Adopting pets has become far too costly

To the editor:

Many pets at humane shelters are not adopted because of the outrageous costs. Over the years, I've befriended hundreds of dogs and cats, giving them food, shelter, love, attention and health care. But there was no money involved. We fed them scraps, let the sleep in the shed and provided beds of straw in the winter.

Today, you have to pay $60 to $80 to take an animal from a shelter -- an animal that will be killed if it isn't adopted. You have to have the animal neutered or spayed, which I support. You need leashes, pens, toys, food and water bowls, training and travel cages, tie-out chains, pet food, treats, shampoo, hair brushes, pooper-scooper, immunizations and sitters.

Vet bills are higher than they should be, but the biggest problem is the greed of the drug companies. They are making a handsome profit but aren't worried about being humane.

Don't come crying on my shoulder about the animals that are being killed in shelters. If you really care, figure out how to reduce costs. I know people who would like another pet but have been burned by the outrageous costs. Maybe we can't go back to the no-money days, but there ought to be a happy medium that allows people to be humane without having to spend their life's savings.

BARRY HORTON

East Prairie, Mo.