Posted on 09/24/2005 5:44:30 AM PDT by Former Military Chick
Shuma the German Shepard helper dog. A disabled man from Mississippi who fled after hurricane Katrina and ended up in Independence Missouri needed to put a roof over his families head. His temporary accommodations would not allow pet's.
John Wyrick gave his pet Shuma to Lynn Nevill's at the Independence Animal Shelter where he signed away his pet because he could keep his beloved pet and service dog with him, the apartment would not allow it. Desperate to put a roof over his families' head he signed his registration paper's over to Ms. Nevill. It maybe legally sound but it is morally WRONG.
He has now found a home where he can have his beloved companion and service dog. He went back to the shelter, asking for his pet back and she refused.
This story has outraged the greater Kansas City area. What type of person would do this to someone who has just lost their home and everything in it. Knowing, that his current home was temporary until he could find one that would take pets.
Yes, I know contract law. I also know that he signed away his pet to the shelter. Could he not have asked their help? I do not know that answer. They get strays all the time. Why would they force this family to sign their pet away. This part of the story is a bit fuzzy.
Getting back to this tragic story, the out pouring of help from our town, is heart warming and a reminder of all the wonderful folks out there, they are determined to reunite dog with owner.
Jeff Lund who manages Weinburg Dodge offered after seeing the news segment last night $1000.00 to Nevill if she would return the pet to the rightful owner. The owner of the dealership heard about this and doubled Mr. Lund's offer. Carol Elber's also contributed saying she had little money but this companion belongs with the his family/master. Other's in the community have offered to give Ms. Nevell a puppy, all gestures turned down. Cannot even bribe a woman to do the right thing. What a role model she is.
To add to this devastating situation, the woman, Ms. Nevill, claimed during a radio interview that Mr. Wyrick was not a Hurricane Katrina victim and that there were no records to prove it through FEMA. Well, KCTV decided that when they got involved with this story it would be through the long haul. They also did a check on the man's veracity and indeed he is a victim of the Hurricane. So, in his time of need, she takes his beloved pet and when finds a place to live that accepts pet's she chooses not to give back his service/companion dog. Then she goes out on the air waves to slander his good name.
As of last night's news cast a lawyer has offered his assistance free of charge. Oh and if you are wondering WHY she will not return Shuma, the family pet of the Wyrick family, she claims her family, in the last 3 weeks have become to attached to the dog.
You can also go to the KCTV website, where you can send an email on this story, and they will share them on the air,or call their voice mail where they will also share those messages. The community will have nothing of this and I get it as well.
There is a special place in hell for the likes of this woman. Beloved did little research on the net and he found her address and phone number. I will post the information once I ask Dave where the links are, she must be told her behavior was very un American.
Dog Dilemma Reaction
Kansas City has spoken. You want an Independence, Mo., woman to give Shuma the shepherd back to her owner. Thursday night, you met a disabled man from Mississippi who fled Hurricane Katrina and ended up in Independence, but he had to give up his dog, which is not only his pet but his helper. Chief Investigative Reporter Steve Chamraz has the latest.
Community Reacts to Dog Dilemma
Since the story about one Hurricane Katrina survivor's dog dilemma aired Thursday on "KCTV5 News at 10," there's been an outpouring of reaction to the community. Hear some of the e-mails and offers to help that KCTV5 News received in this video report.
KCTV5 News Investigation: Dog Dilemma
Hundreds of people have come to Kansas City after fleeing Hurricane Katrina and most have been welcomed with open arms. But one man who lost his home and belongings to the storm came here and lost something that can't be replaced and he blames an Independence woman.
Page where you can find the three media links regarding the Shuma the family german shepard.
What worries me now is, if the pressure to return it becomes too great, how -far- is she willing to go to make sure the man doesn't get his dog back?
Depending on the state, a "bite" or "act of aggression" could get it euthanized before anyone had time to do anything.
If you think that's over the top, the rip isn't load-balanced in the first place or we wouldn't even be discussing this.
With people like this, I've learned not to put anything past them.
Until this is legally resolved, the dog should be placed with a neutral third party...just in case.
City of Independence - Animal Control/Shelter
PO Box 1019
875 Vista
Independence, MO 64056
Adoption Phone: 816-325-7207
Email: indepshelter@indepmo.com
Have at 'em.....:)
Not sure why this struck a nerve but it did.
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That would be because you are a decent, caring human being who wants the best for your fellow man, just like the majority of the rest of us do in America.
I just know most people in MO must be as incensed as we are,and embarrassed as well, that this shameless piece of trash is bringing such negative attention to their state.
I'm one of those folk who think of one's pet as a member of the family. We still mourn the death of our little Scottish Terrier that had to be put to sleep after 15 precious years as "our little dogter".
Refusing to return this man's pet/companion/helper/family member is beneath contempt. This horrible woman understood the terrible circumstances that drove this disabled man to make such a "deal" with her, and she is knowingly taking advantage of them. What an example she is setting for her children who have so quickly become "attached" to his dog!
I do think some people now use the term "service dog" a bit loosely. They try to get their dog into an apartment or other facilities as a "service dog" that treats high blood pressure, because studies show pet owners have lower blood pressure, or whatever. Not every health benefit conveyed by dog ownership makes a pet a "service dog." But you are right-- even if this dog isn't what I'd call a bona fide service dog, the woman should return him! Geez, like there aren't enough dogs without homes in the world that she could get another one?
At her very own shelter is a very nice Shepherd pup, right now.
[although I wouldn't wish her on a dear little guy like him]
First, the horrendous story about "Snowball" being ripped from the arms of the little 10yr. old boy in NO, because pets weren't allowed on the bus, and now this evil person in MO! I pray for that little boy, and think about the effect that trauma will have on his life, not to mention effects of the whole Katrina disaster.
I saw a thread on FR about the pet rescues in NO. I'm thankful, but I couldn't bring myself to look at the pictures. I hope little Snowball survived and was returned to the little boy, but I doubt it, and this new flooding just adds to that tragedy. It is inexcusable.
although I wouldn't wish her on a dear little guy like him
Or restaurants, and any public places, nornally off limits to animals.
He should have been allowed to take his dog along when he evacuated.
Many non-service pets went w/their owners.
How disgusting. One of the many problems in America today is the ability by some to feel no shame or remorse for their actions. This woman is selfish.
Just sent an e-mail asking for them to get Shuma back to his rightful owner.
I saw a video of Mr. Wyrick on the local T.V. station's website. In it he is with a girl, who I guess is his daughter--she looks like she is about 13 years old...so, yes, he has a child who is bonded to Shuma too.
They also had some footage of Shuma--Shuma looks like a beautiful Shepard.
excellent comment, frankly I was thinking of the example she is setting for her family ... compassion, generosity, doing the right thing ... isn't she a woman to be admired ... NOT
You are right, the woman is unbalanced. I am calmer now, hope the man gets his dog back and the woman gets properly "recognized".
Unfortunately, the public outrage is pretty high but not high enough for this woman. If you view the video clips at the link you'll see the outrage is pouring in, but the lady is just hiding behind her locked door. Maybe picketers at the foot of her driveway would change her mind.
That is unfair and unture. I am militantly anti-abortion and like pets just fine....especially protection dogs
At least half the people in this world suck....most dogs are ok
From the TV coverage, it appears the couple is older and any children are probably on their own. I didn't see any children in the story. Could be the reporter is using 'family' to tug the heart strings a bit.
I just wanted you to know you have reached indepmo.com (Independence Missouri Police Scanner Hobby Site) I belive Independence Missouri's Animal Shelters email address is: indepshelter@indepmo.org
SEND YOUR EMAIL AGAIN! It is IMPORTANT!
Be sure to also email KCTV5
KCTV5 contact info:
General station e-mails: kctv5@kctv5.com
News tips: newsdesk@kctv5.com
Investigative Hotline: investigate@kctv5.com
I am hoping someone is planning to get a permit to picket in front of this womans house also. Something should be organized.
This woman (who won't return the dog) is a despicable bitch! I would gladly donate some money if you know of anyone who is setting up a fund to pay of this POS.
She's probably a volunteer at the shelter. They don't have that kind of leverage over her. The best course of action at this point is either a lawsuit which will cost her $$$ to defend or perhaps a picket outside her residence.
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