Fine pet facility deserves support

The front page of the March 28 paper catapulted into my heart. Many nonprofit organizations struggle with funding, but the Animal Shelter on Camano Island is particularly vulnerable because it is located in a rural area. As a result, there are not the multiplicity of major business or industrial sectors from which to draw some support as would be the case were this shelter in a major city.

Both my husband and myself were involved in various animal welfare activities in Florida, our previous home, and I can assure you that most shelters are dreary, dismal, smelly and horrifically sad places. The contrast between what we were used to and the extraordinary level of care given to the animals at the Camano Animal Shelter is stunning. The cleanliness, superb care of all the animals, the commitment and devotion shown daily by their small staff and cadre of volunteers should really be a model for the country. For this, every person who has ever lost their pet and found him or her at the Camano Animal Shelter can be truly grateful.

With your article, my hope is that the greater community (beyond Camano Island) will respond by giving generously so that this lovely, important safeguard may continue to serve as a true sanctuary for the many animals that come through its doors each year.

And finally, most important, a great thank you to The Herald for putting this story “front and center.” So often, with the ever-expanding and seemingly overwhelming stream of onerous global news, it is easy to forget the “small” matters here at home. Please accept every bark and meow due to the reporter who wrote this fine report and for a newspaper that cared enough to give it the attention it deserves.

Patricia Bloom

Camano Island