LETTER to the EDITOR

Florida Weekly Editor:

The plight of dogs and cats in shelters it such a tragedy (Buying time, Nov. 1). It is so disturbing to read/or hear about their situation.

I read your paper's article and it is so sad and I just wanted to share my opinion. I called about a male Chihuahua who was on the lost and found site. He isn't available for adoption yet since they have to wait for the owner should they show up. The person I spoke to didn't take my name or seemed interested in finding out information in regards to adopting their animals to people who couldn't physically come in. They don't take credit cards (I would have sent a check) etc. She did say I could call back should the animal become available and talk to someone else about their policies.

I can understand if this place was a "no kill" shelter and was looking out for the best interest of the animals they have. I can see why meeting people in person and paying in person etc is important. Unfortunately, this place euthanizes more animals then they adopt out according to the article I read. I was moved by their plight and over the last couple of years I have adopted 2 dogs from another Rescue Group and 1 dog from a shelter. I thought maybe I could adopt one more. I always adopt from a shelter or adopt a stray dog. I don't go to breeders to find a dog. There are just too many homeless dogs in shelters or dropped off/abandoned in the countryside to fend for themselves. I would adopt a poor homeless cat if we weren't so allergic. The homeless cats plight seems even worse then the homeless dogs plight. Because I can't adopt a cat, I donate money/items for yard sales etc to help them out.

The shelter that I am a "travel companion" for has a wonderful program and several sister cities they work with that take the dogs into foster homes until they can find homes for them. They work with volunteers that are flying to different cities on vacation or business that are willing to accompany the dog on their flight. The shelter pays the airfare for the dog through donations and fundraisers so they have a chance of finding a home in a less saturated area. When you reach your destination the Rescue group is there waiting to pick the dog up at the airport. I wonder if people even realize that they can participate in these programs if the shelter is participating with other Rescues in different cities. If you are traveling to that particular city it really isn't that much work to bring a dog along with you. Bringing dogs in the cargo hold of a plane is a little more tricky since it is based on weather conditions/ time of year (too hot or too cold for the animal to travel safely).

I just wanted to offer my opinion since I was very discouraged from even trying to attempt to adopt from this shelter. I don't live in Florida and was willing to pay airfare for a dog if the shelter could find a travel companion coming to Boston.

Leslie McShane Mendon Massachusetts

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