I just got a letter from the zoning board :*(

[desertdarlene]

It sounds like a great letter! Not to nit-pick over spelling, but there were a few minor issues (breath and breathe for example). I have a feeling you were probably writing it really fast and we all make spelling mistakes. But, your letter comes across with sincerity. I think if you can back it up with something from a doctor or health professional in writing, that would be great, too.

 

[katharinad]

You just said ducks. I would call them "domestic non-flying ducks". The ordinance says non-domestic, but reality is the ducks we keep are domestic ducks. I think they are more concerned with people keeping predator type animals or monkey. You are getting my point. They are also concerned about the public health, but you have addressed that. I think you have a good chance of winning this. Don't forget to include documents showing her mental instability. I would point it out that she may be suicidal. Dark place it a little bit to vague. It is a good idea to ask them how you can comply with their rules regarding the structure, but you did that.

 

[dawnjoennikki98]

thanks everyone. Yes , I was not paying too much attention to spelling, I've now put it through spell check, and edited things myself. Thanks for the tips! I will change it to "domestic, non flying ducks" I am also meeting with Nikki's Dr. to talk about a letter and documentation from him. I don't know why, but I'm afraid to use the word suicidal...Even though that's exactly what she was. I am going back and forth about it.....Just to update you all, she is on medication now, prescribed by the new Doctor, and he also diagnosed her with Panic Disorder, and tic disorder. She still has panic attacks, but nothing now like it was, thank goodness. And going to be with the ducks helps distract her until it passes! Once I'm completely done with the letter, I'll post it again, thanks everyone. oh, and what do you think about including pictures? I'll try to post a couple. I was thinking, a few of her with the ducks as ducklings, and then current ones, of each duck with their name, or at least a couple of them.

Here's Daisy now

Mr. Quackers

The Gang

 

[Attila the Hen]

That was a great letter and your daughter and the ducks are beautiful. I was very moved by the picture of your daughter with her babies. I would include the picture of her and the ducks in their infant stage--not grown.
All the best. You are not alone.

 

[chicks4kids]

Very heartfelt and informative letter--Excellent job!!

You asked for suggestions so here's mine......instead of saying 8 eggs hatched (when talking about her getting the incubator) I would say 8 tiny ducklings hatched--make them more animal like rather than just calling them eggs. And in the last line when you say " I am willing to make any changes or accomodations needed to keep my little girl's best friends here with her. " Maybe this would work ... I am willing to make any changes to the duck house or to the run to make it more appealing to my surrounding neighbors. These ducks that my daughter has raised has given her a different outlook on life and for Nicole, these ducks have done something that her doctors and I could NOT do. They have given her a reason to wake up and make the day something that it never was before. I see her with a goal and ambition now and I could NOT imagine someone taking that away from her. Please, give her this.

Really jerk those tears in the end of the letter. Good luck!

 

[kmakids]

I would change this sentence:

4 months later, things are still the same, only the bond is much stronger now, and the ducks are much bigger

You don't want people envisioning huge ducks wandering around. Also I agree with only including the photo of your daughter with the baby ducks.

It's a great letter and I am hoping things go well!!!

 

[dawnjoennikki98]

Thanks everyone! Very good advice, I will only include the pictures of her with the ducklings, and change take out the "much bigger" part, kind of silly of me!!

 

[dawnjoennikki98]

oh, and I will change the wording at the end, thanks again

 

[TurtleFeathers]

I just skimmed over the responses, so I don't know if anyone pointed out the word "detrimental" in the first paragraph - thats the totally wrong word to use, and would imply that the ducks were *harming* her well being!!! Use something like "instrumental" or better yet, "integral" instead, and it will change the whole meaning!!!

 

[wildorchid053]

hmmmm i would talk to the news papers about your daughter and how they have helped save her life... would be a great family article. mention you have hatched the eggs and watched them from day one and it was love at first sight. play on the symapthy of others.. they stay only in your yard.. poop less, eat less, and are quiet from dusk to daylight unlike most other animals who bark and meow and roam the neighbor yards. plus you get the benefit of home grown organic eggs. get the green people involved too about how healthy it is and a good learning tool for your daughter to learn the responsibility that comes with caring for them... good luck and i hope you win...about the panic attacks .. they run in my family severly.. from grandmother to father down to my 9 yr old grandaughter.. we are all medicated and it has helped alot.. keep trying the meds till you get one or two combined to work for her.. they do drain all the well being out of you and make it hard to cope. and that only makes them more overpowering..i can see why she gets suicidal it is basically a downward spiral if you can't get them undercontrol with medication and therapy..eventually you will get the right meds to work positively and the mental help will give her a chance to deal and cope with them till they eventually fade away.. good luck and lots of hugs and prayers for your family