On The Issues

It's raining cats and dogs at the St. Louis County Council!

While our abandoned furry friends do not deserve to be the butt of jokes at the County Council, that's exactly how they are treated. Maria remembers when a Republican councilman suggested she go to work at the County Animal shelter. He said that in front of Maria's political opponent for the County Council and together, the two, laughed the joke away. Bewildered, Maria thought the joke was not funny. Three years later, Maria knows abused animals still do not have a voice at the County Council. And she plans to change that.

"It's easy to brush off a tasteless joke, but when it comes to domestic animals, there is no stronger advocate for stray and abused animals than Maria Chappelle-Nadal," said Bea Johnson. "Nineteen dogs were euthanized because this County Council still makes animals the butt of all jokes. They are not taking their jobs seriously," she continued.

Maria has long been an advocate for animals. As a state senator, she held doggy ice cream socials to raise funds for a local shelter. In fact, as an elected official, Maria was one of a few legislators that would take her furry buddies to work in Jefferson City. Since childhood, Maria has endured a disability, a permanent condition that can only be managed. Because her family has always had pets, including chickens, Maria understands how helpful they can be in getting daily activities completed and in challenging moments. That is why Maria adopted her pets from the Humane Society of Missouri.

When Gigi was adopted, she was only a year and a half, but already had four owners. No one wanted Gigi because she has anxiety and excitable urination. Maria was Gigi's fifth owner. She said, "it is no problem that Gigi has preconditions. Don't we all?" Gigi, since being trained, has few accidents and wears doggy pampers when needed.

Milo Chappelle-Nadal

Everyone has a foster failure, right? That's Milo. Maria fostered Milo for a few months as a volunteer for the Humane Society of Missouri. He had heartworms and needed extra special attention. Months went by. Three surgeries later, Milo and Maria had bonded. Perhaps it was the homemade meals that caused Milo to warm up to Maria. And, perhaps it was all the kisses from Milo that caused Maria to adopt him. Today, Milo has gained the appropriate weight needed as a former stray dog. Milo found his forever home.

Maria's opponent once wrote in an official email that an emotional support animal (ESA) was not allowed to bark while in a government building. Maria threatened a lawsuit against this governmental entity for abridging federal laws that protect citizens with disabilities (ADA). All pets have the potential of safely accompanying citizens with disabilities.

For several years, the St. Louis County animal shelter has been the worst performing division in the County Health department, which is governed by the policies of the St. Louis County Council. The state had to warn the County its accreditation to operate an animal shelter could be terminated.

As a Councilwoman, Maria will ensure pet adoption costs are affordable for residents seeking to adopt a pet. Maria will always treat ESAs (and their humans) with the gentleness and respect they deserve.

It's dog-tastic when every animal finds a permanent home and a purpose!