Paws for Hope Better Together Program Formal Investigation Requested with Major National News Outlet

 Paws for Hope Better Together Program... Formal Investigation Requested with Major National News Outlet.

Taking Action for Accountability and Animal Welfare.

I am writing this to share that I have taken a major step forward in addressing the ongoing situation with the "Paws for Hope Better Together" program. I have officially contacted a major national news production company to present the extensive evidence I have compiled including emails, audio recordings, and documentation regarding the treatment of participants and animals within this program.

Since 2024, the environment under Executive Director Kathy Powelson has become increasingly unprofessional and harmful. What should be a supportive program has devolved into a cycle of favoritism, where Kathy Powelson uses her position to pick and choose who receives support based on personal bias rather than the needs of the disabled individuals and their service animals.

This is not a personality conflict; it is a serious issue of neglect and abuse of power. The lack of a Human Resources Coordinator or any form of neutral oversight has left Kathy Powelson with unchecked authority, which she uses to threaten participants and ignore the vital medical needs of the animals in the program or need the program like a puppy.

I have been denied access to funds generated by the use of my own dog’s image, funds that are essential for the medical care of my 13-year-old senior dog and my new service dog in training. Kathy Powelson’s refusal to assist with vital vaccinations for a puppy, despite the program’s stated mission, is not just administrative it is a direct threat to the health and future of these animals.

My senior dog is 13 years old and facing the natural challenges of aging. She deserves dignity and proper care, not to be used as a pawn in a power struggle. My future service dog requires essential health interventions to be ready to assist me with my severe fibromyalgia, complex PTSD, and severe OCD. By obstructing this, Kathy Powelson is actively putting my health, my senior dog’s health, and my puppy’s health at risk.

This decision to go to a major news organization is about more than just my own experience. It is about bringing the systemic issues the lack of professional oversight, the arbitrary treatment of participants, and the dangerous environment created by Kathy Powelson to public light. These issues cannot continue to be swept under the rug. It is time for accountability.

Sincerely , Laura.

A Note on Transparency and Retaliation:

To Paws for Hope Better Together program: Please be aware that if you attempt to threaten or penalize my 13-year-old senior dog, my puppy, or myself for speaking about my enrollment experience, it will be viewed as a deeply hypocritical move. In the past, you have solicited my participation to speak about my experience with this program for CBC News. It is clear that you find it acceptable for me to discuss my enrollment when it is on your terms, but unacceptable when I speak about my actual experience with Paws for Hope Better Together program. Accountability goes both ways.