To the Journal editor:

My world was torn apart Oct. 25. I was enjoying the beautiful afternoon visiting my parents’ house with my two Boston terriers and two of my cousin’s dogs.

Little did I know a nightmare lurked a short distance away.

Until this day my dogs always stayed on my parents’ property which borders an old caving ground property. The owner of that property has a friend that traps on the huge piece of land.

We came to find that an area only 80-feet from their property line was dosed in a scent to attract animals to a conibear trap which combined with high winds that day enticed the dogs to squeeze through the fence and run off.

Razzy (8) came back to the yard, Joey (1 1/2) did not. Razzy led me back to Joey where I saw him with his head caught in the trap. His neck was snapped. My baby was dead. I collapsed and couldn’t stop screaming. I had just rescued him from a neglectful home two months prior.

He was in training to be a service animal to help with my depression and anxiety. He was a sweet soul, so loving and goofy.

In the short time he was with us he brought so much happiness, joy and positive changes into our life. I am utterly devastated and can’t believe he is gone just like that. My life will never be the same.

The person responsible for the trap is well aware of the danger of trapping so close to a residential home. A few years back, my aunt’s dog was caught in one of his traps but survived.

After that we were under the impression the trapping would cease. I can’t imagine what would make him think it was not only OK to continue trapping but having the audacity to move them even closer to my parents’ property.

Sadly I have also heard from many others in the area that have experienced this to some degree but their dog has lived. I strongly urge all trappers to please be mindful of the area you are trapping in.

Unethical trapping practices resulting in horrific accidents like these should never happen so close to one’s home.

RIP Joey.

Amanda Jandron

Negaunee