To the editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to North Carolina for taking care of misplaced animals. About a month ago, we lost one of our dogs due to a sudden death at the age of five years old. This was a very traumatic event for my husband and me, as well as our 11-month-old puppy who became very depressed at not having a playmate anymore.

After a lot of research, I was able to find A Shelter Friend in North Carolina. I learned that it rescues dogs from another shelter in North Carolina and started my search for a new puppy.

The people at A Shelter Friend were very easy to deal with, polite, and friendly. I explained to them what kind of dog I was looking for and they were able to match my needs perfectly.

On July 4, 2008, we were introduced to our new member of our family, "Lucky." Lucky is a six- to eight-month-old hound mix from North Carolina. He had been left behind by his former family and ended up at a shelter. Thanks to the work of A Shelter Friend and all who volunteer their time, we were able to rescue him.

He is a very loving and well-behaved puppy that did not ask or deserve to be left behind and end up at a shelter.

Without A Shelter Friend, he would have never found my family. The transporter and other volunteers we dealt with showed the utmost concern for the well-being of Lucky and what my family’s needs are. It is not often that you find people who are as caring and loving to animals as these people were.

If we are ever looking for another animal I will be certain to turn to them for my needs.

Jennifer C. Gerrity

Ansonia, Conn.