Re: Most animals aren't sheltered for long, and Disposable society, disposable pets, letters, Sept. 11.
The Pinellas Animal Partners Coalition has been working together for more than 10 years to provide humane solutions for homeless animals in our county. There appears to be some misconception about the vital role our local animal shelters play. Here are the facts.
Pinellas County's adoption statistics exceed the national average in the number of pets adopted and have shown a 36 percent increase over the past 10 years. Last year almost 11,000 dogs and cats were adopted from local shelters, and we are working hard to increase that number. We hope that anyone who wants a new pet will visit their local shelter, where there are hundreds of wonderful pets waiting for new homes. Rest assured that you can make that visit without being afraid that you will be pressured into adopting an unsuitable pet because it is going to be euthanized.
Over the past 10 years, despite an increase in the number of animals admitted to shelters, the number of animals euthanized has decreased by 10 percent. The vast majority of animals euthanized in shelters are either sick and suffering, injured, have costly medical problems or their temperament makes them too dangerous to adopt to an unsuspecting family.
Pet over-population continues to be a problem, especially for cats and kittens. There has been a 62 percent increase in the number of animals spayed and neutered in the past 10 years. Last year almost 10,000 animals were spayed and neutered through shelter programs and promotions alone.
There are comprehensive and affordable spay/neuter services available for all pet owners. We strongly urge pet owners to take advantage of these services because spaying and neutering actually improve the pet's health, eliminate unwanted behaviors and help to reduce pet over population.
The good news is that Pinellas County shelters are headed in the right direction and making progress. The bad news is that there are still way too many animals coming into our shelters. Our goal is to make every effort possible to place all adoptable pets in good homes, but that goal cannot be achieved overnight - it is a journey. We urge anyone interested in helping to achieve that goal to contact his or her local shelter and volunteer to be part of the solution!
-- Dr. Richard Brutus, veterinarian
Chair, Pinellas Animal Partners
Try taking the long way home from the Woodlands theater
Re: Drivers waiting to see the light at theater, story, Sept. 14.
The latest buzz word, or buzz term, is to "think outside the box." Perhaps we should say the solution for the traffic problem near the AMC Woodlands 20 theater in Oldsmar is to think outside the parking lot.
Would it be too radical to suggest that all persons who live west of AMC 20 might exit the parking lot with a right-hand turn onto Curlew Road and those who live to the east exit with a right-hand turn onto Tampa Road?
The quick retort will explain this routing is the long way home. So, what is more important, 10 minutes, your car or your life? You do the math.
-- Arnold C. Jones, Dunedin
Former mayor exemplified kindness and wisdom
There is a void in the Epiphany City. Our ex-mayor, George P. Psaras, passed away, leaving us with a feeling of sadness as well as a feeling of enrichment for having known him.
Even when Mr. Psaras was not active as a public servant, he was aware of everything going on in this city. George was an integral citizen. He was never short of opinions or advice, but he would listen to others - not necessarily agreeing, but nonetheless listening!
I knew him in the capacities of lifelong family friend, public servant, fellow employee, pharmacist and friend. In every capacity, he was consistent. He was honest. He was a thinker. He was an adviser. He was a listener. Many a time I would express an opinion to him, to which he would reply, "Listen, this is how it is. . ." and would proceed to explain to me a more well thought-out version of the subject, so I usually ended up asking his advice instead.
George touched many people's lives whether as family, friend, public servant or pharmacist. We owe him our respect and gratitude. George P. Psaras will be sorely missed. Long live the Epiphany City!
-- Lisa Malamatos Benitez, Tarpon Springs
Test scores should be sole factor in choosing employees
Re: The white race is the one discriminated against today, letter, Sept. 15.
My hat is off to letter writer Sylvia Campbell for having the fortitude and courage to finally say what I suspect has been foremost in any American's mind, be they black, white, Hispanic or purple polka-dotted. The best man with the best test scores gets the job - period.
Then we might as well include drafting more diverse players in sports. Ooops, they want the best players. I thought that would also apply to firefighters, police, doctors - whomever. Right?
You want to see discrimination? Ask a single white female with children how she feels.
Kudos, Ms. Campbell. You communicated my thoughts perfectly!
-- Judith W. Douglas, Seminole
Your voice counts
We invite readers to write letters for publication. Address them to Letters to the Editor, the Times, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Or you may fax them to 727 445-4119, or e-mail tonpletters@sptimes.com E-mail letters must be text only and cannot include attachments.
Letters should be brief and must include the writer's name, city of residence, mailing address and phone number. Addresses and phone numbers will not be published.
Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length. We regret that not all letters can be printed.
