Multi-Champion Padamae, CGC, TT, HPD

As a few of you know, I have been struggling with some health issues.  Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and have been trying to focus my energy on finding a way to get well, which is why I have been absent from some of the shows and events that I usually support.

At the same time, we’ve been experiencing some terrible things here.  On Tuesday, June 1st, our property was vandalized.  Someone crawled through the bushes, kicked in our fence, and smashed a beer bottle in our dog kennel.  This was a purposeful act designed to agitate our dogs and get them to come out of the yard.

The result is that there was a bite incident (who bit has not been determined) and our beloved Padamae was shot to death by the police. This in itself is a terrible tragedy.  However, the aftermath is also horrendous.

The day after the shooting, Animal Control impounded Nefertiti, under the guise of a 10-day rabies quarantine, and gave us paperwork stating that we could bring her home on June 11th.  We fully cooperated.  Bradley even walked his girl to their truck and helped load her after Animal Control promised him that she would be home in 10 days.

But when we went to bring her home at the end of the hold period, they would not release her.  They have still not returned her.  Nefertiti has been alone in isolation at the pound since that time and we are terrified that she will be killed as well.

To make matters worse, Animal Control is throwing us under the bus.  They have revoked our kennel license and are imposing sanctions against us.  We fear that none of our dogs are safe.

Champion Nefertiti

How is Bradley taking all this? He is falling apart.  Nefertiti is his dog.  As an autistic kid, he relies on that dog to help him with his anxieties and phobias.  She slept with him at night and has been his constant companion since she was born.  He is so scared now that he can’t sleep, can’t function in his special school program, and I have lately caught him taking a dagger with him to bed when he does sleep.

As for me, the stress and worry of this situation is taking it’s toll, and I just spent 3 days in the hospital in the cardiac unit.  This is awful.

THIS TERRIBLE TRAGEDY COULD HAPPEN TO ANYONE.
We were careful.  Our yard has a solid wood fence all the way around, and 3 gates, two of which are double sided with metal frames.  They are padlocked and have additional bottom poles to prevent any mishaps.  BUT…it is not possible to guard every single board around ones property.  If a badguy intends to do harm, they will find a way. This was a criminal act, and innocent people and dogs suffered.  Padamae paid the ultimate price.

There is no bringing Paddy back.  She is gone and our hearts will forever be broken.  But now we have to focus on protecting who is left.  After all my years doing rescue and rehab, temperament testing, educating, putting on events, and giving in so many ways to dogs and their owners, I now find myself in a place where it seems all that is forgotten.  I literally need to prove myself to the powers that be – that we should not be shut down and that our dogs should not be killed.  I have to fight for Nefi!

This is a very strange place for me, as I have for many years been a strong supporter of law enforcement and our shelters.  It’s a scary place where I feel powerless and overwhelmed.  At this time, I need to reach out and ask for your help.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
I need letters of support.  We think that if the powers that be hear from enough people about the good we do, they may change their position, stop the persecution and come to a reasonable agreement with us.  We hope this will ultimately save Nefertiti’s life and let our family get to the work of healing.  At least, that is our prayer.

Here is what I am asking: If Bradley or I have ever been of service to you.  If we helped you with rescue, kept your dog out of the shelter, provided training, helped you find a dog in need, temperament tested your dog, if you attended any of the seminars that we made available, are part of our recycled meat / landfill diversions program, if we’ve helped you with your breeding program, taught you how to feed raw or cook for your dog, donated money or products to your dog fundraiser, or helped you learn how dogs can help special needs kids… if we’ve helped you in any way that has enhanced you and your dogs life – please help us now.  Write us a letter of support and tell these folks how we make a difference and are an asset to the dog community.

You can send us an email, or mail a signed letter on your letterhead.  But please don’t delay. It’s important and time is running out.

To send your urgent letter immediately:
By Email -  bellarosacanecorsos@aol.com
By Mail – PO Box 18141, Portland OR  97218
Please be sure to include your contact information, so there can be no allegations of impropriety.  Thank you for your help.  In this battle, your support is appreciated more then you know.

Sincerely, Virginia & Brad.