Dear Editor:

I am writing to bring public attention to an ongoing and discriminatory issue regarding mail delivery at my address. 

For some time now, the local post office has refused to deliver our mail, claiming that our dogs — who are securely contained and have never escaped — pose a “safety hazard” simply because they bark to loudly. The mail man himself stated to our maintenance man that he didn’t want to walk down the ally to our mail box.  

Despite my best efforts to cooperate, the Postmaster has been entirely unwilling to find a middle ground. I have already moved my fence once 4 years ago specifically to accommodate the carrier. I have also offered to keep my dogs inside during the hours the mail is delivered, yet this compromise was rejected. 

Instead, the post office insists I move my mailbox, which is physically impossible for our property layout.

To make matters worse, my mail is now being marked as “Customer Requested Hold.” This is a blatant falsehood; I never requested a hold. Because of this, I am forced to travel to the post office and present ID just to receive my letters.

This is not merely an inconvenience—  it is a matter of accessibility. I am legally blind, and the homeowner, which is my mother, is completely blind. Forcing two residents with significant visual impairments to navigate the logistics of getting to the post office for everyday mail is unfair and ignores our rights under the law.

We have tried to be good neighbors and responsible pet owners, but the Postmaster’s refusal to work with us has crossed the line. We deserve the same reliable service as every other taxpayer in this community.

Lisa Flippo

Cassville