As a representative of BWS and an employee, I am going to ask that both sides of this issue take off the boxing gloves and step back for a sec...I have been asked to go over some things and I intend to do just that.

I've been a member here for almost as long as this site has been available. Here is what I have to say, and I would ask that each of you read what I post, and honor this request.

I've known Chatty thru the boards for a long time. She is a great animal lover, caregiver for the cast aways, and provider of shelter, food, and love for God's creatures. Thank God for people like her that love them so much, no matter what shape, size, or condition they are in. Given that, I do know her heart is in the right place with animal issues.

Hear me out.

While to an outsider (and I mean this in the kindest sense, such as a newbee), her initial post may have come across as generalizing and uncaring, and a tad harsh toward some Groomers of the world she has been in contact with. I truly, in my heart do not feel her intention was to label EVERY groomer as evil. I think her intention was to warn people to be cautious about certain kinds of dryers (caged?) and to please ask questions and investigate before leaving your beloved pet with strangers.

Please continue reading.

To a stranger her words may have seem sharp and maybe harsh. I can see that. She's very excitable where precious animals are concerned. Maybe she should have tempered it, maybe she should have explained better, but the bottom line is, and you can take this to the bank, she did not mean to insult the groomers of the world. I truly do not believe this. Chatty, if you did...say so NOW! And I will gladly eat crow. I've had it served every way possible, one more dish won't hurt me.

Thus the debate which has escalated and swords drawn.

I apologize to the groomers for having their professionalism and careers seemingly insulted. And I thank those have taken their time to come here and educate ALL of us. It has been an eye opener for me, and I for one appreciate the lessons about pet care. I'm not apologizing for Chatty. She will be the first to tell you she doesn't need me to speak for her.

And I'm also NOT taking sides. It's not a war. Besides, that isn't my mission or the mission of this site.

What I am doing is asking each of you to step back and know that everyone wants the same thing and it was just said differently, by each involved. We need to educate each other, thus no further misunderstandings will be in the way of ANY animal getting proper care. Isn't that the most important thing. Don't we all agree?

Now...if you've stayed with me this far, I thank you. But I have one more thing to say.

This site is for everyone. EVERY WOMAN THAT WANTS TO COME HERE. It's for sharing, caring, and encouraging. Not for bickering, fighting, and name calling.

I have the authority to delete this thread and I will if it continues down the path it has taken.

I welcome the women who have come here today and given valuable input. I do hope you'll stay, and I encourage you to do so, if for no other reason than to get to know everybody here. We are a really nice bunch of boomer women and there are so many animal lovers here, but I don't think I need to convince you of that...eh?

If I didn't believe what I've said, I would never have written it. I would have let you all have at it.

It's time for this thread to be creative...and that doesn't mean come up with new ways to insult one another. It means to apologize, shake hands (sort of) and start over.

Our mission statement is plain and it hasn't changed. We want healing, frienships, and love to be the only thing that gets passed around here.

If I have offended anyone...Chatty....or the groomers, I will gladly apologize and do so immediately.

We have one rule around here...it's Golden.

Nuff said.

JJ