From Roger Smith

Our "Duchess", Rebecca Apponey, faces a life-changing turn of events.  It began last week when she was out for an hour of shopping at a church clothing sale.  Upon her return, she found the Humane Society confiscating the 14 dogs in her care, her mobile home taped shut with "red tag" signs forbidding occupancy, and hostile police who placed her under arrest for animal cruelty.  She knew at once this came from a shrewish neighbor woman down the street, but the moment went against her.  She was taken down, charged, and given a court date for September 27th.  She was released on her own recognizance, since, as her friends all know, she has no record.   The City has condemned her mobile home and it will be demolished.  She plans to move into a converted garage out back.  She told me there has always been an abundance of food for her animals, and people constantly bring her donations, including cases of bottled water.  The animals, dogs and cats, are sheltered from the heat and cold, and given their veterinary care by volunteers, who know her kennel is a last resort for unwanted pets.  She makes no secret of being 74, and what is happening to her now is having a telling effect, which I heard in her voice.    Duchess wanted her friends on this blog to know the story, but made a repeated point of not asking for money.   But the time is certainly now for good showfolks to send her the deeply needed encouraging word.  She is off-line, so her snail mail address is: 2702 Roosevelt Avenue, Granite City, IL 62040-1929.    The phone number I use to reach her is:  (618) 210-4188.  This is our chance to show The Duchess that we're all keeping it in Center Ring. Roger Smith