Pet Party Line is a column written by Beth Byrd and is featured weekly in The Citizen News, one of our local newspapers.

"A Letter to the Editor from the State on Supporting Our Shelters"

The following is a reprint of a Letter to the Editor on July 27, 2007 from The State newspaper. It truly emphasizes the need for support of our shelters and homeless animals.

“As a reporter and news anchor, I’ve reported on many animal rescues and shelters in my time, but a recent one hit me hard. More than 60 abandoned animals were brought to PETS Inc. In West Columbia in horrible condition. One 18-pound dog was shaved, and to the volunteers’ surprise, they found it was an 8-pound poodle (10 extra pounds of matted fur!).

Most of the pets were adopted out, but only after intense work from the volunteers at the organization. They didn’t have to take this army of injured animals, but they did, and how the “healthy” have new homes. I applaud the efforts of PETS Inc. And what other shelters do as well.

It’s expensive, though, so when possible, we should help the shelters out, as everyday they take on more and more animals. We don’t have to adopt to help – monetary donations relieve the pressure as well.

One side note on abandoned animals, something I witnessed firsthand from animals in heartbreaking condition. You are virtually guaranteed the MOST LOVING ANIMAL if you adopt because they’ve LIVED A LIFE WITH LESS-THAN-WELCOME ATTENTION. So….when you give them attention, they let you know how much they appreciate it.”

Daniel Seamans,ABC Columbia News, Columbia, SC

Please post the following information where you can find it in case of a pet emergency:

If you are UNABLE to contact your regular veterinarian, please be advised there is St. Francis Animal Hospital, 2647 Perimeter Pwy., Augusta, GA 30909. The telephone number is (706) 860-6617. Go to their website www.sfah.net for directions.

If you live closer to Columbia, contact SC Veterinary Emergency Care at 132 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC 29210. Telephone: (803) 798-3837, www.scvec.com.

Both facilities are open 24 hours, and holidays.