I am deeply honored that the board of directors of PAWS has created a fund in my name to support the spay/neuter program.

Even though I had always espoused the importance of spaying and neutering pets, I gained an even greater understanding of the consequences of unneutered pets during my 13 years with PAWS.

Sometimes, the issue is addressed only as one of pet overpopulation, which certainly is critical and does lead to many pets being euthanized. But beyond that are the dogs and cats that are injured or become lost while following the scent of an animal in heat. It doesn’t need to happen.

Spaying and neutering is a vital part of responsible pet ownership and responsible citizenship. That’s why I called the program, “For the Health of Your Pet, For the Health of Your Community.”

We all benefit from a program that makes spay/neuter accessible to all pet owners.

Thank you to everyone who honored me by donating to the Hartstone Fund to support the PAWS spay/neuter program.

Judy Hartstone

Pittsburgh, Pa.