LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Panek Responds to Acton Town Officials
Pat Panek, owner of Bridgett, the missing seven year-old husky believed to be lost in Acton writes a Letter to the Editor.
Hello Town of Acton Officials,
For the record, I NEVER said that you refused to let me put up signs, or that your town had taken them down. However, someone in your town was taking down my signs.
The part of the WBZ interview that has been quoted in your response was a voice over, paraphrasing several conversations between the reporter and I. I noticed that some of what I said about my experiences in Littleton and in Acton had been homogenized. I had no direct hand in that.
From my perspective, here are the facts about my experiences in Acton and the reasons I became vocal about them. All I want to do is get my dog home. She is out there. I believe with all my heart that Bridgett would have been home long ago, had there not been so many problems posting signs.
ACTON:
- I posted signs in Acton when Bridgett first went missing. I put up what are known as intersection signs on utility poles. They were removed within 48 hours of being hung. Then someone suggested there might be bylaws about signs, so I inquired.
- I called Town Hall and inquired about sign ordinances. I was told I needed to apply for a permit, and that there would be a small fee. This process could take some time, which was also an issue. I asked what the non-resident fee would be, and was told not to bother applying because I didn't have a residence or a business in Acton.
- Almost every business I approached about putting up a flier, not a gaudy sign, refused me because of fear of fines. They all told me that they could receive fines up to $300.00/day. Of course, I couldn't ask them to risk that and I couldn’t afford to pay them, either. They said they weren't allowed to poster even inside their own businesses. This was voiced by every business owner that refused my request.
As a result, I was not able to quickly get the word out about Bridgett. The first few days after a dog has gone missing are the most important. Signs would have improved the chances of bringing her home. That was not going to be an option.
I had to devise other ways to get her picture out there. This was costly, both in the delays it created, but also financially. I had business cards made with Bridgett’s picture and information. Three fold, double sided, brochures were printed. I used over $300 in ink making lost posters to put in door knob bags to be hung from mailbox flags. That was just for the first Bridgett Blitz on Acton (we distributed 500 fliers and 1,000 business cards then).
My dog IS in your town. I know this for a fact. She has not been taken in by another family. She is too afraid of people for that to happen. She has been seen many times near Pratt’s Brook, Great Hill, Steinman Land, and on Faulkner Hill. She’s been spotted running around the Maynard Country Club a couple of times and also in the Ace Hardware parking lot. The most recent sighting was last week on Parker Street. She is out there lost, scared, and lonely.
I have gone to amazing lengths to work around the road blocks I encountered. I am determined to bring Bridgett home. I can’t abandon her out there. I know she is not dead, as Mr. Gowing hypothesized. She needs me, and I need the Town of Acton.
It is about the time in this recovery process to think about feeding stations and traps. I have gone door to door asking for permission for this. One problem is that she is most often seen on Parker Street near the entrance to Pratt’s Brook. Most of the residences there are apartments or condos. I have asked permission of the management companies to put up a camera and feeding station. I have been refused. Now, I have to set up in locations that are not prime, but are close by. It’s not working. She is not coming to those locations.
I know the Town owns all of its conservation land, which is really where I need to set up these stations. I am not yet able to ask for the town’s permission. To be honest, I don’t think I can handle one more refusal or set back. Trying to bring Bridgett home has been so difficult and has taken its toll. But, I will not give up.
These statements reflect my experiences in Acton. There seems to be much confusion at town hall and in the community about what is, and what is not, allowed. My hope is that when the bylaws are examined, and revamped, this confusion will be alleviated.
In closing, it is my hope that the town can be guided more by the spirit, rather than the letter of the law.
In This article
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Acton Town Hall
472 Main St, Acton, MA (472 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720) -
ACE Hardware
210 Main St, Acton, MA -
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Patricia Panek
Joined Patch Tuesday, January 17, 2012
paul cardarelli
1:00 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Dear Town Managers: I have heard over and over that the town is militant about fines for businesses posting signs. Fining local businesses for the wrong color or wrong type of signs has been documented. Now preventing a person from psoting signs about a pet!? What if it were a child? would you allow it then? some people think of their pets as members of their family. Acton town hall needs to get their act together and support businesses and residents or expect that they leave for neighboring towns. I know of many that are looking forward to the time when their kids graduate so that they can leave this town. Do you really want people to come to Acton only for the schools. Smarten up and start thinking about "smart growth" in the context of keeping families here, not driving people away.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
3:58 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Great Lost Dog Crisis threatens to shake Acton to its very core. Inquiring minds wish to know how town officials will react to this growing scandal.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
Maria Borowski
4:08 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Having grown up in Acton, and now a nearby resident - I'm disheartened by the lack of compassion by the town government, especially when its primary responsiblity is to work for the people of the community.
I agree - the town SHOULD be guided more by the spirit, rather than the letter of the law.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
5:34 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
I can offer some compassion. A neighbor's cat did not return one evening. The woman went into a frenzy... waterproof signs appeared on all the utility poles and there was much phone calling, interviews, driving around and checks and re-checks. There were a couple of 'sightings'.
As time wore on it appeared less likely the cat would return. I'm guessing it was taken to a higher reward by coyotes, cars or natural causes. The signs came down and the woman moved on to a later stage of grief:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%BCbler-Ross_model
With so many sightings of Bridgett, you would think you could wait on an assigned street corner and wait for her to trot by. I hope she is found.
Reverend E. Reverend Pimperton III
Patricia Panek
1:42 pm on Saturday, March 24, 2012
Granite State Dog Recovery
We all need the occasional reminder not to ever give up! For anyone that has been following Stella's story (not local,) she is safe after 15 months on the run!
Patricia Panek
1:53 pm on Saturday, March 24, 2012
My, the happy news of reunions just keeps pouring in today! Here's more to lift your spirits. This one is even about a husky!
http://www.dogheirs.com/larne/posts/777-lost-husky-who-wandered-200-miles-reunited-with-family
K.Hirschler
9:58 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
As I drove through Acton last week I noticed these "schnauzer pups for sale" signs . I am sure anyone local has seen them, I've seen them in several areas including going onto the rotary from Acton for a VERY long time....First I think it's so disturbing to sell/market/misuse animals for our own benefits...but signage wise....what is going on?? Acton/ residents as well as surrounding towns are OK with a sign like that but not a lost dog sign??Seriously?? I am so disgusted by the lack of common sense, love, teamwork and EMPATHY I see in this area! I have a 4 year old son, soon to go to the public schools and I am seriously considering leaving this area! I have no doubt "these people" have children too who are being taught the same way of going through life, not being able to see beyond their own noses as well as being so discontent with themselves that they have to bring other people down. What a sad way to live...
Julie
3:46 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
I have seen a schnauzer pups for sale sign at the end of Harris Street at Great Road. I am not sure if it is still there, but it had or has been up for at least three years.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
9:29 am on Thursday, March 22, 2012
Hirschler,
Making decisions on your child's education based on the town's dog sign policy? Suggest you stay in town and sign up for remedial classes in logic and common sense.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
K.Hirschler
10:48 pm on Saturday, March 24, 2012
Pimpleton-
English Comprehension is clearly not your forte. Where in my posting did I state that I was "making decisions on my child's education based on the town's dog sign policy"? It's advisable to know what you are talking about before you respond to it.....otherwise it makes you look (repeatedly) uneducated AND foolish.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
9:55 pm on Sunday, March 25, 2012
Weak rebuttal, Hirschler... very weak. So exactly why are you considering leaving the area along with your son? Please be specific, using points from your initial post.
Regarding English, here are a few pointers. Paragraphs are a wonderful thing; try using more than one. As you write, you do not need to periodically put a word in CAPITAL letters. It does not generate EMPATHY among your READERS. Finally one question mark will do in ending a question. Two does not make it a better question.
Kimberly Hurwitz
1:39 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
I wish the town would let Pat put up signs in stores. I wish the town would allow Pat to put up cameras and feeding stations on conservation land for a predesignated, limited period of time. I wish "Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III" would stop hiding behind a pseudonym, especially when making snarky comments towards fellow citizens.
Patrick Clark
1:52 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
Hey Kimberly, as far as I know, local businesses are allowed to post signs in/outside their business. According to Scott Mutch, Zoning Enforcement Officer, business owners can fill out a permit that will allow them have a temporary outdoor sign for 45 days out of the year.
“If a business wanted to come and get the permit for a temporary sign limited to 45 days out of the year, they could do that,” said Mutch. “If they wanted to help this lady out then that’s fine but then they would not be permitted (if they used the full 45 days) to have another temporary sign this calendar year.”
Patricia Panek
4:25 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
Hi Patrick,
I have to say something in response to your comment about permits for signage. Those permits are for outside signs. They require that the business owner fill out a copious amount of paper work and pay for the permit. It's not a simple process. I know this because one of my friends owns a business in Acton and showed me the paperwork, and the fine that was levied against her for leaning a sign up against the side of her building, away from the public eye, until she could find a place to store it inside. This sort of thing gets around and doesn't make business owners inclined to want to help out with a simple poster, asking not for business, or money, but for the community's help in finding a lost animal.
As I said in my letter, there is much confusion in the Acton community about what is, and is not, allowed. Adding to that confusion are some of the sandwich boards on Rt. 111 & 27. Some of those outside signs have been up for more than 45 days. Are organizations in town exempt from by-laws, and fines?
Kimberly Hurwitz
2:01 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
Thanks, Patrick. It clears up some questions, however, the quote seems to pertain mostly to outdoor signs. I wonder about indoor signs, posted on the front window or door, for example. Does that still require a permit? I also wonder if signs like those for charities, i.e., the Lion's Club and adverts for it's annual fair are an exception or if they, too, require permits.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
3:24 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
Kimberly,
Thousands of years ago a small Chinese boy made a snarky comment, "The Emperor has no clothes." He survived because of his innocence, his anonymity; an adult would have perished. It is still true today. Yours is a move to suppress - I know that you know that.
Satire is a better word than snarky. For those who paid attention in English class, a master literary figure described the difference between invective and satire:
“Yet there is still a vast difference betwixt the slovenly Butchering of a Man, and the fineness of a stroke that separates the Head from the Body, and leaves it standing in its place.” True Satire, John Dryden, 1693
Your humble servant,
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
3:43 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
Pat,
With your motivation and experience you should found the Acton Lost Pet League (ALPL). Acton pet owners could contribute a few bucks a month on a voluntary basis. Owners who figure their pet will never disappear can opt out and not be covered. The fees are used for:
24/7 toll free hotline with 24/7 owner notification of a sighting.
Print posters; interact with the town on where they go and when they come down.
Feeding/camera stations (hardware available from Cabela’s) and similar coordination with town on installation and removal.
Specialized tracking software – Google Earth is being used now to track pet sightings.
Website with details of the pet’s habits, likes and dislikes, search progress.
The ALPL handles the interaction with town officials which will become routine. Non-pet owners more concerned with schools, roads and public services are not burdened with an entitlement they derive no benefit from.
I’ve been reading about lost dogs. One study says less that sixteen percent find their way back to their owner. Most find new owners, go feral, or encounter the ravages of nature, the pound or the automobile tire. The ALPL could be the last bulwark.
Your father is trying to be constructive.
Your humble servant,
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
Patricia Panek
1:26 pm on Saturday, March 24, 2012
My father has been dead for 12 years, so I doubt he is weighing in on this issue. If it concerned property or income taxes, then maybe.
Here's a link you may find interesting. Others may, as well.
http://pupbuds.com/articles/1311/happy-ending-dog-missing-9-year Dogs are smart and resourceful ... don't count them out until they are too old to be alive anymore, or a body has been found. Otherwise, NEVER GIVE UP.
Patricia Panek
7:17 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
I don't usually like to respond to drivel, but because lost pets is an important issue, I must address some erroneous information given. A source was not cited, so I can't address my comments to that, but I can say that more than 1 in 6 lost dogs make it home again.
There is a group, made up of volunteers, who boasts of numbers far greater than one in six. Granite State Dog Recovery has received much acclaim in the past year for the large percentage of lost dogs they recover; some of whom have been missing for more than a year. GSDR can be found on the internet, and on Facebook. With their training and field experience, they offer stats particular to our area.
Today, many pets are microchipped, increasing the probability of an animal being returned. Dead or injured dogs, are usually picked up by Animal Control, or the Highway Dept, scanned and the owners notified.
Dogs don't just vanish. Most dogs that have gone missing are out there waiting to be found. I don't want to leave anyone who is missing a pet, or who may one day lose a pet, with the misconception that there is an 84% chance that their dog will be eaten by coyotes, killed by cars, or adopted out. These things do happen, but not as often as one might think.
Stay tuned for Bridgett's return and, in the meantime, please keep your eyes peeled. Bridgett and I need, and appreciate, your help. Thanks, Acton!
Pat Panek
Michael Berry
10:36 pm on Monday, March 26, 2012
I walk the Parker street area daily along with my dogs and have not encountered Bridgett, and will report any sightings. Best of luck, don't lose faith.
Patricia Panek
10:42 pm on Monday, March 26, 2012
Hi Michael,
Wow thanks for keeping an eye out for Bridgett. She is still in your area and was spotted, through binoculars, on Saturday. It is a very encouraging development. I am not about to give up. I know she is out there and that makes it impossible for me to quit. She has a FB page, if you're interested in following her that way. https://www.facebook.com/helpbringbridgetthome Great to have another set of eyes looking for her.
Pat