I went to see Mr. Ed Jennings, our Town of Wawarsing Supervisor, a few months ago to talk about Susan Clarke. Susan has trapped, has had altered, gotten shots and homes for, or returned to caretakers over 600 cats in the Village of Ellenville and the Town of Wawarsing. She has tirelessly done this using almost exclusively her own money. She gets no reimbursement from the local government. And yet, she has aided the department of health by preventing rabies or other diseases, has helped the cat population, and has helped many, many worried people. The Society Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Kingston works very closely with Susan. She has done more than any dog warden or DEC person without being provided any equipment or pay. This is not right. I asked Mr. Jennings to call for a proclamation and he told me that he would talk to the town council, but I have not heard back. She at least deserves to be honored in our newspaper and by every citizen of our area. I would really like some town council person from both town and village to contact me about this. Thank you.

* * * Now going on to dog warden work. In New Jersey, my best friend was Sharon, who worked as an animal control officer (ACO) for 20 years. There, the township bought her a truck with the appropriate holding pens, paid her a salary equivalent to a rookie police officer with benefits, and gave her a uniform. Sharon worked five days a week for eight hours and was on call for emergencies. She took the animals, who were almost always dogs, to the county shelter. She was excellent and worked tirelessly. I remember one amazing incident.

Two Rottweilers were on the loose and near a school. The elementary school was about to let out, so the police needed to get those dogs rounded up. They called Sharon because they were having some trouble. She came on the scene where officers had shotguns at the ready and the dogs still running around. Little Sharon got two cans of fragrant cat food out of her truck and quietly called the dogs. The female came right over and when Sharon put the cat food can in the truck, she jumped in. After that, the male followed right along — job done. Sometimes it takes a woman's brain. What can I say? After that Sharon was known as Deputy Dog.

So all it takes is some money to do the right thing for the citizens of Ellenville and Wawarsing. There are certified animal control officers in need of work. The officials can look up the ACO organization on the internet. Then, if you find someone who is new at the job, why not start by calling Newburgh for advice? I hear they are very efficient and experienced. And there is no reason a young woman can't do the work.

Town of Newburgh Animal Control Dept. and Animal Shelter
645 Gidney Ave
Newburgh ,NY 12550
Phone: 845 561-3344 Fax: 845 6561-2220

Animal Control is hard work and good pay is deserved. If you can find $10,000 for art, you can find it for a much needed public service for the community. There may be a young person right in Ellenville who was laid off or who is looking for work for the first time who would be just perfect.