Why did you order this loving dog’s death? (Star, July 30/10).

Ed. note: this is a letter to Gerry Steers, president of the Humane Society Yukon.

Hunter (“Smiley”) the dog was a wonderful boy!

He was very happy just being in the now. He waited without complaining, without asking for treats or attention. He did not bark at people, or at the dogs next door. He was very quiet.Hunter had a very healthy appetite, though he didn’t beg for food. He was very, very loyal, as faithful as any dog can be. He was tough and he was gentle. Yet, he was a mistreated boy!

Whenever I took him home, no matter where I was in the house, he just anchored himself close to me, content as can be. Away from the Mae Bachur Animal Shelter, he was at home, and at peace. In the house, in the yard, in the car, and out for walks, he was happy as one can be. He loved the water, but he wouldn’t dare swim. He was Hunter the dog, gently snoring at my feet, and at peace ....

He spoke quietly, with soft, gentle sounds and lots and lots of waggles with his whole body! Smiley loved his comforts, yet he would lay on a bed of coals just to be next to you. He loved affection, and he was very affectionate in return. Smiley was not ready to die last week!

I ask you, Gerry Steers, as president of the Humane Society Yukon, and any other board members who voted to have Smiley killed last week: Why did you order the death of Smiley?

Why did you not follow your own policies with respect to trying rehabilitation before resorting to euthanasia? Is this not a breach of the Mae Bachur policies?

Why did you not allow staff or myself permission to foster him, as we all had asked?

Why did you ignore all the positive things that were said about Smiley? I believe you people betrayed him!

Why did you not show up to support the distressed staff, and to be by Hunter’s side, since you ordered his death?

Thankfully, and no thanks to you, there where those of us who cared for him, by his side.

Gerry Steers: Was putting effort into Hunter’s life too much “hassle” (as you put it with regards to fighting for Trevor’s life)?

As far as I am concerned, you did nothing to save Trevor’s life, and you wanted Hunter (Smiley) killed.

You appeared to show no concern even to obtain his ashes.

Why? How much time did you spend with Smiley or Trevor?

I have zero confidence in you, Mrs. Steers. I believe you need to resign. I hope to get on the board in the next AGM.

Smiley stayed at my home the night before his death. He was very happy, and his whole body swayed side-to-side as he smiled with lots of waggles. He had a wonderful time at the river. A short time later, he was killed. He will be dearly missed.

Special thanks to all those who befriended Hunter, as this meant so much to him.

He was a special boy; an individual with individual needs. And all his special needs were not met.

He was not given the chance he deserved.

Good bye, Hunter (Smiley) ....

Mike Grieco
Whitehorse