Letter - Make sure donations stay local

To the editor:

I’d like to reiterate based on the upcoming Lakes Area Humane Society’s Alexandria 5K/10K Run just how important it is to give local when it comes to supporting our nation’s homeless dogs and cats. [“Lakes Area Humane Society to host Alexandria 5K/10K Run,” August 29, 2012]

As a former director at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) for three years, and with 30-plus years in the sheltering community, I know a common misconception is that national animal groups are umbrella groups for pet shelters and spend most of their resources on helping care for these animals. After all, that’s what the commercials full of needy dogs and cats imply. However, HSUS isn’t affiliated with pet shelters and sends just 1 percent of the money it raises to pet shelters, according to its tax return.

Local shelters don’t just need money, they could also use supplies like dog or cat food and towels. Whatever animal lovers can give, they should make sure their donations are staying local if they want to help care for pets.

Diana Culp, director,

Humane Society for Shelter Pets

Frederick, MD

Tags: opinion, letters