Shelter needs help

To the Editor, The Pike County Humane Society will be forced to shut its doors in just four months unless the community rallies to its rescue. Closing down could mean death for dozens of rescued, abused, abandoned, and adoptable animals in its dedicated care--and the community will lose a valuable public service. Hard hit this year by decreasing private donations and increasing fuel and operating costs, while receiving only limited contributions from local governments, the Humane Society is able to survive principally through donations from members and friends. Without the shelter, who would perform these duties that benefit both pets and people? It cares for pets owned by neighbors in the military, in the hospital, the elderly, the disabled, and victims of flood and domestic violence. It takes in stray animals off the streets. It transports pets of the elderly and disabled to the veterinarian, and rescues and cares for animals that are lost, abused or abandoned--and finds them good homes. It provides low-cost spaying and neutering, assists in suspected rabies cases, and helps police prosecute animal abusers. As the population grows in Pike County, so does the need for the Humane Society’s services. While the Humane Society operates in all 13 Townships, only four of them, plus the Commissioners and the State, provide any funding. Of the four, Milford Township and Milford Borough contribute the least, only a very small amount. Veterinary care alone costs more than $20,000 per year. I think Pike’s animal lovers will want to fight to keep the shelter in operation. Please contact your Township today and ask for additional financial assistance. (Visit www.pikepa/townships/htm for contact information.) Let’s help make it a true Thanksgiving for the animals this year by enabling them to continue a good quality of life. And we will know that someone caring will be there the next time a vulnerable pet or pet owner needs help. We will all benefit! Please help in any way you can. Sincerely, Joan Eve Quinn Friend of the Pike County Humane Society