Editor, Gazette-Journal:
We would like to respond to Wanda Fary’s Oct. 27th letter regarding pet spay/neuter and euthanasia. We agree with her, that for the pet owner, spay/neuter is the place to start for helping with pet over-population. We are very fortunate to have an excellent, low-cost spay/neuter clinic in White Marsh operated by the Animal Resource Foundation (ARF) (www.arfva.org), as well as other fine veterinarians.
We disagree, however, with Ms. Fary’s position on euthanasia for long-term kennel residents. Death is forever … there is a better way. In this community we have a volunteer group whose mission is to give every dog a chance. This group works with Gloucester, Mathews, and Middlesex dogs at the Humane Society and at the county animal control shelters. Many of these dogs have medical and behavioral issues; some have anxiety related to kennel confinement or minimal human interaction. The volunteers spend hours calming, walking, socializing, and bathing them. These volunteers also transport many dogs to rescue facilities located in areas where there is a shortage of adoptable dogs. It is very rewarding and gratifying to later learn that these dogs, many initially considered not adoptable, are living comfortably and happily in their new homes.
No dog should be "kenneled 24/7 with very limited one-to-one interaction with humans and other animals." But, euthanizing these dogs is not acceptable. There is a better way. There is no need to euthanize any dog unless it is viciously aggressive or suffering from a terminal illness. There is a better way. Lack-of-space is not an acceptable excuse. We know this community has the resources and personal resolve to help every dog that becomes a resident of our shelters. The Humane Society directors and staff, the ARF staff, Animal Control, the volunteers, and you can make this happen.
Individually, you can make a difference:
1. Become an active Humane Society volunteer and work with the animals.
2. Participate in the new "Dog for a Day" program at the Humane Society.
3. Donate money to the Humane Society specifically for heartworm treatment and/or spaying and neutering. The sooner these issues are addressed; the sooner animals can be adopted or transported to rescue facilities.
4. Become a foster parent. Being in homes works wonders for animals and helps relieve facility overcrowding.
Overall, please continue to generously support the Humane Society, ARF, and other local animal welfare organizations with your time and your financial and material contributions.
"Our greatness as a nation and our moral progress can be measured by the way we treat our animals." —Mahatma Gandhi
Donna and Richard Browder
Port Haywood, Va.