Consider taking in a shelter pet

I would like to commend John and Jeanette Andrews on their letter concerning animal welfare. The animals who lose their homes are the most innocent of creatures. They don't understand why their loving home is no longer and they are put into a cage and their family isn't there to comfort them. The excuse, people use are sometimes hard to believe. Pets do not need commercial pet food, much of which is very unhealthy for them in the first place. Read the labels sometime. Meat byproducts can and sometimes does include roadkill. They need nutritious meals and can share what their family eats, with some exceptions, of course. No grapes, raisins, chocolate to name a few. As far as veterinary care, many of the vaccinations they get are also not necessary. There are many studies going on which are now proving that over-vaccinating pets are causing autoimmune diseases. Immunity lasts longer than previously thought and some veterinarians are inoculating for diseases that are practically nonexistent. That would save money. Read "The Nature of Animal Healing" by Martin Goldstein, DVM. This book teaches about diet, holistic treatment, dangers of over vaccinating and many other things that responsible pet owners should read. Please make every effort to keep your pet. Do not desert these precious animals. The shelters are filled to overflowing. For those who can find room in their hearts to take in a sweet shelter animal and give them a loving "forever" home at this time of year, please do. Save a life.

Karen Schlabach

Glen Ellyn