I am writing this because I refuse to stand by while my 13-year-old senior dog is punished for my personal expression. I have just received notice that my senior dog has been terminated from the Better Together program.
Let me be clear: this decision has nothing to do with the care of my dog, and everything to do with Kathy Powelson taking personal offense to my private blog.
The Reality of My Blog
My blog is a personal space, a digital journal where I process my life, my complex PTSD, and my day-to-day experiences. It is where I vent, where I speak my truth in the moment, and where I navigate my mental health. There is nothing in my Better Together agreement that prohibits me from maintaining a personal blog or expressing my opinions.
When I share my thoughts about an interaction with staff or my frustrations with the program, I am exercising my right to free speech. Using these personal reflections as a "breach" to justify terminating a senior dog is a clear misuse of power. It is an attempt to silence a client by targeting the animal who relies on the program for medical care.
The Facts
Targeting, Not Policy: My dog’s care is overseen by Dr. Llewellyn, yet Kathy Powelson has inserted herself to make medical and enrollment decisions. It appears Kathy has been looking for any excuse to terminate us since 2024.
Disproportionate Action: This organization previously denied my 10-week-old puppy access to vaccines, and now they have moved to cut off my 13-year-old dog entirely because of one blog post.
Contradictory Standards: The Better Together program was founded on the idea of supporting the human-animal bond and encouraging participants to share their experiences. I have done exactly that I have shared my experience. Now, because that experience is critical of leadership, I am being punished.
My Message to the Board
I have sent the following formal request to the Board of Directors:
"I am writing to formally request an immediate review of the decision to terminate veterinary services for my 13-year-old senior dog. The notification I received cites my personal blog and social media activity as grounds for termination. I have reviewed the 'Better Together Enrollment Agreement and Consent Form' in its entirety, and there is no provision within that contract that prohibits me from maintaining a personal blog or expressing my personal opinions. Using my personal expression as a justification to withdraw care from a 13-year-old animal is a disproportionate action that negatively impacts a vulnerable senior dog who has done nothing to warrant a service interruption. My dog relies on the consistency of the care provided through this program. I am requesting that the Board re-evaluate this decision, as it is based on conduct that falls outside the scope of our signed agreement. I ask that you prioritize the health and welfare of my dog and reinstate the services necessary for their continued care."
Why I Fight
I am not fighting for myself; I am fighting for my dog. She is the one being forced to pay the price for Kathy Powelson’s hurt feelings. If a Director of an organization is more focused on policing a client's private blog than ensuring a senior dog receives medical care, the organization has lost sight of its mandate.
I will continue to advocate for my dog’s right to care. I am speaking out because silence only empowers those who use their position to punish the vulnerable.
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