June 22, 2010 

I have had my 11-month-old German Shepherd dog, Marley, since he was 8 weeks old. We have done countless training sessions at Pet Smart, and specialized German Shepherd training. Marley was socialized, obedient, and friendly. Upon moving from my downtown Denver apartment to a quaint home I began to notice alarming changes in his behaviors when my neighbor’s children were outside.  

I finally found out what was happening when I caught the kid next door shooting my dog with paintballs. I approached the kid and he claimed he was not shooting paintballs. As I look around it wasn’t just one paintball, there were paintballs all over my backyard. I then went next door to talk with the kid’s father who called me a liar and could care less about his son’s actions or the safety of my animal. From there I reported the incident to Animal Control and kept a close watch on my dog. I had to keep my dog from playing in our spacious yard because I feared retaliation from the family and kids.  

After that the neighbor seemed to find any way they could to get me in trouble for my dogs. They sent over animal control officers for complaints and I successfully passed all inspections every time. Constant harassment by the neighbors and I have always been cleared innocent by every animal patrol officer. My neighbor’s grudge against my dog has become childish. Recently they have troubled me more than ever sending animal control almost every other day. I was served with a false accusation of an “attack” on June 10, 2010 and then a few days later another false accusation of “attack” on June 19, 2010.  I have witnesses that were with Marley and I at the time that the alleged incidents occurred.  

On Monday night I was startled to see police and animal patrol cars lining my street and officers besiege my house. I had to hand over my dog Marley with no explanation of why or what our rights were. He is now imprisoned at the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter until my court date on August 3, 2010. When I asked an officer at the shelter about releasing him early she rudely informed me that she was “pushing for him to stay until the court date”.  

No one wants to hear my side of the story. Marley is innocent, until proven guilty he has rights just as we have rights. I have been an excellent parent to my dog and I am appalled that I was never given a chance to share my side of the story.  

I visit my dog in the shelter daily to find him in deplorable conditions. A kennel filled with urine, feces, and a bowl filled with filthy water. I want my dog out of that shelter and back home with me. He has every right to be home and my neighbors cruelty to animals should be the crime here.  

Please help me bring my dog home where he belongs.  

Sincerely,    

Bridget Mahony

Marley Mahony

bjm247@stu.aii.edu

515-306-6111

341 S. Leyden Street

Denver, Co 80224