New decade, new dog
All of our dogs have been rescues, and for good reason. There are hundreds of thousands of dogs abandoned or put into shelters each year in the U.S.
Over 55% of those animals are euthanized because of a lack of adoptions, and they overwhelm the capacity of shelters or pet rescue groups to maintain them.
I don’t think we have been particularly lucky in that each of our rescues has made a wonderful, loving companion, a protector of the home. There are even rescue groups for purebreds, such as our English Springers.
Dogs are incredible animals and exhibit a loyalty and an intelligence that is astounding.
Yet, perusing the classified ads I was struck by the price that is demanded for some puppies — often crossbreeds that a few years ago would have been considered “mutts.” A goldendoodle? A schnoodle-poo? Springer doodle? One of the above, a breed only recently recognized by the American Kennel Association, had an asking price of $1,500.
While I hope every dog finds a home, it might be a great way to start the New Year, and a New Decade, by considering adopting; far cheaper and at the same time acquiring your new best friend.
Alan Miller, Eagan
Stop taxing retirement income
I agree with letter writers Liz Sampair, Ray Johnson, and B.H. Bentson (Dec. 15), that if Gov. Walz seriously wants to “help” and be “more friendly to seniors,” here’s what I think the governor must do:
A. Abolish the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging, as we don’t need another board, task force, focus group, or council, etc. regarding aging.
B. Stop taxing Social Security income and other forms of retirement income.
As we enter 2020, the state budget is forecasting a “surplus” of money. This is a good reason to use at least 25% of the budget surplus toward total tax-exemption of Social Security income and other forms of retirement income. For over 30 years, the state, and the federal government, have been financially abusing the elderly by taxing Social Security and retirement incomes. This is a malicious, unfriendly, hate crime against senior citizens.
Sue Shetka, St. Paul
