To the editor:

Our Kitsap Humane Society is often the last hope for abused and homeless animals here on Bainbridge Island and throughout the county.

Several years ago, KHS adopted a progressive policy of placing greater emphasis on rehabilitation rather than euthanizing, as well as preventing pet overpopulation in the first place by spaying or neutering pets. This year, our Kitsap Humane Society vets will have performed 4,000 spray/neuter procedures for low-income county residents at a minimal charge.

The good news is that KHS can now can find homes for most of the 5,000 animals admitted each year as a result of our specialized medical and behavioral rehabilitation services; expanded facilities; partner organizations; and strong volunteer network. Hundreds of Kitsap residents yearly volunteer over 36,000 hours to provide foster care and other important services.

The not-so-good news is that these life-saving measures are expensive. Many shelters around the country do not enjoy the strong community support needed to provide these services, and so they are forced to euthanize so many more animals.

My hope is that Bainbridge residents will continue to provide strong support for these progressive policies during our year-end appeal so that we can remain the last hope and not the last stop for our animals in need.

FRANK GIBBONS

Board Member, Kitsap Humane Society

Agate Point