My heart is heavy, and my life has been upended by the tragic and untimely death of my mother, a death caused by my own father. In this period of grief and loss, my solace and emotional support come from my six dogs, 4 of them were my mom's cherished companions. These dogs aren't just pets; they are beloved family members, a living connection to my mom and the love she had for them. 

Unfortunately, since my mother's passing, I have faced challenges from one of my neighbors due to the dogs' barking. I admit that they bark, but it's their way of coping with the unfamiliar changes and their own form of expressing the turmoil we all feel. Separating them or, worse, being forced to get rid of them, would not only break their spirits but mine as well.

I am reaching out to my Mapleton, IA community, praying for understanding and support. I hope to continue providing a loving home for all six of them because splitting them apart would not only be unfair to them but would further traumatize my family in a time that is already too painful.

I am committed to working on solutions for the noise problem. I am exploring ways to help with noise-reduction measures. I am open to discussing more ideas with my neighbors to ensure this works for everyone involved.

Please consider signing this petition to allow me to keep my dogs. Together, we can find a way to maintain harmony in our community while honoring my mother's memory and ensuring her dogs remain together, happy and in the home they love. Thank you for your understanding and compassion in this difficult time.