Forum, Dec. 30: Your donations can help rescued dogs stay rescued

The families and their children who have fostered and loved the dogs recently rescued from a puppy mill by Vermont State Police and local humane societies have been ordered to send the dogs back to the breeder. This is devastating news. Thousands of dollars have been spent on medical attention, food and supplies, which will not be reimbursed to the families or the rescue organizations under the ruling.

We’re pleading for your help. Consider a contribution to help the families purchase these dogs, rather than return them. As frustrating as this is, it’s the only way to ensure the dogs will remain in homes where there’s mutual love. They were being sold for $1,000, cash. The families and humane organizations that took in these dogs did so out of compassion and empathy, knowing it was the right thing to do, but it has cost them significantly. The goal is to raise $20,000, which may be conservative when costs are tallied. Donations are tax deductible, and all funds will be used to help assure the dogs are not returned to a place likely no better than that from which they were rescued.

Vermont Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society has a designated fund for this effort. Gifts are tax deductible. Checks can be mailed to: VVSA, PO Box 100, Bridgewater, VT 05034. Please note “German shepherd rescue” on the check.

In the true spirit of the season, thank you in advance. Know that it will be one of the most appreciated gifts one can receive, for both two-legged and four-legged family members.

Remember: Before purchasing an animal, be sure the breeder is legitimate. Websites are often glorified advertisements and do not reflect the reality of the situation. Consider adopting from an established animal shelter. These animals long for a loving family.

SUE SKASKIW

Bridgewater

The writer is executive director of Vermont Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society.

In my opinion, the four Republicans on the New Hampshire Executive Council have violated the establishment clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. To say that they voted to deny funding to Planned Parenthood and two other family planning health clinics on partisan lines does not explain what their real intent was. They denied families contraception and low-cost health care by allowing their zealous religious beliefs against abortion influence state policy decisions.

In Grafton County, the District 1 executive councilor is Joe Kenney. He put his faith before the health of thousands of people who rely on these clinics. This is a despicable use of his power.

SHARON RACUSIN

Hanover

President Joe Biden is a wrecking ball, leader of the “America Last” movement, and a puppet of the Great Reset global agenda. They call this Build Back Better, which, I suppose, means that everything is to be destroyed in order to build it back; undoubtedly different, but doubtfully for the better.

Whether it’s immigration, supply chain, domestic energy, foreign policy, education, employment, military, urban crime, the budget, illegal and immoral mandates — I believe the man represents the subversion of virtually every American interest. It looks to me like an all-out war on freedom, sanity, security and social order. His approval rating hasn’t declined to zero yet, but one has to wonder just why that is. There will be a gigantic political backlash against this controlled demolition.

NEIL MELIMENT

Hartland

Forum contributor William A. Wittik’s claim (“Going ‘woke’ comes with costs real and moral,” Dec. 23) that the Titanic’s band played Nearer, My God, To Thee as the boat sank is, if not apocryphal, at least the subject of debate.

THEODORE POGACAR

Thetford Center

The Upper Valley had several towns that held holiday light competitions with prizes for the winners through a voting system. I just want to say that any household or business that added holiday lights for the competition (or not) are all winners!

All of the lights, from Claremont to Hartland, from Windsor to Wilder to Randolph, brought cheer and joy to so many, especially in this anxious and troubled time we are all in. I just want to thank all of the holiday light display “extraordinaires” for the extra efforts to bring merriment to our communities. It was very much appreciated.

ROBIN BURDETTE

White River Junction