Dog Warden Tom Skeldon is Exceptional

Last week I accompanied an old friend to the Lucas County Dog Warden’s facility in downtown Toledo. My friend had made a very difficult decision. His 16 year old dog had suffered failing health for the last year; and, last week “Chuck” had taken a noticeable turn for the worse.
Upon entering the facility, we were immediately greeted by staff members and attendants who were all conciliatory and reassuring. My friend received Tom Skeldon’s personal assurance that “Chuck” would be treated well.
While we there, two other pets were brought in by families who were clearly distraught by the inevitable fate of their companions. One, like Chuck, was suffering from declining health.
The other dog had recently become aggressive and the family simply couldn’t risk the consequences especially after some incidents that could have ended badly. The families were there to ask Tom Skeldon and his staff to take care of the problem for them.
I’ve known Chuck his whole life and he has had the best care imaginable. His owner, my friend, felt that Tom Skeldon would provide the most humane solution in relieving Chuck of his pain and suffering. The owners of the other pets that were there that morning obviously agree.
It would be short-sighted of the Lucas County citizens to ask Tom Skeldon to discontinue his program for euthanizing pets. The alternatives, like abandonment, seem far less humane and potentially more dangerous for anyone confronted by a dog on the loose. Hopefully Tom Skeldon will be permitted to keep up the good work.