To Whom it May Concern: On September 18, 2015 my dog Manson who is 13 years old ran away from home. He is a Pure Bread Miniature Pincher who is slightly blind and deaf. My family and I put the word out and searched for the dog for 7days on our own. I was unaware that Schoharie County had a dog warden, who had also retrieved my pet the same day. He had slipped his collar and was without his dog tag. On (SAT) October 3rd a friend who had been aware of our search found a facebook post from Schoharie County Animal Shelter advertising our dog as available for adoption. I was elated and called right away. We commented on the photo that this was our dog. Immediatly the shelter removed the ad, and blocked us from the page. I assumed it to be a "glitch" and I left a message informing them that this dog was our families and i would be coming to retrieve him the following morning. At 830 AM Sunday morning I called for a second time and spoke to the receptionist. She instructed me that I would need some sort of proof of ownership and that I could come anytime. Upon my arrival I was met at the door by an employee who immediately informed me that the dog was now the shelter's property and they would NOT be releasing him to me for any reason on behalf of "Shelter Policy." I requested to at least be allowed to see my dog and they refused explaining that the manager Kerrie Collins would be on her way to talk to me to answer any questions. I obliged, hoping she would explain the process to me so I could reclaim Manson. About 10 minutes later Kerrie arrived abruptly and as I extended my hand to introduce myself she opened the Shelter door and irately said, "You need to leave immediately, the police are on their way." i left without a word and waited outside for the officer. This was incredibly confusing as I had not been rude, angry or demanding. In fact I was elated to have found him and incredibly hopeful that it was only a misunderstanding. I had only insisted that I was able to leave with my dog or be provided with means to do so in the near future. A NYS Trooper responded promptly to the call at 930 Am and met me outside. Upon a brief conversation he realized that the incident was fairly easy and asked me to simply wait outside while he tried to "calm her down" in hopes that he would reunite me with my dog. I showed him family photos of Manson and also a photo of the Shelter's advertisement. He decided it was unmistakable and reassured me it must have been a misunderstanding. Upon his return, we both realized that it was not so. Kerrie Collins explained that any unclaimed dog for longer than 5 days automatically defaults ownership to the shelter. She did not disagree that Manson was my dog, but she refused to readopt him to me because of the following reasons: 1. He was unclaimed for longer than said number of days, suggesting neglect. 2. he was not neutered (this was because he was a breeding dog originally) 3. His teeth were in a state of medical neglect for a 5year old dog (the age they assumed him to be. Once learning he is 13,they agreed it was natural aging.) With all three reasons explained she informed the Officer that she simply would not readopt him to our home because she "does not like me." I have never met or even spoken to the woman until she informed me that I must leave or I'd be arrested. At this the trooper escorted me from the premises even more confused that I was. A Few hours later he contacted me distraught over the situation and had agreed on his own fruition to do what he could to reunite my family with our pet. Over the next 72 hours I was in contact with the responding NYS Trooper as he was voluntarily attempting to arbitrate between my family and the shelter. I was informed on site that any future contact would result in arrest even though I had only left 2 phone messages over two days and shown up once! The afternoon of 10/7/15 Kerrie was contacted by a NYS Animal Investigator on my behalf to also help mediate. She agreed to reconsider adopting him back to me if I agreed to pay all medical and boarding expenses and if a third party would drop off the money and pick up my dog. She would not provide a dollar amount or expense list unless a third party would also call. At this point everything is REALLY not adding up. My dog is 13, going deaf and blind. He has digestive issues and anxiety. If a shelter is looking out for a dogs best interest, wouldn't a dog of this state be best at home? As a shelter shouldn't they investigate or ask us questions? Why would she be unwilling to release him to me unless I paid an unsaid dollar amount? Why would she adopt out an animal without knowing his history? He is listed as a nine year old dog, but is much older! The investigator asked the same questions and abruptly the whole conversation ended. She called Trooper Rowlings and informed him that she was no longer looking to make a deal. At no point would she be willing to communicate with us and that all questions must be directed to her attourney. I've yet to speak to her even once, may I Reiterate. She also informed him that she reserves the right to relocate and or euthanize the animal at any time. We immediately reached out to local media seeking support and assistance from anyone who would oblige. In response, countless people have contacted the County Shelter pleading on our behalf. Unfortunately they are not answering any questions OR phone calls. Manson has been removed from their "adoptable animal" list, as well as the rest of their available dogs. Something isn't adding up. If i had walked into the shelter without letting them know Manson was mine, it would have been an easy adoption (and likely quick cash for the establishment). By reclaiming him the shelter would undeniably lose money by releasing him to me. Unfortunately it seems like this could potentially be about losing money vs. the animal"s best interest. As higher dollar amounts were offered, she seemed compliant. When we started asking questions, she became exceptionally defensive even using the dog's life as leverage. I have kept fairly quiet about this incident over the past few days hoping diplomacy would win out. Unfortunately the few people I have reached out to have informed me that this behavior is to be expected By Ms. Collin and her establishment. I reach out with a heavy heart as my dog's life may be on the line. I intend to take her to court but cant until Monday when Schoharie Court is open. How many other people have lost their animal to the same place? It seems unfair that she can maintain such a reputation and be so defensive. It is simply my experience that when someone is so unreasonable and defensive that they have something to hide. Our family and Manson need help, perhaps there are other members in our community who can relate. Please contact me at any time, we are concerned citizens and a broken hearted family. Thank you in Advanced, Alysha VanDyke Schoharie NY By Signing this petition you testify that James Tambasco and Alysha VanDyke are the rightful owners of Manson. It is also sworn that their home Is a safe and most optimal environment for this animal. By signing you request that Manson is returned to James and Alysha as soon as possible.