It has come to our attention via online news that Mackinac County has made drastic changes to the administration of the Mackinac County Animal Shelter, which, in turn, has affected the Mackinac Animal Aid Association (MAAA) as well.

As the owners of a second home in Mackinac County since 2005, we have become very familiar with the shelter and the MAAA. Over the past five years we, along with family and friends in the Detroit area, have donated more than $1,000 to the MAAA. We have come to trust George and Jo Ford with these donations. We know these funds positively directly impact the lives of the animals at the shelter.

As a result of the recent changes, our future donations are in serious jeopardy. We will not support a shelter where animals are needlessly euthanized and donations are not used to directly impact the animals.

We are forced to ask why the county would screw with the Shelter and the MAAA. Having reviewed the financial records of the MAAA, it is clear the Fords have done tremendous work for the shelter, raising donations and saving animals’ lives.

One would think, given the economic climate of this county and state, the county officials would focus their attention on other more pressing issues, and leave a successful MAAA alone to continue its excellent work.

We commend the Fords on their impressive work over the years. We can only hope it is allowed to continue for many more years.

Dr. George and Deborah Robarge

Highland and Brevort