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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Emergency services Since You Asked: Fracking and the LNG pipeline UPDATED: Body found in Greensprings area is Klamath Falls fugitive Mail Tribune online access is free this weekend Record low snowpack worries irrigators and resorts Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Emergency services UPDATED: Body found in Greensprings area is Klamath Falls fugitive Former Klamath County District Attorney Ed Caleb dies Man who allegedly almost robbed Purple Parrot returns Medford burglary nets guns, electronics and cash Politics and Elections Amid rising scrutiny, governor says fiancee won't have role in administration Ashland aims for diversity, but numbers show shortfall Kent Bush: The keys to decoding the State of the Union address Oregon Legislature convenes, session starts Feb. 12 Education Parent files discrimination complaint against Ashland schools Some gains, some losses Medford reconsiders full-day kindergarten State boosts class time expectation A wealth of experience Environment Commissioners won't object to BLM road closures Mt. 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Live Music in Local Clubs Terrapin Flyer plays Historic Ashland Armory Eric Johnson and Mike Stern at The Rogue Theatre Alcyon Massive and Frankie Hernandez play acoustic at Howiee's Comedian Susan Westenhoefer pulls no punches Theater Classics, premiers highlight '15 season for OSF Randall Theatre presents playwright Charles Ludlam's comedy "The Mystery of Irma Vep" Roy Orbison tribute hits high note Thanks for the Memories Theatre presents 'Cardenio' Thanks for the Memories Theatre presents 'Rent' Music Jesse Cook plays the Craterian Theater Shybo Torres plays South Stage Cellars Here it is! Live Music in Local Clubs Terrapin Flyer plays Historic Ashland Armory Trio Valtorna plays SOU Music Hall Community Events Comedian Susan Westenhoefer pulls no punches Paula Poundstone performs at the Craterian Len Dickson's 'Fall Harvest' to grace Belle Fiore wine label A look at the life and vision of Martin Luther King Jr. Ty Barnett and Ian Harris are 'Divided' Dining Sandwiches and burgers are hits at The Rogue Chef The Vine offers a taste of Italy Cheeseburgers on the cheap Valley View — It's all in the family Patty Groth's Morning Glory is still a delight Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obituaries Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Magazines & Special Sections NEWS NOW UPDATED: Body found in Greensprings area is Klamath Falls fugitive ... Record low snowpack worries irrigators and resorts ... Amid rising scrutiny, governor says fiancee won't have role in administration ... UPDATED: Body found in Greensprings area is Klamath Falls fugitive ... Record low snowpack worries irrigators and resorts ... Amid rising scrutiny, governor says fiancee won't have role in administration ... GRANTS PASS Dog's death spurs protest Comment By Jeff Duewel Grants Pass Daily Courier MailTribune.com By Jeff Duewel Grants Pass Daily Courier Posted Jan. 27, 2015 @ 4:24 pm By Jeff Duewel Grants Pass Daily Courier Posted Jan. 27, 2015 @ 4:24 pm » Social News The euthanization of a dog that had willing adopters drew a protest in front of the Josephine County Courthouse Monday, with protesters holding signs with variations of "Save Riley." Riley went down Friday at Josephine County's animal shelter in Merlin, which typically has to euthanize more than 500 dogs a year. More than 700 dogs are adopted out to good homes in an average year. The border collie mix was unfit for adoption because it had heartworm, was too old and had shown aggressive behavior, according to a memo from Josephine County Commissioner Cherryl Walker. She wrote the memo Monday because of all the attention the dog's plight was receiving. Still, some remain outraged that a dog that wouldn't have cost the county a dime to adopt out ended up dead. "I wrote it on my sign," said Rosie Minatree-Richter, one of the protesters, whose numbers were fewer than 10. "Riley had people who cared about her, but it didn't matter. "Heartworm is treatable. It's not pleasant, but it's treatable. Public Health just didn't listen." Charlyn Witcher, of the Grants Pass area, organized the protest even before she found out Monday that the dog was dead. "I had four families lined up to adopt that dog," Witcher said. "Diane Hoover made up every excuse she could find for that dog to not be adopted." Hoover is the director of the Josephine County Health Department, which supervises the county-operated animal shelter. She said it all came down to a veterinarian's opinion on what was best for the dog. "I don't feel like overriding a vet's recommendation, when he's a licensed professional," Hoover said. The vet estimated Riley to be at least 8 years old and the dog was flea- and tick-ridden, evidence of lack of care. But Witcher maintained Riley's situation should have resulted in a different outcome. The dog was found around Christmas north of Merlin on Interstate 5, an area frequented by transients. A family kept the dog for three weeks, and displayed photographs and fliers to find the owner, with no luck. Witcher said she was in contact with the family, and the dog played with their children and other dogs, and didn't chase the chickens or the cats. But the dog ran off Jan. 10 and ended up at the shelter, Witcher said. There, it had to stay for at least three days in case an owner showed up to claim it. Then it was there a few more days waiting for a veterinary exam. The memo from Walker mentioned fleas and ticks, evidence of lack of care, which Witcher conceded was true but should be expected when an animal is found along the freeway. Witcher said an animal control officer told her the dog bared its teeth at the shelter. Despite Witcher's persistence, the animal was euthanized. She said while the heartworm treatment could be fatal to an older dog , and expensive, she saw no reason why the county couldn't take a chance. "We had people volunteering to help with the cost, and we had an adopter," she said. "It was an easy solution." By Jeff Duewel Grants Pass Daily Courier MailTribune.com By Jeff Duewel Grants Pass Daily Courier Posted Jan. 27, 2015 @ 4:24 pm » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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