Heartbroken Woman Speaks Out After Stray Golden Retriever Killed
What began as a compassionate effort to rescue a stray dog in Wisconsin turned into a deeply traumatic event for Shelby Krohn, a devoted pet lover from Waupun. Shelby recently came across a lonely golden retriever wandering in a field in the Town of Chester. Hoping to reunite the dog with his family or get him the care he needed, she offered him water and set out to do the right thing. Instead, the situation ended in a shocking and heart-wrenching tragedy.
After contacting the local Humane Society for guidance, Shelby was advised to bring the dog to the town board chairman of Chester, Richard Van Buren, citing jurisdictional reasons. Trusting the advice, Shelby drove to Van Buren’s property, expecting the dog—whom she later lovingly named “Goldy”—would be taken in safely. What occurred next shattered her trust and spirit.
According to Shelby, the town official’s response was aggressive and violent. “I had tears streaming down my face as he ripped the dog, that innocent soul, out of my car and was choking it in the air,” she recalled. “This man charged my car, yelled at the dog, turned his leash into a noose, and choked him.”
Goldy, who had displayed calmness and trust throughout the ordeal, was met with inexplicable cruelty. The incident left Shelby emotionally shattered. “I’ll never emotionally recover. I didn’t just lose a dog—I lost trust in the people who are supposed to help when we do the right thing,” she said.
Her neighbor, Karen Mohr, stood by her with unwavering support. “She loves dogs. I cannot believe this happened to her. He needs to be held accountable,” Karen shared.
“I just want his responsibility taken away,” Shelby said, joining many Waupun residents in calling for Richard Van Buren’s removal from his public role.
The community was further outraged when news broke that Van Buren had been arrested shortly after the event. He was booked into the Dodge County Jail under a charge of animal mistreatment. An investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is currently underway, and Van Buren awaits his initial court appearance.
The Dodge County Humane Society issued a strong condemnation of the act, describing it as a violation of the values they strive to uphold. “This tragic act stands in direct opposition to the values of compassion, responsibility, and care that we strive to uphold,” stated the organization. They also emphasized the urgent need for improved education in humane treatment and accountability—especially for those in positions of authority and responsibility.
Goldy’s story has become a tragic symbol of both human failure and the need for systemic change in how animals are treated, particularly by those entrusted with their welfare. Shelby, known in her community as a “golden mama,” continues to hold on to the memory of Goldy. She believes telling his story is necessary for healing and change.
- Van Buren has been charged and is awaiting legal proceedings
- Waupun residents are rallying for his removal from public office
- The Dodge County Humane Society is calling for reforms
- Goldy’s story highlights a failure in animal welfare systems
What was meant to be a simple act of kindness ended in sorrow, bringing forth questions about accountability, compassion, and the responsibility of those in power. For Shelby and her community, the fight for justice—for Goldy and for all animals—has only just begun.
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