A Target On Her Back

To the Editor:

Thank you to Lee Field and Barbara Field for their letters to the editor in last week’s Newtown Bee (“Newtown’s Dog and Pony Show,” “Who is Supervising the Supervisors?,” respectively, 06/19/09) in support of Carolee Mason. The Fields spelled out some of the specifics in what amounts to a monumental blunder on the part of Mr Borst and his cohorts when they chose to play by their own rules and fire Carolee Mason.

Someone had his or her own agenda here, and it’s not pretty. Common sense tells you that this was wrong from the beginning. Of course there should have been a protocol followed. Obviously, the parties involved chose not to follow any of the proper procedures. Of course Carolee should have been informed if there were deficiencies in her performance. Of course she should have been given the chance, and the training, to correct any insufficiencies. Obviously, Carolee had a target on her back.

I had the privilege of being a Canine Advocates dog-walker at the Newtown Pound, and interacting with Carolee. And, it was a privilege. Carolee Mason has a heart the size of Texas, and a big part of it is reserved for the dogs. Yes, the working conditions at the Newtown Pound are deplorable. This is an old, outdated building located behind the “dump” that barely meets the needs of the animals housed there. But, Carolee made the best of it, and never complained. Someone once said that you can judge a town by how it treats its animals. I hope this is not the case, because our pound reflects badly on Newtown. Our animals deserve better, and I hope the community will support the efforts to build a new facility.

I’m sure Carolee Mason was just put through her own personal hell and for no valid and sufficient reason. Her family and her community rallied to support her. Yes, she made some mistakes — her “i’s” weren’t always dotted, and her “t’s” weren’t always crossed. But, I sincerely doubt that anyone could have done it better, given what she has to work with. And, I’m equally sure that she will make any necessary changes or improvements.

I couldn’t be happier for Carolee. In the end, justice prevailed. This was a sordid chapter in Newtown’s history, at her expense. At least, now she can get back to what she loves, and does so well. I’m sure the dogs missed her, and she missed them. Animals are great judges of character, and they love Carolee. So does Newtown.

Sincerely,

Jackie zVon

4 Rockywood Drive, Sandy Hook                     June 23, 2009