Letters to the Editors

Other animals need good homes, too

Re: A new way to roll over, Feb. 5.

I'm thrilled that Handy, the puppy born without front legs, has been adopted and fitted with a mobility device. But people should be equally enthusiastic and concerned about the (literally) hundreds of healthy, nonhandicapped animals that are just begging to be adopted and are euthanized every day because there are no adoptive homes for them.

I am from up North and have been enjoying Florida for the winter months for many years. I have no wish to alienate anyone, but I have noticed that many Florida residents are extremely irresponsible when it comes to their animals. Florida seems to be the dumping ground for animals, cats in particular, for the entire South.

When an animal, wild or tame, is hit by a car here, the carcass is left in the road until the turkey vultures polish it off or it becomes part of the pavement. It's time to be more responsible and adopt, spay, neuter, vaccinate and be more caring toward the animals already in shelters and in need of good homes.
-- Pat Lowden, New Port Richey

Kudos to those who helped Handy

Re: A new way to roll over.

Every day when you pick up the paper, it's new turmoil, tragedy, grief and sorrow.

Thank goodness for your follow-up on the puppy Handy. Kudos to Steve Foss. Kudos to Bill Hancock. Kudos also to the original owners for giving Handy a chance at life. The look of love and trust on Handy's face, with his new "wheels," makes up for any inconvenience for having been born with only two legs. Steve Foss is right: Handy is not a throwaway.
-- Barbara J. Lam, St. Petersburg

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