🐾 Petition to Save Tyson — A Life Worth Saving 🐾

Petition Title:
Stop the Euthanization of Tyson — An 18-Month-Old Puppy Who Deserves a Second Chance

Petition Goal:
To urge the City of Ames, Iowa and Ames Animal Shelter to release Tyson back to his family — Julie Tigges and Todd Lauridsen a dying man of stage 4  inoperable cancer— and to allow rehabilitation and relocation instead of euthanasia.

---

💔 Tyson’s Story

Tyson is an 18-month-old Mastiff/Bully mix — a big, goofy, loyal puppy with a huge heart. He’s still learning, still growing, and still discovering his way in the world. He’s been both a registered Service Dog and Emotional Support Animal for his owner, Todd Lauridsen, and he’s brought calm, comfort, and purpose into their lives.

On August 19, 2025, Tyson was taken from his home by Ames Animal Control after an incident that resulted in a minor injury requiring a couple of stitches. What’s important to know is that the situation happened without permission from his owners.

Todd was asleep, and Julie was at work. A well-meaning family friend tried to help by taking Tyson out so Todd wouldn’t have to when he woke up. Unfortunately, Tyson became startled and reacted protectively — as many young dogs might — which led to the incident.

It was not a vicious attack, and it was not an act of neglect or defiance by his owners. It was a tragic accident during an act of kindness.

Still, the City of Ames has chosen the harshest possible punishment: euthanization.

---

🏡 What His Family Has Done

Tyson’s family has done everything the City has asked — and far more:

Registered Tyson with the City of Ames

Provided proof of $1 million renter’s insurance

Muzzled Tyson for all public outings since May 2025

Installed a 6-foot fenced yard with locked gates and full signage (“Dangerous Dog,” “No Trespassing,” “Keep Gate Shut”)

Ensured Tyson is neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated

Consulted multiple trainers and behavior specialists, including All Dogs Off Leash (Des Moines), ARL, PetSmart, Zoom Room, Elite, and Knox Training

Committed to relocating outside city limits where Tyson can live safely and separated from the public

Despite this full compliance and unwavering commitment to safety and responsibility, the City continues to insist on euthanasia — even though the Ames Animal Shelter proudly identifies itself as a “No-Kill Shelter.”

That contradiction alone should make anyone stop and think: how can a no-kill shelter fight to end the life of a healthy, trainable, 18-month-old dog whose family has done everything possible to comply?

---

😔 The Human Cost

Since Tyson was taken, Todd’s health has drastically declined.
He’s lost over 35 pounds, has had multiple ER visits, numerous doctor appointments, and a hospitalization, and struggles with severe emotional distress every single day without his emotional support dog.

This ordeal has been emotionally, physically, and financially devastating for both Todd and Julie. Their home feels empty, their days filled with fear and heartbreak, and their hope now depends on compassion from the community and Justice

 

 

 

from the court.

 

All they ask is for understanding — and a chance to give Tyson the life he deserves: safe, loved, rehabilitated, and responsibly managed.

---

🙏 What We’re Asking

We respectfully ask the City of Ames, Ames Animal Shelter, and Story County District Court to:

1. Release Tyson back to his family.

2. Allow rehabilitation and relocation outside city limits rather than euthanasia.

3. Honor the spirit of being a “No-Kill Shelter” and uphold the principle that euthanasia should always be the last resort — not the first option.

 

---

✍️ Please Help Save Tyson

Every signature matters.
Every share helps.
Every voice gives Tyson another chance at life.

Help us show that compassion, rehabilitation, and responsibility can save lives — even the life of one young dog who just needs guidance, love, and a fair chance.

🐾 Sign and share this petition today to help bring Tyson home. 🐾

#SaveTyson #SavinMyTy #BringTysonHome #JusticeForTyson #AmesIowa #NoKillMeansNoKill #SaveOurDogs

5. Once it’s live, copy the petition link and post it on your Facebook page savinmyty with this caption:

 

> 💔 Please help us bring Tyson home.
He’s only 18 months old — still a puppy.
The Ames Animal Shelter calls itself “No Kill” — yet they want to end his life.

 

---

Would you like me to now make the short “Facebook story” version next — the one that you’ll post above the petition link on savinmyty, written in emotional, scroll-stopping language that fits Facebook perfectly?