Spread the word - Citizens for the Pets in Condos
In order to be able to keep her pets, Maida Waldner Genser, the Founder and President of Citizens for Pets in Condos, had to confront the policy set by her condo board.
Spike & Priya | In June of 2004, Maida and her husband were notified that the cats were not permitted in their apartment. Maida was not prepared to accept that edict. Priya and Spike, rescue kittens that had traveled to Florida from Michigan, play a vital role in Maida's physical and emotional health. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety, her therapist had prescribed animal therapy companionship.
Maida become doggedly determined to reverse the board's policy. The first thing she did was gain a better understanding of the word. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, "policy" is: "A course of action, guiding principle, or procedure considered expedient, prudent, or advantageous: Honesty is the best policy."
There is a growing trend in the treatment of depression ¯ Animal Therapy. Countless studies have proven the medical benefits of pets. Many hospitals have even established therapy dog programs. Even workplaces have been acknowledging the need for individuals to be partnered 24/7 with their pet.
Pet therapy is not fluff. It is recognized in assisting in the treatment of autism, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and other medical conditions. Animal companionship aids those recovering from lung transplants, breast cancer, AIDS diagnosis and much more. Individuals stricken with debilitating emotional challenges now see four legs and a tail, as a symbol of hope, inspiration and motivation.
Maida was doing what was best for health when she acquired Priya and Spike. She had recently moved from Michigan after hip replacement surgery, cats and husband in tow. They found a wonderful condo in Florida, san stairs and with a more seasonable year-round climate. Life was good as she began a website dedicated to South Florida Vegan Events - http://www.soflavegevents.net/. She never expected or desired to become the Founder and President of Citizens for Pets in Condos.
"Your privacy is completely invaded by a board that many times has no real qualifications for making their determination. My therapist sent a letter on my behalf which the board then questioned for legitimacy. A psychologist that was a known spiritual leader interceded but that too, they overlooked. It wasn't until I obtained a letter from a certified psychiatrist that Priya - (which means favorite) and Spike - (meaning: "I'm a cat that acts like a little dog"), were able stretch out and realize that they too, were safe and at home with us.
"The elderly and lower income groups are the most impacted by pet policies setup by associations. They have few resources, are scared and threatened with eviction. My situation was taken care of. I knew my rights and was willing to fight for them.
"The goal of Citizens for Pets in Condos is to educate the public on the health benefits of animal companionship in order to increase acceptance of companion animals in common interest ownership communities. We believe that association rules should concentrate on irresponsible pet owners, allowing a win-win situation for responsible animal guardians and animals who would otherwise be needlessly euthanized. "
Citizen for Pets in Condos is compiling a growing list of success stories. They are also putting into effect a pawsitive attitude reflecting that the legal definition of disabilities includes both emotional as well as physical impairments. Their online petition encourages your signature supporting; "No governing documents shall prohibit an owner of a separate interest within a common interest development from keeping at least one pet within the common interest development subject to reasonable rules and regulations of the association."
No one should have to put up with what many of these individuals have had to undergo in order to maintain the sanity of their lives. In many cases pet owners simply can't afford to fight. This is where Maida's organization offers hope. Their petition drive aims to open the door to fairer legislation that allows animal companionship to exist within common interest
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Florida State
Rep. Julio Robaina | developments. They are not advocates for irresponsible pet owners. They see themselves as a helpful group that adds value to common interest ownership communities.
Florida State Representative Julio Robaina understands the importance of Citizens of Pets in Condos. When he learned how many people already signed the petition, he promised to work on this issue in the 2007 Florida legislative session. Let him know that you are behind his efforts and tell everyone you know to do the same. You can reach him in his Tallahassee office at (850)488-6506 or log onto www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representative and send him an email.
CONTACT INFORMATION: http://www.petsincondos.org/
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