In the wake of the tragic events near Oso, I wish to express how important it is for the citizens of Snohomish County communities to regard the key roles that the service animals involved in this event played in both rescue/recovery and mental health comfort for the survivors of this natural disaster.
I hope in the future, the county can continue to work with these rescue groups and its citizens in ensuring that their animals are safe and licensed in the county, so that they can all be reunited with their owners regardless of the circumstance. It is in these times of tragedy that a county has an opportunity and a duty to evaluate the value of resourcing with its volunteer networks and use them as an ally resource, and not a thorn in the side of the county engaging more in advocacy and saving all animals at all times in their community, not for random traumatic events.
I propose that the county executive and auditor evaluate the availability of these known volunteers and groups and utilize their services to relieve the pressures posed in even the most basic of neighborhood disputes and create a community-based volunteer group that can better serve to protect neighborhoods and their animals in the future.
I am reminded of a formerly abused and neglected dog named “Palouse” that sadly was euthanized because the county did not take swifter actions on his behalf. Clearly after Oso, we can see the value in a dog, regardless if for rescue or comfort, and the county should utilize its non-profit resources to free up animal control officers to handle more serious cases of animal tragedy, and abuse than running around the county handing out “orange cards” to grumpy neighbors.
It is time for the county to recognize the value in community volunteerism and translate this to protecting all animals in the county, not just those caught in a terrible slide in Oso. I hope this event is a huge wake-up for those in charge of resources and promoting licensing in our county.
Perhaps now the Snohomish County officials will look at the “shelter dog” not as a number but as a potential “comfort animal” in the community as experienced this past month at Oso.
Jennifer M. Mitchell-Strohm
BA/ MSW Candidate USC
Bothell
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