Kathy Bandak
Dear Editor,
I am an Equine Studies major and I was outraged to read Marion Kimble’s front-page article regarding our equine center used for evacuee horses from the recent fires. I was a volunteer and I can tell you we are not ill-prepared for the task. Why the bad press? The city workers and volunteers were not prepared and we had to wait on them to complete their paperwork before we could admit any horses. We were flooded with animals from several local barns and ranches and had over 140 animals there when we could no longer accept any more.
Linda Howell and Paddy Warner worked tirelessly throughout the day and night. They have done may past evacuations at Pierce College and deserve your respect and support, neither which your article offered.
Your quote about the young girl who left in tears because “they don’t even cover them” referring to the horses may tear at heartstrings, but it has no consequence with life of death. This is an evacuation, not a hotel service. We don’t evacuate to a Red Cross evacuation site and then complain about not having room service! Pierce College is here to open our doors for a temporary safe haven. These horses have fresh water, feed and shavings put in their stalls as well as ’round-the-clock supervision.
Finally, your article mentioned Caitlin Steimle, a volunteer with Boots and Saddles Club and made her out to sound like an idiot. Caitlin is a very accomplished horsewoman and owner. She has worked other evacuations in the past and knows exactly how to behave around horses, and “dancing” around them she doesn’t.
It is very sad that our own school can not support us in our efforts and hard work of the staff, students and volunteers during these firestorms. But we know that the horses and owners that came under our care do.
Regards,
Kathy Bandak