Dear Editor:

I am one of the concerned animal lovers in Douglas. I have noticed several dozen stray dogs running around the streets of Douglas and I believe it's turning into a big problem. I'm not going to sugarcoat it at all, people need to stop thinking they are the only ones on terra firma mat count and raise animal awareness.

I never even knew that Douglas had an animal shelter until a few months ago. That's how much people don't care and it hurts. I have been to the shelter first-hand and it is on the verge of collapse. We had gone to get the beautiful pet of the week, Daisy and the shelter broke my heart in two. The kennels in the back are so full of dogs, that when you walk inside, you almost get knocked over by their barking, there are that many dogs. There were very little, but very pretty cats. One of them was an adorable white and she was just a kitten: People just bring in animals and never bring any out. It has brought the many problems of the shelter into much-needed light.

I propose strongly that we should raise shelter awareness. All dogs should be spayed/neutered and should have all their shots. Daisy had nothing. Not even parvo shots. She is related to our dog, Copper. She was even, in fact, going to have puppies. I don't know how that happened, but it was really bad. And they say they are accepting volunteers to help.

The kind counter-man, Hector, says, "We really need help. We have so many lovable dogs, and none of them have good homes. And people only see us as a kill shelter. We need to change that" They don't even have enough to give dogs vaccinations or to spay and neuter. It needs to stand out, not blend in.

The shelter is in desperate need of funding, repairs, paint and willing hands. I propose that we organize a fundraiser, not a teeny-weeny fundraiser, but a nice big one. We can bring out all the dogs (from the shelter) for fresh air, bring the cats in portable kennels so people can be aware. Admission will be $1.50 per person. Dogs get in FREE! It would be located at the 8th Street Park, right beside the Armory in the soccer fields. Additionally, we can hold a BBQ for dogs and people, with hamburgers, chips, soda and hot-dogs. We can have games, like Frisbee, fetch, or just running around with the dogs. The dogs will be available for adoption at the fundraiser. It will be called "Pet Perks”.

I know I'm not the only concerned person in Douglas, so find the kindness in your hearts, and support my ideas. Make life better for people and animals.

Sincerely yours,

Alexandra Baker