If You Feel Strongly, Then Volunteer

Dear Editor,
    Re: “Safety Net or Dead End?” [News, Feb. 18]: I have been volunteering at "Town Lake" Animal Center with my daughter since the moment she became old enough to do so (13 years with a parent). We have not been the most reliable volunteers – sometimes her school/sports or my work obligations get in the way – but Joanna Johnson (the volunteer coordinator) has always greeted us with open arms. She does a terrific job! Yes, the training is long, but you need to have it to properly care for the animals and represent the shelter.
    My daughter loves to teach the dogs tricks, as she is convinced that dogs who know "sit," "down," or agility exercises will have a better chance of being adopted. We are never exposed to the euthanasia aspect of Town Lake, so no one should let a fear of that deter them from volunteering! In my opinion, if you feel strongly that Austin should be a "no-kill" city, then you should be helping out – either at TLAC or one of the other rescue operations! Working together, we can make it happen.