Kids provide good example

To the editor:

Two of my granddaughters, Abby, 6, and Lilly, 3, became aware of the Jay County Humane Society through my volunteering there. When they visit, one of the fund things that we do is visit the shelter. Since family members have animal-related allergies, having a pet of their own is not possible, so visiting the shelter is something they really look forward to. And when they learn that an animal at the shelter has been adopted, especially when it has been there for a while as Nicholas and Leah were, there is so much joy at the news.

When Abby learned the shelter is having financial problems she became very concerned about the animals. Abby decided to donate spare change (thanks to mom and dad for their help) and since Lilly wants to do what Abby does and she also loves animals, she decided to help her sister. They also began saving coupons for food and aluminum cans. Lilly sold enough magazine subscriptions for her preschool fundraiser that she qualified for a prize. Her prize was $4, which she insisted go to the animal shelter. Since August they have donated close to $70.

There seems to be no end of worthwhile causes that need help from the people of Jay County. Families are struggling to feed and care for their children.

But as Abby has said, the animals need our help, too. They need food, shelter and someone to care for them.

So please, visit our bake sale we hold twice a year, or if you see our donation box at a store or a volunteer at a meet and great, please donate your spare change. It will be appreciated. Also, if you have ink and toner cartridges and aluminum cans, donation of these items are also appreciated as another source of income for the shelter. If children as young as 3 and 6 can come to the aid of the shelter, can't the people of Jay County do so, too?

Also, stop at our booth at a meet and greet and learn more about the Jay County Humane Society, fill out paperwork to become a member, a volunteer or a become a Second Chance sponsor. If you are strapped for time, take a form home with you and return it to the Humane Society at a later date. You can also check out the animals that are up for adoption.

Thank you,

Sharon Van Steenis,

member and volunteer,

Jay County Humane Society

Get involved

To the editor:

I recently read about an unspeakable tragedy that was just narrowly averted because of the courageous action of just one person.

Eight starving horses were wasting away in a field while their owners consistently failed to provide food, water or basic veterinary care.

The horses ate bark off of trees in a desperate attempt to stave off their hunger, but it wasn't enough - they were slowly dying.

Thankfully, a neighbor saw the horses suffering and decided she couldn't look the other way. She called a local veterinarian and that set the wheels in motion for a rescue operation to save the horses. Unfortunately, the rescue came too late for one, but the survivors are now thriving in their new environment.

It is disturbing and even heartbreaking when you witness an act of animal cruelty, but each of us has the power to put a stop to it. Anytime you suspect animal abuse, your first call should be to your local humane society, animal control or the police. Get them out there to investigate.

Whether it is a neighbor's pet being treated cruelly, cats and dogs at a local pet store, or animals at a breeding facility being kept in filthy, crowded conditions, if it is animal abuse, it's against the law.

I urge the citizens of this community to join with me and speak out against animal abuse wherever and whenever they see it. Innocent animals are depending on us to be their voice.

Sincerely,

Chester and Sheila Hopper

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