04/20/2023
I am involved with a rescue here in Springfield. I am writing to support Always & Forever expansion & how lucky your community is to have such an amazing Rescue in your area. I did watch the last meeting & would like to share my thoughts with you. I understand some people don't like change, but when the change is good then people need to accept it. This facility will help so many animals. Take a look at what is there now.. The place inside and out is clean & well taken care of. The dogs have a routine that they are on. Watch the morning & evening Videos. I try & say good night to TK and the others almost every night. You see how well taken care of and loved they are. Sally Sue is what got me involved in this Rescue. A wonderful family was finally found & she is so happy. I see her Friday weekly post. Her life mattered. I saw what the Rescue has planned for the land. So many wonderful things to help out so many dogs & education for students. The good that can come out of having a clinic on site. Our rescues do shot & Chip clinics once a month. They say barking is an issue. They live in the country, would it be the same thing if it was cows, chickens, or horses? The dogs are put in bed around 7 or a little after. Can the neighbors say the same about their dogs? One lady said this is not Heaven. To a stray dog or one with no family, not knowing where to find shelter or food, staying at A&F is heaven to them. A cozy bed, love, food, toys & if they need medical help, it is always given to them. The lady who says her mom enjoys her coffee in a chair outside. I think she can still do that. The family who has 4 rescues. If something was to happen to them what would happen to their pets? Not many family members are willing to take them in. They end up in a shelter. And if they are old, well not many people go to a shelter for older dogs. Thanks to A&F they help them find homes again. But until then, they are loved until that family comes along. This expansion will help take in more dogs in need. People around the world make donations to A&F because we believe in Jen's dream. We may not live there, but we can help in donations to help make this dream a reality. The one lady said there is no way we can understand because we don't live there. Well I do understand and that is why I am writing you this letter. I wish we had a place like that here. She takes such good care of the animals & their environment. She is trying to be a good neighbor and help her community. This is not a start-up shelter. She has worked hard along with all the volunteers. TK has gone to many events for training. I can see a huge change in him. It just took someone to believe in him for him to see the love and trust. One man said this is turning out to look like DisneyLand. Never been, but I hear it is the happiest place on earth. So if that is the case then I take that as a good thing. We believe in what this Rescue is asking & I would hope that you could see what a wonderful opportunity this is for your community. I used to live in a neighborhood that was quiet. A company came in and bought the back lot that was a wooded area. Now it is a second neighborhood. Change is going to happen. I think this is a good thing & you would be doing a disservice if you say no. Think of your pets. maybe your next pet, cat or dog would be from there. See how well taken care of they are & the medical treatment they have received. Please do the right thing and allow A&F to do the expansion. Give the cats & dogs a place to call home until their forever family comes along. Thank you for your time and looking forward to watching the next meeting. May you find it in your heart to vote yes to the expansion.
