Service that helps animals needs help

Published 12:50 am Friday, October 3, 2008

Have you ever found a stray? Have you ever lost your animal? Have you ever found a hurt animal? Have you ever wanted a pet for your own? Who could you call who would come right away to help the stray or take care of a pet that was hurt? Who could you call when you were not sure where else you could turn – once so sure that the ad you saw just had to be the pet for you.

There is someone taking from her own time and finances to make sure these animals will be well cared for until they have a new home or their owners are located or until they are healed – making sure that the animals were neutered or spayed so that no more could be hurt or lost.

The police, fire department and residents alike know they have a place they can take these animals where they will be well cared for. The calls come in no matter the day of the week or the time of day. Some just drop by and say, “Could you, would you, this animal needs a place.” The answer is rarely ever no. With no concern to time or cost, the animal is taken care of.

That person and that place is Kim Howard and Three Rivers Rescue. It is time to give some support back.

Three Rivers Rescue was recently informed that it needs to get a permit for a service that Kim has performed for 10 years. Three Rivers is not a kennel; it is a rescue resource and adoption home for animals in need. Pet owners even benefit from this service. If they suddenly have to relocate their animal, who do you think they call? You’re right: Kim.

This is adding a financial strain onto Kim, as she is not helped or compensated in any way by the city of Snoqualmie. She does receive donations of animal food from people and businesses that care, but that is all. How many of you would take on this type of work with no financial help? Kim does this because she cares about these animals, some of which were probably someone’s pet at one time.

The permit is $100 with a $300 licensing fee for the city clerk to file it. I find that an incredible and unimaginable cost. It makes one ponder as to what exactly is involved for $300. For the lawyer to look it over? The same lawyer who drafted the form? I must ask, doesn’t he already know what it contains? The cost thus far totals $700 – a cost that should not have ever been brought about.

I am proud that we have a person and a shelter here in our Valley that cares, because it shows we still care. City of Snoqualmie, you need to take a hard look at this wonderful service and embrace it – not try to destroy it – for if you do, the next time one of your officers finds a stray or hurt animal, you won’t be able to call or stop by and say, “Kim, could you, would you?”

For anyone who has turned to Kim not only for help with a stray but also because you needed help knowing what to do with your own animal at home, do not let this happen to Kim and Three Rivers Rescue. It is time to step forward. She needs your support.

Ronda Myers

Snoqualmie