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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 3, 2008

Find Stella's Killer

The evening of Nov. 9 was the worst of our lives. We came home to find our dog Stella shot to death on our property. She was not just a dog but a beloved family member full of life.

There has been no information forthcoming even though numerous signs have been posted and a letter was printed in The Zephyrhills News this month. I am still seeking information and would like to notify people that these incidents are taking place right in their backyard.

The neighbors heard a single, very loud shot at 6:30 p.m. that night but did not see anyone. There were a lot of dogs barking after that, but, again, no one saw anyone.

How could anyone be so malicious and cruel to another living being? They must not have any feelings, morals or conscience. We would just like to know who, how and especially why.

I want everyone to know about this tragedy since other people and their pets may be in danger. Also, I just learned that another dog had been shot in his family's yard just a few miles from us.

What will they kill next - more beloved pets, a child perhaps? What if a person had been out there or a child had gone to see what his or her dog was barking at? Or what if I had come out at that time? Would they have killed me also?

The whole neighborhood is shocked, saddened and worried about what kind of people are walking around with guns and shooting them in what we thought was a safe and secure area. Even if everyone watches out for each other, are we really safe with these people out there?

There is a monetary reward for any information. If anyone has any information at all, please call 813-783-1116. Stella was shot and killed at 4415 Bough Road in Zephyrhills.

There is a big hole in our hearts and lives now that Stella is no longer running the fence line and giving us big wet kisses. For anyone who is an animal lover, I'm sure they can understand this and would want some answers.

KATHY MCGEHEE

Zephyrhills

Practice Good Hygiene

I have read about, listened to people and watched what causes people to become sick from what they eat. One local radio station even had a call-in one morning as to why you should or should not wash your hands after using the lavatory.

Some of the responses were very disgusting as to why not.

Let me make this simple for all to understand: If you don't use a paper towel to open the door after washing your hands, you have just picked up more germs then you probably had to begin with.

Which raises another question: Why do we have doors on public restrooms in the first place? In arenas that hold major sporting events, restrooms have no doors. Why can't this be true in all public meeting places?

In most countries, men and women still use the same restroom at the same time, and entry doors are not to be found. The only doors you will find in other countries are for the toilets, so women can use them without being harassed.

A laboratory in one of the New England states did research on the amount of bacteria found on a woman's purse. Women take those miniature suitcases with them everywhere, including to the bathroom where they sit them next to the commode. Then, when they return home they put it on the kitchen table or counter top.

Wash your hands, but don't throw the paper towel away until after you exit the lavatory. And don't put that purse on any eating areas.

RICHARD T. WELCH

Zephyrhills

Not Pet Friendly

I moved here from very congested Pinellas County, which has an abundance of parks, but was disappointed that there were no parks nearby to walk my dog. I traveled from Wesley Chapel to Hillsborough County's Lettuce Lake Park.

Then Pasco County opened the wonderful Wesley Chapel District Park five minutes from my house. I have been walking my dog there since it opened. Recently I was stopped and told it was against ordinance 77-02.

I went online. There are only two parks in Pasco that allow dogs! Unforgivable. I want to know how to change an ordinance that does not allow me to enjoy the park. Who is responsible for this ordinance? Who voted for it? How can I make my voice and the voice of other dog owners heard?

Pinellas parks have signs that tell you to pick up after your dog and even have doggie bag stations. Pasco County needs to come into the 21st Century and provide for all its citizens. I have to go to east Pasco or Hillsborough to walk my dog - ridiculous.

We belong to the chamber of commerce here. I am a teacher, and my husband is a business owner. I believe this ordinance does not reflect the needs of its citizens. I think things need to change.

DONNA DANSBY

Wesley Chapel

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