Posted on 09/27/2005 7:01:29 AM PDT by Former Military Chick
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. -- The interest in the story over Shuma the service dog continues to be overwhelming.
Last Thursday, KCTV5 News told you about a hurricane evacuee from Mississippi who wants his dog back.
After fleeing the storm, John Wyrick gave his dog to Lynn Nevills of Independence, because his temporary housing arrangement would not allow pets.
Wyrick said he made a mistake and wants Shuma the German Shepherd back, but Nevills refuses.
Several KCTV5 viewers have offered her money, as much as one thousand dollars if she will just return the dog.
But, Shuma is still in Independence with Nevills.
We continue to hear from viewers like "Valerie" who wants us to stay on top of this story. "Valerie" emailed us on Sunday and asked us to "please... keep it in the news."
Copyright 2001 - 2005 KCTV5. All Rights Reserved.
This story has hit a nerve like no other. There is so much going on in the world, perhaps folks might wonder of the effort we have put into this to either support through prayers or email, but this story demands our attention.
Last night I spent hours researching on the net all the information I could on Ms. Nevills. I listened to the videos several times and one thing that caught my eye.
I had wondered why, someone would choose Independence Missouri as a new home after the hurricane. Not that this area is not beautiful it is. But, to lose everything but your family, the stress of just the hurricane is beyond comprehension. To than decide to relocate well that to add's to the stress.
So, why here. He had not mentioned what brought him here. What arrangements did he make before moving here and why did he not know that pet was not allowed at the temp digs. That was a part of the story that had not been explored. BUT, I did catch something on the video. He came with his family here, to stay with family. Yes, he came here, either by invite or necessity. Did his relatives not tell him if you come to our home, you will be welcomed but your beloved friend and service dog is unwelcome. The pooch has been referred to as a service dog, evidently he has a serious back injury as a result from working construction.
I could not believe what I heard. Again, the only facts I have are the words from the video. He said, that the only rule his relatives had no dogs. Did they say that in advance or did he find this out after arriving in Missouri. Perhaps there is a lease involved, perhaps there are allergies, I get that sometimes the NO PETS clause is for a reason.
BUT, your own family. They knew he had a pet and he may have known prior to arrival that he could not have a pet and yet nobody stepped up to the plate to help.
Beloved says that the reporter really needs to do a bit more digging. To ask those questions I have posed and similar one's from our thread(s)
Maybe folks have just become numb with all the requests of help. That even with generous hearts folks did not think to ask what they could do for this family, like an exception for the pet, help from a local vet/kennel?
So, while I am outraged with Wyrick's family, I cannot let that overshadow the behavior of Nevills. This is where the situation is out now, not yesterday or 3 weeks ago.
I will continue to keep them in my prayers. A family torn apart by a hurricane and now a 14 month old dog displaced by the selfishness of Nevills.
Update from the investigative reporter, he sent an email clarifying that Shuma is 14 months and NOT 14 years old. The Examiner posted the incorrect age and has posted a correction http://examiner.net/stories/092605/new_092605011.shtml.
In a story in Saturday's Examiner, "Katrina evacuee would like his dog back," the age of John Wyrick's dog and the time it has belonged to the man was incorrect. The dog is 14 months old, and Wyrick has owned it for for 14 months.
The Examiner apologizes for the error.
this entire story will be found to be just another PETA/ELF/ALF/ASPCA blackmail and raise animals to human levels POS.
They intentionally leave out information, fabricate most, and once everything is over and done with, there is a 90% probability that the ENTIRE episode was a fabrication.
Nothing in this tall tale sounds even remotely factual.
Bunch of liberal crap.
As you can see by my comments in red I am rather frustrated. Nevill's is still NOT inclined to return Shuma. I had heard from the reporter who pointed out that the dog was not 14 years old and HE never said it was. Well, I NEVER said HE said he was it was reported in The Examiner, and they have since printed a correction.
I am monitoring this story, and I hope that the reporter asks the right question or I might just find a way to contact Mr. Wyrick and see if he can shed some light. I would try Nevill but I have a feeling I would not be kind towards her and it would unproductive. This is what the reporter should be doing, should he?
Shuma the German Shepard service dog - MO gal will not return beloved pet Katrina evacuee would like his dog back (Nevills REFUSES to return Shuma to owner of 14 years)
I wonder if a lease could legally prohibit a service dog - and, even if not permitted under MO law, the fact that he was a "guest" of the lessee could change that.
Regarding following comment:
>> this entire story will be found to be just another PETA/ELF/ALF/ASPCA blackmail and raise animals to human levels POS.
They intentionally leave out information, fabricate most, and once everything is over and done with, there is a 90% probability that the ENTIRE episode was a fabrication.
Nothing in this tall tale sounds even remotely factual.
Bunch of liberal crap.
I have so many question's and it is just a wonder why the reporter does have the same questions.
The idea that someone who move all he has left, to a family member who did not want the dog concerns me.
Why, I do not know, but it is part of the puzzle here. Maybe there was poor communication? Maybe Wyrick thought if he brought Shuma they would make an exception. Perhaps it is the least issue. I understand that but so many in the country have made adjustment's to help those who have suffered from the hurricanes, wouldn't a no dog clause in a least deserve the same consideration.
Actually there are all kinds of folks who exploit those of the hurricane why is this different.
Wyrick was injured in a while working at his contruction job. He has difficulty bending and such. Shuma has become an extra set of hands. I do not think he is a formal service dog in the legal sence. Nevertheless he is providing a service to his master.
This is a very frustrating story to be sure.
Thanks for the comment.
BTTT
Thanks FMC. I did send emails, but not sure what else can be done at this point. Any suggestions?
I am wondering if the dog is really a fully trained service dog. At 14 months most dogs are still puppies. Not that it matters, anyone who would keep another person's dog when they asked for it back is scum. On the other thread I said I would show up on the front lawn on a bull dozer and I'd get my dog back or be killed trying.
ROFL, you said it quite eloquently. When he commented on the first thread, I had intended to reply back by asking why post on a thread if you are not going to defend your comments.
Says alot of the character of a person.
And this has nothing to do with PETA or liberals. Just a man and his best friend.
"I am monitoring this story, and I hope that the reporter asks the right question or I might just find a way to contact Mr. Wyrick and see if he can shed some light."
I would like the question asked if Shuma is "fixed". Has/will Lynn Nevills allow Mr. Wyrick to visit his dog?
I have a Katrina storm dog and I allow it's family to visit the dog anytime they desire. We have worked things out that is pleasing to them, the dog, and myself. We get together and take pictures, take the dog for walks, etc, etc...
Thank you.
It does say a lot about someones character.
I agree that it has nothing to do with any of the animal rights organizations.
This person is just trying to get a rise out of anyone for his/her own amusement and truth be told I think it's a troll.
This will be the only post of this person until the next thread is up and running.
I like your 'biker' suggestion even more than my 'bull dozer' suggestion. LOL at least the bikers would be the ones being shot at if the scum bag was armed.
:) This is gonna be interesting...I shared the story of Shuma with this family and asked if they would care to dropin and read the threads here and share th'r feelings with me.
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