Last week’s story on the Fayette County Animal Shelter (“Friends in Need”) couldn’t have been more accurate. I’ve had several occasions to need their help which I received with promptness, professionalism, and empathy.

Last February my husband picked up a stray pit bull near our home. After keeping him overnight, I knew that I had to turn him in to the shelter so that he had a chance to be reclaimed. Before leaving the house I called there and spoke with Donna, who was very kind, patient, and reassuring. I was concerned about the dog’s fate due to his breed, although I have to say he was the utmost gentleman while in our home.

Once at the shelter, the director Miguel Abi-Hassan gave me a tour. What a spotlessly clean, orderly, compassionate place I found it to be. One of the senior dogs even had a blanket, no doubt to help with her aging joints.

I left feeling that the stray dog I had brought in was in good hands. (Fortunately, there was a happy ending as he was reclaimed by his very worried and loving owners.)

Fayette County is lucky to have such a well-run shelter, one in which the public feels comfortable adopting and asking for help in addition to caring so well for the animals. I encourage anyone thinking of getting a dog or cat to take a look there first. You might even find a purebred if that’s what you want.

Remember, pet shop and Internet dogs are most likely the products of “puppy mills,” mass breeding operations that produce litter after litter of puppies in cramped, filthy conditions without regard for the health or welfare of the parents or the puppies.

Only you, the public, can put an end to the horror of puppy mills and reduce euthanasia rates in animal shelters by adopting instead of buying. Fayette County Animal Shelter would be a great place to get your next best friend.

Linda Conley

Tyrone, Ga.