Puppies shouldn't be raffled off at fundraisers

Regarding the boxed photo and caption "Love at first sight" in the Aug. 10 Thousand Oak Acorn, shame on the irresponsible breeder who allowed the 10-week-old Maltese named Sweet Charity to be donated at a live auction for either cash or a tax write off. A live auction is no place for a 10-week-old puppy, who was undoubtedly traumatized by such an ordeal.

Responsible breeders are members of AKC chapters and these clubs have strict code of ethics for their member breeders, including the mandate to contract directly with the new owner.

All pets that will not be shown for conformation at AKC shows are subject to spay/neuter contracts and must be returned to the responsible breeder in the event the pet does not "work out" in the new home. These rules prevent the pet from procreating and contributing to the current pet overpopulation crisis and this also ensures the pet has a true "forever" home and does not end up the ward of a government shelter or private rescue organization.

Many times during my work with rescue groups, we have had to take in the long-time companion pets of seniors forced to move into

a senior or nursing facility because many of these establishments forbid pets. The seniors are distraught.

Sweet Charity and the senior citizen beneficiaries of the auction would have been better served if the breeder was truly benevolent and donated the pup as a companion to the seniors. Then she could have spent auction night in the much quieter environment of the senior hospice. Studies show that residents in senior facilities live longer and are happier if they are allowed to keep pets.

Maybe the senior center at issue will allow the "winner" of Sweet Charity to demonstrate true generosity and donate her to the residents at their facility as a loving companion. Rebecca E. Arvizu Agoura Hills