Petition to Save Sysko: A Call for Justice and Compassion

The Issue
We, the undersigned, urgently request the officials of Columbia County, FL, to reconsider the "dangerous dog" designation given to Sysko, a loyal and loving family dog who was only acting in defense of his elderly owner. Sysko’s family has already paid over $2,200 in fines, fees, and property modifications to comply with all legal requirements. However, despite their efforts to do the right thing, they continue to suffer from relentless harassment at the hands of one neighbor, whose actions have caused undue emotional and financial strain on the family.

Incident Background: The event that led to the "dangerous dog" designation occurred on Sysko's family property, when Sysko's elderly owner, Ms. Durham, was approached aggressively by a neighboring dog. Sysko reacted instinctively, protecting his family member. His actions were those of a devoted and protective companion, not an aggressor. Unfortunately, despite the clear context of the situation, Sysko’s family has been unfairly penalized.

The Harassment:

Since the incident, Sysko’s family has been subjected to a pattern of harassment by Sue Sommer, the neighbor involved in the incident. Ms. Sommer has made verbal threats, trespassed on the family’s property, and spread harmful and false rumors about Sysko and his family. She has caused significant emotional distress, including making threats of violence and threatening harm to Sysko. Ms. Sommer’s actions have gone beyond simple disagreements; they have become a campaign of intimidation that has deeply affected the well-being of Sysko’s family, particularly an elderly woman with dementia who relies on Sysko for companionship and stability.

The impact of this constant harassment cannot be overstated. Sysko’s family feels unsafe in their own home, and the emotional toll has been immense. The family has complied with every legal requirement and gone to great lengths to maintain peace. Yet, they continue to suffer at the hands of Ms. Sommer’s unrelenting behavior.



Our Request: We believe that Sysko’s actions were in defense of his family, and that his "dangerous dog" designation is not only unjust but harmful. The harassment directed at Sysko’s family by Sue Sommer has only added to the already significant emotional and financial burden they have faced. We respectfully ask the authorities to reconsider the “dangerous dog” designation and take immediate action to stop the harassment, which has gone on long enough.

How You Can Help

Sign this petition to show your support for Sysko and his family.
Contact the authorities via email to voice your concerns:

Here's a draft of an email template that people can easily use to contact the authorities:


Subject: Request for Reconsideration of Dangerous Dog Classification for Sysko

Dear [Official's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you regarding the case of Sysko, a beloved family dog who was recently designated as a "dangerous dog" following an incident where he acted protectively towards his elderly owner, Ms. Durham. I urge you to reconsider this designation and address the ongoing harassment that Sysko's family has been subjected to, particularly from their neighbor, Sue Sommer.

Sysko’s actions were in defense of his family, and it is clear that his behavior was driven by natural protective instincts, not aggression. Despite this, Sysko’s family has complied with all legal requirements, spending over $2,200 on fines, property modifications, and compliance measures. Unfortunately, they continue to face harassment from Sue Sommer, who has made verbal threats, trespassed on their property, and engaged in a campaign of intimidation that has caused severe emotional distress to the family.

I respectfully request that you take the following actions:

1. Reconsider the dangerous dog classification of Sysko in light of the context surrounding the incident.

2. Address the harassment and intimidation being carried out by Sue Sommer to provide Sysko’s family with the peace and safety they deserve.

This situation has had a significant emotional and financial toll on Sysko's family, and I ask for your compassion in helping to resolve this matter fairly.

Thank you for your time and attention to this important issue. I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information (Optional)]

County Commissioners:

1. Ronald Williams (District 1): ron_williams@columbiacountyfla.com
2. Rocky Ford (District 2): rford@columbiacountyfla.com
3. Robby Hollingsworth (District 3): rhollingsworth@columbiafla.com
4. Everett Phillips (District 4): ephillips@columbiacountyfla.com
5. Tim Murphy (District 5): tmurphy@columbiacountyfla.com

3. Share this petition on social media and with friends to help raise awareness and bring an end to the harassment.

Call to Action: Please join us in supporting Sysko and his family by contacting the following officials and urging them to take action to protect Sysko, end the harassment, and reverse the dangerous dog designation.

Joel Foreman, Columbia County Attorney
Email: jforeman@columbiacountyfla.com
Mail: PO Box 550, Lake City, FL 32056

James M. Swisher, Jr., Clerk of Circuit Court (Case #122024001552)
Phone: (386) 758-1342
Mail: 173 NE Hernando Avenue, Lake City, FL 32055

Assistant County Manager, Kevin Kirby
Email: kevin_kirby@columbiacountyfla.com
Mail: P.O. Box 1529, Lake City, FL 32056-1529
We urge you to take action, show compassion, and help us bring justice to Sysko and his family. No family should have to endure this level of harassment and fear simply for having a loyal dog. Please stand with us in supporting Sysko, whose only crime was protecting his family.

#SaveOurSysko