LETTERS: BE KIND TO ANIMALS WEEK MAY 3-9

To the editor:

During 51 weeks of the year, you hear from us about the animals we can't find homes for, the animals that we heartbreakingly have to euthanize and the animals that we receive that are victims of abuse and violence. But during Be Kind to Animals Week, the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri joins a national effort to promote the companionship, friendship and love animals bring to our lives.

May 3-9 marks the 83rd annual Be Kind to Animals Week, the oldest week of its kind celebrated by animal shelters and humane societies throughout America. It's a time when we like to celebrate the good things we've accomplished for our animal friends.

In 1997, 142 volunteers in our community donated more than 10,000 hours for special events, special visits to nursing homes and the general care of the shelter animals. More than 1,200 families adopted dogs and cats from our shelter. Hundreds of area schoolchildren received humane education classes. And we spoke to more than 50 civic groups and reported nearly 100 cruelty cases.

As we begin this year's Be Kind to Animals Week celebration, we are further reminded of our responsibilities to our animal friends: that we need to spay an neuter dogs and cats, that some animals need us to provide care and companionship, and that other animals need us to respect and maintain their habitats.

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri thanks all those people who continuously show kindness to animals and, in spirit, celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week all year around.

CYNTHIA KOTHE, Program Coordinator

Humane Society of Southeast Missouri

Cape Girardeau