I saw on TV where Albert Lea collected $16,000 in a day for the Fourth of July fireworks. That’s quite a goal. I know my great-grandkids will enjoy it immensely as they do every year.

I pondered the question: Why can’t we do this for the Humane Society that is struggling so hard to raise money for a shelter? It would be a shame if it does not reach its goal to match the $150,000 put forth by the anonymous, generous person who also feels we need a shelter.

We need this shelter desperately. Many people cannot foster animals but would be willing to donate their time at shelter.

I read the Hometown Forum in last Thursday’s paper about the couple that found the cats and kittens stuffed in a cage and left in a ditch to die. It made me sick to my stomach! Do these people not know animals have feelings? This type of person needs to be known and made to pay for his or her crime. And, yes, it is a crime!

Do they treat their children like that or more important what kind of message does this send to children?

Thank goodness there are kind people like the ones who found them and gave them care. I salute them!

When my children were young, they brought me every kind of bird, turtle, rabbit, cats, etc., that were in need of help.

I was very proud of my children, and although they are grown with children and grandchildren of their own, they still have that compassion for nature and animals.

I think as a community we need to get behind the Humane Society and push for a shelter.

I know several good people have donated time and money for this projecect but maybe if we tried, we could push them over the top. Let’s try!

Dorothy Boettcher

Albert Lea