Dear Florida

I, Jeremiah Reding, am writing this petition in the hope of garnering your support and gathering signatures to appeal and reverse the final order/judgment of Judge Wesley Heidt regarding the custody of my beloved dog, Raven. I believe that the decision to remove Raven from my care and grant custody to the Halifax Humane Society was unjust and disproportionate to the circumstances.

First and foremost, I acknowledge that I am not claiming complete innocence in this matter. However, I would like to provide some context to shed light on the situation. I have been Raven's caretaker for the past five years, during which time her original owner, Glen Hackney, ensured that she received all necessary vaccinations. Unfortunately, I failed to take Raven to the vet for check-ups and vaccinations during the period she was under my care, which I deeply regret.

At the time Raven was taken from me on May 3, 2023, she had recently given birth to a litter of 15 puppies on April 24, 2023. As any responsible pet owner knows, the toll for a medium-sized dog after giving birth to such a large litter can be significant and displace the bones. Despite the demands of motherhood, Raven was in good physical shape, as verified by Dr. Kyra Kendal Atwood, the veterinarian who conducted a physical examination on her. The examination revealed that Raven had a body condition score (BCS) of 4/9, which falls within the ideal range for her breed. Additionally, Raven had hydrated mucous glands, was bright, alert, and responsive (BAR), and tested negative for heartworm, although she had hookworms in her stool. The 13 pups was healthy and of appropriate weight at time of exam.

I want to emphasize that I fully comprehend the gravity of the situation and want to take responsibility for any shortcomings. It is crucial to note that on June 1, 2023, I attended court for the animal cruelty/neglect charges and, to my relief, the case was dismissed with no information filed. Subsequently, on June 2, 2023, my civil case was conducted via Zoom, during which I presented evidence of the previous day's criminal case dismissal and demonstrated my willingness and ability to provide adequate care for Raven. I explained that I had relocated from an island to a condo, secured employment, and set aside funds for Raven's needs, including food, medicine, and savings for emergencies.

Despite presenting this evidence and expressing my commitment to Raven's well-being, I was unjustly deemed unfit to care for her. Custody was awarded to the Halifax Humane Society, and I was prohibited from owning, watching, or caring for any other animals until further evaluation by the court to prove my capabilities.

I appeal to you, the community of Florida, to lend me your support and help rectify this situation. I believe that the consequences imposed upon me are unduly severe, considering I was not charged with any criminal offenses and Raven's physical examination revealed no significant health concerns (given the lapse in veterinary care for nearly five years). I wholeheartedly apologize for my shortcomings and assure you that I will take any necessary steps to ensure Raven's well-being. I am willing to engage in community service, such as waste cleanup in the river or involvement in charitable activities, as a testament to my commitment to making amends.

I implore you to stand alongside me and sign this petition and bring Raven back home where she belongs. Raven and I share a deep bond, and I can confidently say that I am a caring and responsible dog dad. Her well-being and happiness mean the world to me, and I am determined to do everything within my power to be reunited with her And Stop Halifax Humane Society!!!!

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and consider my plea. I kindly request that you sign the attached petition and share it with others who may be sympathetic to our cause. Together, we can make a difference and bring Raven home.

Sincerely,

[Jeremiah J. Reding]