I want to thank the Humane Society of the United States for rescuing 4,000 beagles who were being kept in deplorable conditions at a breeding facility for medical research. Thanks also to the Butler County Humane Society and other local shelters who took in some of these beagles.

I am writing to ask everyone to support your local shelter or rescue group by adopting, fostering, donating or volunteering. Shelters could not take in unwanted animals if people were not adopting.

It really is irritating when someone who bought a pure breed dog from a breeder complains about adoption or surrender fees or euthanasia, which sometimes has to happen. Shelter work is very hard, and running a shelter is expensive. They need your support.

Charlotte Grimme,

Connoquenessing Township

Western Pennsylvania director, Humane Pa.