Don't forget value of rescue dogs

Twice in the past month or so, I have picked up dogs who were flown into the Chicago area by pilots from an organization called Pilots N Paws. These are sweet, wonderful dogs who were scheduled to be euthanized except for the fact that these pilots are willing to give of their time, using their own planes and paying for their fuel, to save their lives.

These dogs are now safe in a rescue situation where they are cared for and will be adopted out to loving families. Pilots N Paws is a not-for-profit organization that uses its Web site (pilotsnpaws.org) to contact others.

Pilots N Paws transported some 5,000 dogs and cats in the month of September. This organization of dedicated pilots should be recognized for what they do. They recognize the value of animals in our lives and work hard to make sure none of these animals are unnecessarily euthanized.

Anyone who might be thinking of getting a dog or cat, need only to go to a rescue group in the area. There are "breed specific" rescues, if you are looking for a particular breed and a surprising number of purebred dogs as well as many mixed breeds, (which also make wonderful pets) are in many of the other rescues, such as West suburban Humane Society in Downers Grove, Animal Rescue Foundation of Illinois in Glen Ellyn, The Buddy Foundation in Arlington Heights, Almost Home Foundation in Elk Grove Village, Naperville Humane Society in Naperville, Strays Halfway House in Schaumburg, to name but a very few.

Needless to say, there are also many wonderful animals at DuPage Animal Control in Wheaton. Please adopt a rescue animal rather than purchase from pet stores. He will be your friend, your defender, your best friend for all of his life.

Karen Schlabach

Glen Ellyn