Pets are good for so many things in our lives. They give love, they're funny, and they force us to exercise. I try to get plenty of exercise, but sometimes if the weather is bad enough I have to stay in. Even though I am inside, the pets still keep me moving. Getting up 15 times a day to let someone in or out or to feed, clean the litter pan, fill the water bowl, pick up the dishes, and wash them are some ways to work out. When you just feel like being a couch potato, try what I do. You sit in the chair, call the dog over and make her stand between your ankles. Then you rub up and down her sides with your feet. She likes it and you burn calories by moving your legs without having to break a sweat. I call it the dogomatic. For a wrist workout, put a cat on your lap and stroke the cat's head and shoulders. I call this the catatonic. You can take a snack break and watch TV or read, all from your chair. Everyone is happy. * * *

The Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption shelter on Route 209, Accord, is sponsoring their place for a low-cost spay/neuter van. It is such a help for the community. All of the members of the shelters and rescue organizations should be applauded, and of course everyone who ever donated for it. I'm going to be taking a black and white, stray male cat over there soon. He is not my cat (YET), but I feel that we all can help out these strays, by at least getting them spayed/neutered and a rabies shot. I hope the clinic marks an ear or something so that the cats will not be needlessly caught again for an operation he already had. You must make an appointment and have your money ready. The prices are: $50 for a cat spay or neuter, $100 to neuter a dog and $150 to spay a female dog. You can also get their rabies shots at the same time. This is so important that I believe the state, county, and towns should have a fund for this. It is for the health and well-being of even those who do not have pets. To make an appointment call 845-687-7619. They will tell you how to prepare and when to drop off and pick up. The shelter is also providing pet food for those who are in dire need of it. If you don't have a car, the folks there will arrange for a way to get your pet there and back. One further comment from me is that almost anyone can save up the money for this pet care, if you stop buying lottery tickets, pack a lunch or give up cigarettes, at least for awhile.

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I have been upset by something for a long time, but worry that it will be misunderstood. So here goes. Before you condemn me, please think carefully about this. I do not approve of No-Kill shelters. That does not mean that I think dogs and cats should only have a week in a shelter before euthanasia. There are so many lovely pets who are turned in to shelters, that a disturbed, very ill, badly injured, or very old animal should be euthanized so that the adoptable ones have more of a chance. Living at a shelter or in a cage, as with a cat, for more than a few months is horrible. It is frightening; they get depressed and do not have proper love time. To keep all the dogs and cats is really very selfish, because it is about how the board of a shelter feels; the people not the animals. I know it is traumatic to put down animals; I could not do it. However, if you take on the job, you must consider those hopeless and mentally suffering creatures. It takes six seconds and it provides a space for a new pet to come in. The real villains are the pet shops, the over-breeders and those who compulsively buy animals. Unfortunately that is our present culture. We do not have strict enough laws to curtail any breeding of pets.