THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 9, 1996 TAG: 9606070164
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 116 lines
As a citizen of Portsmouth, I am ashamed at the response I received from city workers when I asked for assistance on May 31.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., I went into my attic and was shocked to find two black, six-foot-long snakes squirming around the floor boards. I immediately phoned animal control.
I explained the situation to the dispatcher, and she said they would send a car right out. When I gave her my address, she stated that they couldn't assist me because I live in Churchland, and I had called the Virginia Beach office. She gave me the Portsmouth Animal Control number to call for help. I phoned them and once again explained the situation, letting them know I had three children in the house.
I was questioned about what the snakes looked like, so I ran up into the attic to give them a complete description when the snakes began to move toward me. This dispatcher informed me that they don't do snakes, and I was on my own. I called the fire department, and they said they couldn't offer any assistance and I needed to call animal control. I told him my story with animal control, and he said that was ridiculous. He said there was no need to call 911, because they wouldn't help, either.
The next call went to the health department. I was instructed to call another number. That person told me to call another number and so on.
I guess you know by the eighth call I was very upset and disappointed by the time I reached the last city employee. I informed the gentleman on the phone that if I had called these city workers with information about a big drug bust, I would have had the SWAT team at my door, so the city could receive recognition. Since my emergency was so trivial to them, they didn't care about my family's welfare. I wonder what they would have done if a handicapped person had called with this problem. What has happened to our society? Unless a major crime is being committed, no one cares.
Without any sleep through the night, I came to work on June 1 and explained to a co-worker what I was going through. She immediately phoned her sister, who works with a veterinarian at the Churchland Animal Hospital at 6030 High St. West.
They met my husband at our home, went into the attic and removed the snakes in five minutes.
I am so appreciative that they came to help us so quickly after what I went through. I just wanted to thank them publicly.
Nadine Yancey
Mallard Crescent
June 1, 1996 Mourning for hospital
I hate it that Portsmouth General is being sold. I was born there when it was King's Daughters.
Two of my three children were born there.
I was out of state when my other child was born prematurely. Otherwise, she also would have been born there.
Health care is in a sorry state, thanks to insurance companies and corporations.
I've been a patient at Maryview Medical Center a number of times in recent years because it was more convenient for my family. I hate to think I may have contributed in a small way to this. I hate it.
Margaret Taylor Hooper
Portsmouth
May 15, 1996 Problem dog on the loose
In our area of Elmhurst Lane, we have a family that doesn't believe in the leash law. I don't believe in tying up animals if they have a yard to romp in, but I believe in precaution. We have talked to this lady a number of times when we see this dog out because she told me it would attack males mostly. She calls the dog in, but it's out as soon as we turn our backs.
My husband and I have called the Animal Control office numerous times, and I talked to them at least 10 to 15 minutes one day when this dog was nearly hit by a car. They promised to see about this since it has been going on since January.
I called 911 on May 16 after an incident that took place on May 14 beside this person's house. A young child was walking from Wilson High School, down Elmhurst Lane, and this beautiful white, wolflike dog and several more were all around him.
A male driver stopped, and the postman in the area went up to the dogs and ran them away. Thank goodness for caring people.
The operator for 911 took my call because I told her I was tired of talking to Animal Control. I knew she couldn't do anything, but I do know she could pass it on - passing the buck.
This child was lucky, but what about the next time when no one is out to help?
The postman said he was going to report this, too, but I'm not sure he did since he has trouble with this dog himself.
D. Gillikin
Elmhurst Lane
May 24, 1996 What about store rules?
Chesapeake Square for the best mall? I think not!
They print rules and policy on the front door for us to follow. But, what about their obligation to you and me?
Stores are allowed to display what they want. Example: On May 9, I went to a photo shop and stopped to rest in front of the Disney store and was horrified at what I saw in the window of Electronics Boutique. A poster advertising ``Resident Evil'' was a bloody skull that frightened even me, a level-headed grandma.
I asked a person in the store to remove it, and he refused. I went to the mall manager, and he assured me he would take care of it. The next day I went back to pick up photos and checked out the window. The poster was still there and the mall manager, who said he was surprised it has not been removed, said there were no hard and fast rules for stores to follow. Can you believe it?
I called the Electronics Boutique headquarters office, and they said they had many complaints.
Don't you think the mall needs rules published as to restrictions on what stores can display in family malls?
All parents should vote no to any mall being the best if they could care less what their children see on a fun trip to the mall. We must demand the best for our kids or we'll get the worst.
Sue Landerman
Swimming Point
May 30, 1996 by CNB