Dear editor,
I am writing in regards to the unfortunate dog incident that took place Wednesday, May 4th, 2011. I would like to start by saying that our dogs along with Timbit have names too, they are Diesel and Jade. They are not just Rottweillers as Timbit was not just a Yorkie. Dogs, as anyone with dogs know, are members of our family. They rely on us to protect them and keep them safe. I suppose this is where we failed.
Shawn and I would like to apologize once again to the Slater family for their loss. We are very aware how much Timbit meant to their family. We would also like to assure the town that this was an isolated incident. Our dogs have never got out before and have never had any animal control issues with people or dogs of any kind. They are not "malicious killers" they are dogs.
Unfortunately for our dogs, I have learned my lesson the hard way. I failed to protect Diesel and Jade by not reporting to animal control the countless times I have had Timbit and other free-to-roam dogs in my yard. I find it interesting how the owners take no responsibility or action when their dogs use my yard as a bathroom, bark at me on my own property and antagonize my dogs. I'm sure I'm not alone when it comes to the frustration of dogs who are free, as this was the problem with all our dogs at the exact wrong time that day.
We sincerely apologize and could not begin to imagine what Teena had to witness that day. I did not write this letter to take or give blame. I wrote this letter to make clear the importance of taking responsibility for your dog, big or small. Whether it is a fence or a phone call, it is our responsibility as pet owners. Since the incident we have put up a second fence around our yard and existing dog pen. This will ensure no people or animals will enter our yard, as it is unclear how our dogs got out.
Shawn & Shilo Desrosiers
Port McNeill