The Aug. 11, 2021 article about Angel Arias, whose lost dog Lola was adopted out to another home by the Humane Society of Jefferson County, highlights opportunities for redemption. 

The individual who adopted the little dog can show compassion, empathy, and integrity by returning the dog to her distraught young owner. 

A quick search of Petfinder on the day the article was published showed 50 Chihuahuas, both purebreds and mixes, available for adoption within 40 miles of Port Townsend. I would happily volunteer my time to help the adopter of Lola find a truly needful dog with which to share their life.

While I respect and appreciate the work of the Humane Society, I do hope there will be an effort on management’s part to amend the shelter procedures which led to this unfortunate situation. 

It is best practice in animal shelters to post impounded animals both on the shelter’s website as well as list them on the phone message system. 

To my understanding, this is not a practice at our local shelter. Add to that the restriction of public access to the shelter caused by the pandemic, and it seems vital for future lost pet owners to have a more modern way to access information on impounded animals. 

After all, the Jefferson County Code (6.07.220 Notice of Impounding) states: If the owner of the animal so impounded is unknown, then animal control or the shelter operator shall make all reasonable efforts to locate and notify the owner of the impounding of the animal. 

Unfortunately in the case involving Angel, and her dog Lola, it appears no efforts were made to locate or notify her of the dog’s presence at the shelter. 

Let’s hope steps can be taken immediately to make sure this oversight is corrected.

Lisa Van Horn
NORDLAND