Pets

Siwsan is sort of our DU example of stepping up to the plate and we all enjoy the stories and pics of what she does, keeping in mind of course that we wish for and need more Siwsans in other areas. I know she acts as an example of what can be done because I've seen more and more posts about others reaching out similarly on behalf of animals.

In my area, we have an excellent network of TSN organizations and we also have a municipal animal rescue department, which gets cats and any other loose animals into a no-kill shelter. Of course this comes with a price tag: my property taxes are around $16,700, but I'm going to be getting some off in a year or two. (Democratic Gov. Murphy and our Democratic legislature granted a senior relief act and I'm going to qualify, I think). Our town even funds health services to immigrants without health insurance. Not unlimited, but blood tests, that sort of thing. I must admit that the higher taxes are well worth it to me, because I get upset at the sight of an animal without a home. We don't see anything like that in my town.

My brother does this type of thing. He, like Siwsan, is in an area where there is no taxpayer funded organization or even volunteer group to help. There is a loose-knit group of people who pitch in when needed, with all types of tasks from food to short-term housing, help with adoption, etc. My brother funds spay and neuter procedures with the local vet.

So that's my ad hoc definition and if anyone wants to add or take away, please do.

Yeah, and don't even ask: of course he's in a republican area that doesn't believe in taxpayer funded functions on behalf of animals.