To the Editor:

Recently a litter of six puppies were found at a rural Howard County farm while the property owners were on vacation. The caretaker of the farm found the pups and notified PAWS, as the caretaker was then headed out of town herself and could not continue to care for them. A volunteer for PAWS has generously agreed to foster all six puppies and PAWS will pay for their care and attempt to find homes for them. The irresponsible act of dumping these pups and putting the burden of their care on someone else could have been avoided had the owner of the pup’s parents been spayed and neutered. Spay and neuter surgeries at The Spay Neuter Project in Columbia cost $95-$135 depending on size of the dog and required vaccinations (less for cats). PAWS and Howard County Veterinary Services offer a $30 discount for spay/neuters, just ask for the PAWS discount when you call to schedule. Responsible pet ownership means prioritizing spay/neuter and vaccinations to keep pets healthy and unwanted animals off the streets and prevents them from becoming burdens on owners and others. If you are interested in fostering or adopting any of these puppies, please visit the PAWS facebook page (@PAWSFAYETTE). PAWS provides food, crates, beds, and veterinary care for approved fosters.

Pet Adoption and Welfare Service Board