I am asking for a simple signature to help aide a disabled Veteran who served in the  United States Marine Corp. obtain a stray shelter dog for emotional support.

On August 17, 2019, Edward and I went to the Clearfield SPCA to donate blankets and dog beds. We decided to say "Hi" to the dogs that were housed there when Ed found an emaciated, scared pup named "Navi". Unbeknownst to me, he arranged to sit with her in the greeting room so I went on to visit and talk with an employee there about volunteering at their facility. As our conversation ended and I did my talking to the other dogs I returned back to the room when I found Ed on the floor with Navi laying right beside him. Both were so peaceful and serene that I didn't want to disturb either because they both needed that moment away from all the hardships life throws at all who exist. So I secretly took pictures with misty eyes.

In January 2019, we had to put Shiloh, our 12-year-old Sheppard mix (which we adopted from the same facility 12 years ago), to rest due to cancer. Surgery was started but found that it had spread to his liver so we had to put him to rest. Since that time Ed's spirit has darkened, not only from the loss of Shiloh but also from the difficulties of obtaining disability with Veterans Affairs. Other Veterans of our Armed Forced know this, and sadly many aren't alive to tell their stories. I can only start by helping Ed in obtaining this beautiful Navi who was said to have been there for 2 months already, not housebroken nor has any type of obedience training. What a gift for him to teach her and focus on giving her a better life along with our 4 other so-called "Throw-Away" mutts.

All that being said, we did put in our adoption paperwork at the shelter though one employee who did the "meet-and-greet" with our dogs ( DOG) said," it's a NO!". As I was walking Chaos for the first walk together with Navi, the young girl said that Navi was too excited so we continued walking on opposite sides of the road until she said, "Okay let's do this now" after a truck passed by. I turned to allow them to meet but before anything, the girl let loose of the leash all the way and Navi ran up and bit Chaos' tail. Chaos turned in surprise and that's when the girl yanked back Navis leash and said, " It's a No!". "Your dogs will have the pack mentality and hurt her." I was shocked that when a person who is supposed to be trying to give a shelter pet a chance at a life outside of their KILL SHELTER ( yes, I asked). She said that she didn't feel comfortable so she was going to state as such on the recommendation paperwork needed for adoptions. My dogs save birds that fall out of nests... they are not fighters and were all adopted or surrendered at different times.

Long story short, Ed watched all this from inside the truck thinking he was going to get Navi as his companion until he saw my face. I got back to the truck, explained the situation ( in anger I was a bit loud, just loud enough for the ladies who worked there were on a break to hear). Not easily deterred, we were going to ask to speak to someone about what occurred when I opened the front door to overhear one of the women who were in the chairs outside say, " I'm glad it's you who has to deal with them, haha good luck" as she and two other "ladies" laughed. 

Knowing things were bleak due to the mannerisms and attitudes of the SPCA "Ladies", we asked to speak to the "committee" that makes the decisions on whether adoption will happen or not, we were told they all had different jobs and so on and so forth so no. We accepted this to an extent and waited for Tuesday, August 20, 2019, when they stated a decision would be made. Ed called and was told that the committee has chosen to put it up for the  "Board" to review and make a decision.

The Board of Directors (again, they refused to give contact information) meets every second Tuesday per month and the next meeting will be September 10th, 2019. When asked if they would place a hold on Navi until said time, they said no and other people can still adopt her. Sad and given up, Ed began to go back into his shell, depression that I saw lift for a brief moment because of a stray dog nobody wants ( employee stated as such because she was a handful). I don't care who you are, when you have watch a person go deeper and deeper into a depression that could change with a simple pup, you would also do everything in your power to unite these two.

In addition to the fact that we both have nothing but time and affection to share with any animal, we both know the workings of dogs as we share our lives with them and have since childhood. We have over an acre with half of it fenced in and are willing to fence in the other half just for Navi if that would be the case. 

A former Marine and a pup, can you help reunite these two? It was bad enough the discriminatory gazes Ed received when we first entered the facility because he has to walk on crutches. We both see it all the time but this incident has nothing to do with his walking abilities, it's his ability to see a light in the darkness he struggles in daily. That light shone bright but for a brief time when Ed and Navi bonded in the little room and it gave Ed hope, something to look forward to, a purpose that he lost years ago serving America. 

I am asking for nothing but a signature, can you help us, please.

Thank you for reading this and may your day be filled with joy, peace, and love always.

Elizabeth McCarthy.