I’m so thankful for all the support that has been shown and provided for me during the past five months by all of the following: Island County Sheriff’s Office staff/guild; Island County Sheriff Mark Brown; I-COM dispatchers; Oak Harbor District Court staff; Island County prosecutors and staff; Coupeville Marshal Dave Penrod and staff; Island County commissioners John Dean, Helen Price-Johnson and Angie Homola; Director of General Services Betty Kemp and staff; Whidbey Island Animal Control assistant officers Peg Diefert and Nancy Moffitt; Camano Island Animal Control officers Jason and Dianna Young; Oak Harbor Animal Control Officer Terry Sampson; Whidbey News-Times Assistant Editor Jessie Stensland; Mike and Helen Mosbrooker; my other fellow county employees; Living Hope Foursquare Church pastors and friends; my mom and dad/family; the amazing “Live Strong Cancer Run” team of Capt. Mike Beech and volunteers; my awesome friends; and the citizens of Whidbey Island.

Last week I received the great news from my cardiologist that my heart has fully recovered, even while I am currently on chemo treatment. The cardiologist’s comments were my heart had remarkably improved, there is no evidence of any further damage, and there are no other medical issues or additional concerns at this time.

My last chemo treatment is Aug. 14. My oncologist has informed me the type of cancer I had will more than likely not return and my cancer markers are in the normal range. My final cancer surgery is scheduled for Sept. 2 and I will be a guest at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham for approximately seven days with recovery time approximately six-to-eight weeks.

I have recognized on several occasions the extra animal complaint calls that the deputies, ICOM dispatchers and Camano ACO have assisted with during my cancer treatments. Please accept my heartfelt thank you for all the financial assistance, prayers and work support I have received during the past five months.

Officer Carol Barnes

Whidbey Island Animal Control Officer