Published: October 21, 2009 07:05 pm      

LETTERS: Oct. 22, 2009

Animal Control offers advice on lost pets



The staff of the New Albany Animal Shelter and the members of the oversight Board —the Animal Control Authority — want Sharon Daniel to know that we are happy that her two beagles were found safe and sound. Every one of us is an animal lover with pets of our own. We certainly empathize with Ms. Daniel, and anyone whose beloved pet is lost. Every day, the shelter staff deals with lost pets, homeless strays, and animals in distress. It puts a strain on them physically and emotionally.

We regret that Ms. Daniel’s encounter with the animal shelter was less than satisfactory. However, a telephone inquiry is typically not enough information for the staff to accurately confirm whether a specific dog has been turned in to the shelter. We usually have dozens of dogs of all breeds.

To avoid mis-identification, our policy is to have the owner come to the shelter and personally look for their pet. If the dog is not there, the owner can fill out a missing dog report, and post a notice and picture on the shelter bulletin board. The staff also informs the person of the

Tribune’s policy for a free “lost pet” ad, and advises the owner to visit the shelter daily until the pet is found.

The Animal Control Authority invites public input at the start of each monthly meeting. This gives members of the community a chance to be heard, and gives us an opportunity to explain our shelter policies and, we hope, to offer solutions to problems.

The meetings are held at the shelter, 215 West Market St., at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month.

— Ruthanne Wolfe, New Albany Floyd County Animal Control Authority





Take a walk to help fight breast cancer



When I heard the words “breast cancer” from my doctor in 2001, my heart dropped. I was in total shock, and truthfully, my feelings were hurt! Eventually I found encouragement through the American Cancer Society and the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, an inspirational 5K walk in our community and others throughout the country, to help raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer and save lives.

What’s ironic is that I had joined the Making Strides walk two years prior to my diagnosis. The company I work for, Lear Corp., had started a team in 1998. I became a part of the team in 1999. Prior to my diagnosis, I was walking for females everywhere. However, in 2001 I had a double purpose for collecting funds and walking! Through my participation, I have met dozens of other breast cancer survivors in all stages of their journey.

I personally benefited from monies raised through the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides walk. Funds from the walk went towards development of Tamoxifen, a cancer-preventive drug. After my surgery, instead of the standard chemotherapy and/or radiation, I was on Tamoxifen for five years.

I am blessed to be one of the survivors, and I walk because I want to live in a world with less breast cancer, more hope and more birthdays. Already 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in America today will celebrate another birthday this year. Imagine what we could do together to fight for even more!

On Sunday, Oct. 25, I plan to walk beside my family, friends, co-workers and fellow survivors at the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Waterfront Park in Downtown Louisville. Cancer does not go away in tough economic times, and the money raised will save lives by helping people stay, get well, find cures and fight back against breast cancer. I urge everyone to join our community as we make strides toward a future where breast cancer never steals another year from anyone’s life. To get involved or for more information,

call 502-584-WALK or visit http://makingstrides.ac

sevents.org/louisville.

I want to be a part of the bridge that will allow other survivors to cross over — into the “land of hope!”

— Liz Fulton, Louisville