My opinions are only mine and have only a lifetime's worth of experience behind them. Saying that, much of life's wisdom comes from seeing what works and what doesn't. I am telling you this because the following information might draw some criticism.

I believe the reason my many, many pets usually lived to be 18 to 19 for cats and 15 to 17 for dogs was the fact that I only got them puppy and kitten shots, a rabies shot every three years, and that was it. I also let all my cats go outside and not a one had a blocked bladder (I am talking 25 neutered male cats). I never bathed a cat in his life, gave few dog baths, I do not do dental, but I do give marrow bones. Of course, when they had an eye injury or Lyme's disease, I had them treated. I do use heartworm pills and frontline on them for fleas. It has not caused any disease that I know of. I also was once told by a veterinarian that a pet only needs one distemper shot in his lifetime. He had no reason not to tell me the truth. I truly understand a vet's feeling of obligation to offer the latest and best medicine for the animals. I also expect a veterinarian to respect the wishes of the guardian of the pet and to take into account the cost of things. Lyme's disease can be cured with doxycycline in a short time, but could return. So why have a vaccine that may or may not work for something that has a cure? A parvo shot for young animals and for the elderly pet or those who meet up with lots of other dogs would be important, but in our case, my dogs never meet any more than two dogs in our neighborhood. I believe in heartworm meds because treating heartworm is expensive and tricky. I have known many dogs who did have heartworm disease so I know the meds are necessary. Nature has given all us amazing abilities to repair and fight disease; animals who are well-fed, exercise a lot, had puppy or kitten shots, should be able to live a long and healthy life.

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I was watching The Office on NBC last week and a New York State Lottery ad came on. It looked cute, with puppies, kittens, and a piglet dressed in pajamas, sleeping. All of a sudden, the roof caves in and the animals are startled awake. I do not know if the roof part was put in last without the animals, but something startled them out of a sound sleep and it was horrible. I wrote to PETA, NBC, and the NY Lottery to complain. If you see that ad you might want to do the same.

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All the area shelters are wonderful, but this week I am featuring some information from The Walden Humane Society, Albany Post Road, Walden.

Join the ranks of some wonderful people who volunteer their time and services to help make the residents of our shelter content until new loving homes are found. There is always something to do: grooming, bathing, socializing, walking. If you don't wish to work directly with the animals, there are other options that help the animals.

Assist in fundraising events such as yard sales, penny socials, car show and more. Monetary donations in any denomination are gladly accepted. Mail your donation to HSW-Fundraising, PO Box 135, Walden, NY 12586.

Children under 16 can participate as volunteers by holding fundraising events on their own, such as collecting deposit cans, pennies for puppies, dollars for doggies, cash for cats, and doing pledges.

Donations needed: cat litter, cleaning supplies, cat and dog food both dry and canned, paper towels, laundry detergent, towels, linens, garden hoses, pet toys, treats and accessories, and more.

If Walden is too far, you can always contact the Sullivan County SPCA in Rock Hill, Middletown Humane in Fair Oaks, or Ulster County SPCA in Kingston.