My dog is from Ohio he was wrongfully taken by the Wetzel County Animal Shelter and then given away for adoption. We found out he was at the shelter on Jan. 21.

I had already left for Wisconsin earlier that day to be with my family as my dad was very ill. We contacted the shelter before 5 p.m. on Jan. 21 and they said that they had our dog. We told them that we would pick him up on Jan. 26.

We asked them how much it would cost to board him until we could pick him up and the women said to call them on Friday and talk to her supervisor. My son then called me in Wisconsin and told me what they had told him, and he asked if he could go get him that same day.

He called them back that day and asked if he could come get the dog then and was told it was too late; they were leaving.

He again tried to call the shelter on Jan. 23 and was only able to get the answering machine stating that they were closed until Jan. 27.

On the morning of Jan. 26 I went to the shelter-closed. I called the shelter and left a message stating I would pick the dog up later that day as I had to go to work.

I was contacted by the shelter later that day and was told he was gone and they had given him away? I said how that could be; they knew we would be picking him up that day. Her supervisor called me back and I was told they did not hear anything back from us after Jan. 21 and so they gave him away, then she went on and said if I cared about the dog I should have dropped what I was doing and come get him. I explained to her where I was and why I was there.

My son and I went to the Commissioners the next day told the story; they did agree that the dog should have not been taken in by the shelter because he was from Ohio and the dog should have been kept until we picked him up.

As of this time, I have not been heard back from the Commissioners. If anyone knows were our dog is, could you please call the Monroe County Animal Shelter at 740-472-0300 so he can be returned to his family.

I find the actions of those responsible at the shelter to be appalling and cold hearted. They only contacted me after they had gave him away and could have just as easily called us before since they had our number.

Clark Snyder

Monroe County