Dear Editor,
It is very sorrowful to think Allen County Animal Rescue Facility may close due to money problems without ever having explored other options.
I want to share with you information about another rural animal shelter located at Parsons.
Proud Animal Lovers Shelter (PALS) at Parsons is nothing short of amazing! Who are they?
They are a 501c3 non-profit organization. They are a no-kill shelter that is operated by an all-volunteer staff. No animals are ever euthanized due to lack of space or to make room for a more desirable adoptable animal. The only exceptions are for the catastrophically ill that no longer have quality of life or if the animal poses a threat to public safety. They never discriminate on the basis of health, age or breed type. They shelter stray, orphaned and unwanted animals in the community and provide any medical treatment the animal needs. All animals reside at the shelter for as long as necessary until a suitable forever home is found.
PALS is not funded by any federal, state or city moneys. They rely solely on donations from the public and from grants they apply for. They also are continuously developing partnerships with local vets and other businesses/organizations to support the operations of the shelter. It is very costly to maintain the shelter with the cost of utilities, maintenance, food, medicine and veterinary care. Monetary donations are especially needed. People can even designate how they would like their donation used whether it is for heart worm treatments, food, medication, building repairs, etc. None of the donations are used for salaries as they have no paid employees or staff. They accept all forms of donations, cash or by credit card, food, cleaning supplies, etc.
The above information is included on the PALS website.
PALS tries to restrict the number of animals they accept for shelter. The smaller capacity is an intentional decision made to ensure the operation of the shelter will be sustainable for the long term, and that quality care is provided for the animals.
I realize what works for one shelter may not work for another, but I would hate to see ACARF close its doors without exhausting all possible alternatives.
There is a lot of competition among non-profit organizations applying for limited grants/subsidies.
It is vital any organization demonstrate sound fiscal management, make responsible choices for expenditures/operations, utilize volunteer work programs and provide community services/education, if they are going to seek public or private financial support.
Animals should not be euthanized for space.
ACARF like PALS is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Their records are open for public scrutiny.
Jeri Ornelas Jones
Iola, Kan.
Dear Editor,
It would be such a pity to make those high paid space personnel to work and sweat a little doing something useful for mankind. Men in the flesh were not designed to live anywhere but on planet Earth.
Wising up and preparing for God’s work in the resurrection is beyond man’s imagination or intelligence to do what he is intended to do. It’s a lot more ego building to waste miserable ignorant taxpayers’ sweat and energy.
This is in response to the TV discussion about more space travels.
I suggest space travels won’t be so costly in the resurrection.
George Goltry,
Humboldt, Kan.
