To the editor:

I sat in sadness at a recent community hearing, disheartened to watch a well-organized mob oppose an assistance-dog center proposed in their Stetson Ridge neighborhood.

Assistance Dogs trains retrievers to help people with disabilities, including cancer detection dogs, courthouse dogs, hospital dogs and much more. Remarkable work from an organization looking for a Bainbridge branch to better support Northwest families.

Community opposition was clear: “not in my neighborhood.” What wasn’t clear was what they were so frightened of. The plans for the 4.5-acre parcel call for a small residence and barn to provide advanced training to four adult dogs at a time, and training to those individuals fortunate to receive these free service dogs.

Although the proposal resembles a small family residence, the zoning allows for an educational facility in this area (Hyla is in this zone, as was a facility for people with disabilities long before Stetson Ridge).

Neighborhood opposition was aggressive. “No kennels here” said some, not realizing kennels aren’t used; dogs live in the residence. “No educational purpose” said others, not understanding this organization not only teaches dogs to perform daily miracles, but also teaches people how to live with their new companions.

Others complained of a 25-foot green belt bordering the property, paved parking area, interior fencing, or potential traffic (not applicable at this gated residence except two annual “graduations”).

Here’s the irony. Alternatively, this property could house four separate large residences, each with loud barking dogs in kennels, up to 20 rousing roosters, a multitude of teenagers,

25 foot of perimeter vegetation, paved parking, and unlimited interior fencing. Would that be more preferable to a single residence on 4.5 acres that you wouldn’t likely know was there but for an occasional scream of joy from a person meeting the animal that will change their life forever?

You can call me biased. I’m blessed with a lab (almost-service dog that didn’t make the final cut) that brings a smile to people on the island/ferry every day.

But no smile is bigger than the one I see on the face of a disabled teenage girl each week at Colman Dock, as my dog unabashedly runs to her with licks and kisses.

To see that smile from someone confined to a wheelchair and dialysis makes me truly understand how dogs can make us better humans, and how this organization is an absolute gift to Bainbridge Island.

PAUL ZUCKERMAN

Bainbridge Island