Rescuing Unwanted Dog Heartbreaking

Recently one of our beloved dogs died, and because we believe the best memorial is to give equal love to another, we had no doubt about what to do.

But then came real heartbreak--choosing from the hundreds of beautiful little animals awaiting rescue.

Caring local organizations (Animal Regulation, Humane Animal Rescue Team, Humane League, Humane Society, Spay-neuter Animal Network and many breed-rescue groups) are all on overload with unwanted dogs and puppies resulting from mindless breeding by irresponsible owners.

Perhaps even more pathetic than the new puppies which have as yet known no human bonding are the grown dogs handed in by people they have learned to trust. So often these sad unwanteds are the result of the free-puppy syndrome--casually acquired and equally casually disposed of.

So what can we all do to help? A great deal really. Maybe join one of the local societies dedicated to stopping the pet population explosion; certainly never buy puppies from pet stores which obtain them from infamous puppy mills; or, best of all, take a dog or another dog into your heart and home--just for the joy of it. Purebreds or beautiful originals--so many are waiting for you.

ELISABETH ARVIN

Ojai