This is a letter in response to the Nov. 12 article about “Smiley” the shelter dog.

I have know Shari Bibich, the WAIF animal shelter manager, since she started to work at the shelter 14 years ago. We help out with medical problems when asked. We see animals that are ill, traumatized, abused or whatever.

Shari, in my opinion, is a saint. She always has the animals’ best interests in mind. She has taken countless animals home with her temporarily so as to lessen the stress during some period of recovery. And countless times I have seen her cry when an animal is too sick or too traumatized to make it and has to be euthanized.

Every effort is made by Shari and WAIF to give the shelter animals medical attention they deserve and the time to get adopted. Some animals are there for years. I totally trust Shari’s information and input. If WAIF’s assessment is that “Smiley” has become too dangerous to adopt, then I believe it.

WAIF becomes liable if a “dangerous” dog is adopted and then hurts someone. I have seen children who have been maimed by dogs. I almost lost my left arm about 20 years ago due to a dog bite.

The only thing worse than a dog hurting someone is when it happens and you knew the dog was dangerous in the first place. All the effort and expense in this case could be saved with the adoption of another dog that is not dangerous. There are plenty that need a good home.

Ken Leaman

Coupeville