about "The Bird." He likes to "tunnel" through your legs, and stop in position to get scratched above the base of his tail. His back feet march in place as he does this. He likes to be scratched behind the ears, too.
On the day he passed the final series of tests needed for the American Kennel Club to award him the title Companion Dog, he was mounted by another male dog who had gotten up during the exercise known as the three minute down. Not only did Reno not get up from his down, but he looked at me across the ring and wagged his tail as if to say, "See? I am a GOOD boy."
Yes, Reno. You're a VERY good boy.
God help me next Wednesday when he's taken out of here.
Eleanor Herrick
Holmen, Wisconsin
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Eleanor, my heart cries for your pain and let's hope you are able to find a more friendly town to live in and soon since Town of Holland certainly isn't friendly to man nor beast.
13 comments:
Eleanor,
My heart goes out to you! Shame on that town! These stupid dog laws only serve to stop the responsible, ethical people who keep dogs in a humane and sanitary manner. They do nothing to stop the puppy mills and back yard breeders. I hope you fight and get to keep your dogs.
TanBrae Labradors
Eleanor,
You have been so important to so many dogs and they, in turn, have been so important to you and so many other people!
You have my support across the miles!
Oakdale Retrievers
Laws should be compassionate enough, flexible enough, and fair enough to accomodate those with special circumstances. I see none of those things reflected in the treatment you're receiving from Holland's heartless town board. "One size fits all" doesn't work for the fashion world, and it sure doesn't work here either. You have my utmost sympathy and support.
It's time everyone take a close look at what your "government" is doing to you and your pets. By all means, let's give convicts voting rights but heaven forbid a Lab be allowed to reside in a home where he neither barks, creates a nuisance or robs or steals or predates on small children.
I am with you Eleanor, lock stock and barrel.
My God, look in the eyes of that beloved dog! Is this a dog that anyone could deny staying in his loving home? He hurts no one, causes no trouble. In fact, he offers a glimmer of happiness to old people who've all but given up on life.
There are thousands of good, responsible breeders around the country who are appalled at what goes on at puppy mills. Thank God that good breeders like Eleanor exist or we'd have no well-bred dogs we'd dare bring in even as family pets anymore. Those proposing restrictions like this town need to go take a good look ... shut down the horridly cruel puppy mills (YES!) but applaud breeders like Eleanor who put in endless hours and her own financial resources just for the love of the breed.
Jenny Mitchell
Tealwood Labradors
Hey Eleanor, does Mr. George Hammes and members of the Town Board of Holmen, WI know what you did for RTF Maggie? Hurricane season is right around the corner. Is Mr. Hammes and his town board willing to open their homes the way you did? I doubt it.
The funny thing about variances to local ordinances is that once one variance is issued, there is no justified reason to deny another. And once two or more are issued, then any denial starts to look like a discrimination matter.
Hang in there Eleanor. The retriever community is behind you.
Thanks. All of you. Your support means more to me personally than I can say.
And thanks for getting the word out. Reno is becoming the "poster child" for raising public awareness about attempting to regulate responsibility by enumeration.
It can't be done that way, and there are many, many people who are becoming aware of it thanks to the efforts of my many friends and fellow dog lovers who are helping to spread the word.
Eleanor Herrick
Town of Holland
Holmen, WI
Eleanor,
I'd like to send you a check to help you pay for your lawyer. Where do I send it?
H. Ferris
Massachusetts
Thank you so much! That is incredibly generous. Dog lovers are just the best. :-) At this time, I've consulted a lawyer, but am still trying very hard to work this out without litigation. I am truly overwhelmed at the generosity of your offer, but there aren't any legal fees yet.
And I sure would like to keep it that way! :-)
Eleanor Herrick
Town of Holland
Holmen, WI
Eleanor and Reno you aren't alone in this. We'll help any way we can. Remember there are town elections coming up April 3rd!~
This is just horrid and unconstitutional - we support you Eleanor and Reno. If you need financial support please send the word out via the Lab lists - Lab owners will support you in this!
Karen, Willie (Dunn's Marsh Music in the Night), Abby and Maggie
New Haven, CT
Keep at it Eleanor. As I posted to you before we fought when this was proposed in our Town. One of the key phrases we used which was picked up by media was "you want to punish the whole for the actions of a few". We also questioned how they came up with the number 2 for each household.
We are safe for now - no limits but are constantly on the look out for them to try and sneak something through. Enough with the regulations. Punish the people who are causing the problems and leave the responsible people alone.
Stay strong!
Carol Shows
Lindsay, Ontario
Eleanor, Your story tuggs at my heart strings and should tugg at those of so many more. Keep on doing what you're doing and let us know what we can do to help. As a Holmen resident as well I just want to let you know that I'm 100% behind you in your fight to raise the publics awareness on this tough subject. GO RENO!
Anja Drogseth
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