After reading the letter from Janet Herrin in today's Leader ("Having
compassion for our animal friends," Sept. 5), I feel the need to also
commend and thank Animal Control Officer Claudia Madrid for her valuable
contribution to the Burbank Animal Shelter, as well as to my life.
In December 1999, while Christmas shopping, my husband stopped by the
storefront that temporarily showcased the animals available for adoption
from the Burbank Animal Shelter. While there, he saw a dog that he felt
would be perfect for us. The dog had been dropped off at the shelter
without any background information and was on a 10-day hold before being
available for adoption.
Every afternoon after getting off work, I went to the shelter and
visited him. On the day he became available, we were so excited and went
to the shelter promptly at 8 a.m. to claim our new family member, only to
lose him to another individual who had won him fair and square in a
lottery.
I was so heartbroken that two days later I went to the shelter and
spoke with Claudia, asking her if she would keep my telephone number
nearby just in case the dog was returned. Knowing how busy Claudia's job
keeps her, I really didn't think anything would come of it.
Three days later, 10 minutes before the shelter's closing time, I
received a phone call from Claudia telling me that my "boy" had just been
returned, and she would wait for me to come and claim him.
She stayed overtime to help me get the paperwork in order and loaned
me a leash to take him home.
I cannot thank Claudia enough for remembering to call me that fateful
evening! Max is my pride and joy, and I owe it to Claudia's passion for
her work.
LORRY IZOR
Burbank
