Editor, Times-Union: I have written letters before in support of our local animal shelter, the Animal Welfare League, in Warsaw because I love animals. Here are a few thoughts I want to share. First of all, the shelter is raising money to expand the building and services. Have you been in there in awhile? If you have not, you will see that while many great changes have been made, the space is very cramped to visit the animals. The facts are these: the large dogs have a nice-sized pen, but still not huge. The little dogs have some space, but not a whole lot. And the cats resort to using their small litter pans to sleep in because there just is no room to really stretch if you know cats by nature. Other county shelters have actual open cat rooms for multiple cats to co-exist and play – even outdoor runs attached to dog and cat kennel rooms. I know the shelter staff members do the best they can, but the needed expansion will really give the animals relief from some really cramped, stressful conditions. Please take some time this Christmas and donate some money from your Christmas bonuses to the AWL to help them super improve their facility. If God has super blessed you this year, or in general wealth, please help them. Talk to your family and see what toys can be done without this year to know that an animal will have the best home possible during their stay and their wait for a forever home. Many current animals have been there for a really long time. Call the shelter about the donations they might need to care for the animals. Also, unless you research ahead of time which animals you are interested in, you will need to plan to stay for awhile to get the animal relaxed. All the barking dogs, while annoying and loud, is really them trying to tell you “Hey look at me, don’t discount me, I might be your perfect pet, give me a chance, please!” They might have just one chance to make themselves known and they will talk to you as they dance and jump. As I walked down the aisles during my recent visit to the shelter, I tried to give each animal some love. I pray for the day that no animals are in the shelter and that they are all in loving forever homes. Sure times and circumstances change, it happens. If you have to surrender your animal, please take a few minutes somehow, and tell them about your pets’ history and personality so they will go to the best home possible. Dropping off a pet to avoid the $25 does not help the pet, and leaves the shelter staff frustrated. Thank you and God bless you AWL Warsaw for doing such a great job with the limited resources you have. May the expansion come quickly! Jennifer Blair Warsaw, via email
