To the Editor:

This is to express shock and dismay at our loss of Cheryl [Baitsholts]. Not only is the decision to replace her as [Berne’s] animal control officer a bad one, but the way in which it was handled was insensitive and inappropriate after 13 years of exemplary service and caring.

In my years in this area, it has been a comfort to know that someone as knowledgeable and concerned as Cheryl Baitsholts has been the steward of our lost and found animals. She has helped me and helped my neighbors many times in these years, and has proven to be a gem in the area of her expertise.

She needs to be reinstated. She needs to be given an apology. But most of all, we need her back.

If your animal were missing, or if a stray showed up on your doorstep, I bet the first person you would think of is Cheryl. There’s a reason for that. Our community needs to rally behind this issue.

I hope that this letter finds its way into … the hands of someone who truly cares about the welfare of our animal community and our human community. There is history here. There is humanity here. Let’s get Cheryl Baitsholts back where she belongs. Thanks for your attention, and please join me in raising a voice.

Lucy B. Cirincione

Rensselaerville

Editor’s note: Cheryl Baitsholts is the dog-control officer for the town of Rensselaerville.