I am writing to make other homeowners aware of a potential issue in our neighborhood. I live at the corner of Emerald Bay Lane and Pantina Way. I am not afraid to post my name and identify myself (plus my username is pretty obvious!). My husband, Nathan Baurley, is a board member. Recently, there has been some discontent over actions of the HOA and negative opinions of some of their actions or inactions.

Yesterday, our beloved family dog, Toby, a golden retriever, who many of the neighborhood kids and families would stop to play with, died as a result of poisoning. We do not keep poison at our home and shortly before his death, we found an empty rat poision container in our yard. We have children and have other neighborhood children that visit our family at our home. I would like to think that his death was accidental, but find it coincidental that it happened while some of the negative opinions of a few were flying around so heavily towards the HOA.

I write this in hopes that it can stop all of us to think about what values we have and what is right and wrong. Is it right to take such a harmful step in order to make ourselves feel like we made a point?

I enjoy so many of my neighbors, but find it so saddening that it is highly probable that someone took an intentional step to harm another living being, just because they may not like me or my family. Worse, that they took such a step, because they are upset with the HOA. When you stop and think about that, it seems quite silly.

I truly hope that our dog's death was accidental somehow, because having to watch our children cry their eyes out while they watched their dog die is not my idea of something that is funny or making a point.

If nothing else, please read this and think twice about things. We can all have our opinions and be upset, but address it like an adult.

I certainly would not wish what we went through yesterday and continue to go through on anyone and I surely hope that no one else in our neighborhood, or anyone for that matter, ever has to go through this as well.

Please, everyone, keep an eye not just on your children, but on your pets. You never know when unknown dangers can harm them.

Stay safe and let's all be neighborly to one another!

I am truly sorry for th loss of your pet. I do have a problem with the HOA. That is it, the HOA and not your pet. If I had a problem that required more measures than that in writing. I would be knocking on your door. We to have a pet and if I were to catch someone trying to harm him, lets put it this way. I value him as a family member and would protect him as such. If I were to catch anyone mistreating your pet, my pet or anyone elses in a threatening way, I would protect the pet. I will not let up on the HOA until things change. I am not a coward and what happenened was a cowardly act. Feel free to talk to me anytime you see me home. I am always open to talk.

I'm sorry for your family's loss. It's so hard for a kid when they lose their furry friends.

 

It seems to me that we have a problem with hooliganism in our community. I fear this is an escalation of the problem.

 

I appreciate the steps taken thus far by the HOA in adding street lighting and warning the neighborhood about street sign vandalism. The next step is to have an active neighborhood watch. Wish I could be of more help on that front - I haven't had the time to invest in keeping up. I know there are people out there ready to volunteer for the watch - I have supplies and I'm sure the HOA would be happy to hear from you if you want to take on this important task. In the meantime - keep an eye out and if it's suspicious, report it! Take notes. Take photos. 

 

I can remember when I was a kid, the parents of the neighborhood started a "billy club" patrol to stamp out a problem we were having with vandalism and violence. It worked, but I don't know if we could do the same nowadays. Some show of solidarity is in order, however. Maybe a neighborhood awareness walk?

I am so saddened by this terrible news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.