... to my last letter before starting this petition: Hi Laura, I understand that you are frustrated. We are all working with the same goal in mind – Shadow’s wellbeing. We are taking the time to properly research the best environment for Shadow and make the right decision. We have had several previous professional recommendations that he remain in his current environment, so we must take those recommendations into account as well as the proposal to send him to a sanctuary across the country. Since we last spoke, we have sought input from multiple professionals and our research is ongoing. The Board does not take this decision lightly and assure you that as soon as a decision is made, we will let you know. Until then, please be assured that Shadow continues to receive high-quality care and love in his current home. Sincerely, Denise Vaughn (8/11) Letter to Ellen Thacker Ellen, Would you please share this message with all board members of the Peninsula SPCA? We were so thrilled to hear the initial positive response by you and board chairwoman Denise Vaughn to the offer made now two months ago by Pat Craig to move Shadow – totally free of charge - to the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado. I also understand PETA has offered to fund a visit to the sanctuary by your staff prior to Shadow's move there. I am concerned; however, that so many weeks have now passed and the Peninsula SPCA has taken no action to accept the generous offer made to so drastically improve Shadow's quality of life. Every day that the PSPCA spends sitting on this important matter is a day less for Shadow to enjoy an environment and quality of life befitting a majestic big cat. He has remained captive in his concrete, chainlink cage for too long. At our last visit to the shelter, we noticed that Shadow is mentioned as a highlight in the paid ($140 per week) summer camp flyer to generate enrollment, and we hope that is not one of the reasons for this delay. Shadow has given seventeen summers of his life to the patrons of the Peninsula SPCA and we feel strongly he should be allowed to retire and begin to enjoy summers for himself. Allowing children to feed him as a part of a petting zoo experience, seems far outside an SPCA's mission. What better opportunity than now, when a perfect environment has opened its doors to him, at no cost to you? I have to be honest, Ellen, since this offer is so easy for the shelter and so clearly the right thing for Shadow, I am frustrated about the delay. I reached out to thirteen sanctuaries. None of them responded with Pat Craig's level of commitment, and none of them could compare to the expansive habitat and experience (36 years) offered at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado. The kind of generosity Pat has shown is remarkable and not to be taken for granted. It has been two months since the offer was made with no action, and that is two months less for Shadow to begin his adjustment and begin enjoying his new and wonderful habitat. I feel that I have no choice left but to share this story online with other caring people, including by starting an online petition with Change.org. to reach as many interested parties as possible, and reaching out to local media. The sad story of Shadow's long captivity, and the opportunity that awaits him now, has the potential to be a popular news story, and one of interest to the local Hampton Roads community and animal protection advocates everywhere. The tone of the story is up to you. We hope it will be a positive feel-good story, not one about the Peninsula SPCA’s resistance to do the right thing for this leopard – who is completely at your mercy to grant his freedom. Please let me hear good news from you. Thank you. Sincerely,