I wrote to all the Orange County legislators about the terrible crime against the two horses, Suzi and Whiskey, in the town of Wallkill. I guess you can tell who cares by who responds. The only three are: Dan Depew, R, of Pine Bush or District 18, Michael Amo, Independent, of District 1 and Frank Fanario of District 5. We thank them so much and will not forget.

* * * Halloween is almost upon us. What a fun and scary time it is. It would be my favorite holiday if not for my worry over certain animals. Cats, who were worshipped in Egypt at one time, can be victims on Mischief Night and Halloween. Not only cats, but some farm animals as well. Starting right now, bring in your cats and keep them in until the day after Halloween. Be sure you know where all your animals are and keep them protected until Sunday. Once again, keep that candy high up and out of the reach of your dog.

* * * All of us who share our homes with our beloved pets worry about the house smelling of them. This is inevitable no matter how much you clean. There are sprays, odor collectors; there are a great many devices to cut down on the smell, but the oils from their coats still penetrate carpets. I like to boil an apple with cinnamon and keep it on low when guests are coming and use those odor eating candles you can buy at the vet's office. If anyone has a new idea on keeping pet odors down, please email me at: loosly52@yahoo.com.

Still, to someone coming in from outside there can be a strong animal smell. If you live in the house with it all the time, one gets used to odors and can no longer smell anything. My cats go outside until the worst weather, so the litter pan is not a problem for me. Litter pans must be cleaned every day and bird cages need to be cleaned often. Birds pass waste all day long and no one can clean a bird cage every time the bird poops.

So now we have established that some smell will be there. I had someone remark on this and suggest I have my pets put to sleep. You can imagine my reaction. Are you nuts? Does anyone seriously think I would give up one of my angels for the sensitivities of some particular human? No way. I guess I just think this kind of attitude is petty and that the people who are critical are missing the point. The point is the companionship and fun of a family household pet is far more important than a pristine, sterile home. At least it is to me and my animal-loving pals. My house is very clean. It is cleaned every day, but that does not mean there will be no animal smell from the pets. So now it is up to other people whether my friendship is worth it. These pets needed my care and I can't help needing animals in my home anymore than some people want the latest entertainment equipment or new rugs or anything they like.

At one time I had a friend who had cats. A few times when I went to see her, it was obvious she had quite a few cats, but I adjusted after a few minutes. And it was not always that way anyway. The joy of her friendship meant so much more to me than a smell. What a loss for me if that had stopped me from visiting. Her attributes of kindness and happiness were contagious. I never got sick or cooties from any animals, but I have from people. Many homes without pets also have strange or freaky odors from cooking and who knows what. I have such a hard time understanding some folks' priorities. Oh, well, some people are materialistic and others treasure more spiritual things. I wouldn't care if no one wanted to visit me for the rest of my life. I would not remove my old dog before his time for any reason. But that's me.

* * * Speaking of my old boy, Jimbo, who will be 13 at Christmas, I wish I could stop time. I cannot believe it has zoomed by so quickly, when he was just a puppy last week, it seems. Here we are nearing the end of his sweet life and I am not ready. Wait! Wait a minute! I need to pet him some more; I need to rub his belly and see him smile a lot more and hear him snoring and hear his license jingling and his toenails clicking. I need to see his beautiful, brown eyes looking at me with trust and love. Wait! I need to make sure his water bowl is full and see him enjoy another bite of waffle. Wait a minute! But time just ignores me and laughs and moves on.