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Puppy love

I'd like to compliment Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell on her great article regarding the continuing "puppy mill" problem in Kansas and Missouri ("Disposable pets," March 2-8).

During the mid-'80s, I was the assistant attorney general assigned to the Kansas Department of Animal Health and did the licensing actions (and, in some cases, prosecutions) of cruelty cases of the animal dealers in Kansas. It is tragic to see that nothing has changed in all these years. Until such time as the regulation of companion animal breeders is removed from the agriculture driven/controlled sections of government and moved to a more consumer protection-oriented arm, I fear we will never see great strides made in this area.

If consumers could see what goes on inside, these breeding facilities would be gone in short order. This is not to say that there are not good people in this arena, there are, but they are not of the ilk or intelligence to see the import of self-regulation or working with regulation agencies to improve their business.

Excellent, excellent article. Thank you for publishing it.

-- Susan G. Stanley

Westwood, Kan.

Great article on "disposable" pets. I live in Colorado and recently visited Randy Long and adopted one of his Akitas. I researched the breed and had been looking to adopt one for some time. Once I learned about rescue centers, puppy mills, and the AKC, my mind was made up to help a rescue center out.

I believe education is key, as I knew nothing about most of this before I began to read and research. I urge all my friends and relatives now to stay away from pet stores and to look on the Web for rescue centers for whatever breed they are interested in.

I hope this has made national exposure so more people can learn what is really going on.

-- David Olson

Evergreen, Colo.

Home(less) alone

I would like to personally thank the Pitch for the article on the homeless of Kansas City ("Meet Snowman and company," Feb. 24-March 1). I think it just might be the most in-depth article I've read in the Pitch in a long time. I believe it will show a majority of Kansas Citians a new insight into the problems the homeless face not only in our town but also across the country.

It's about time someone got the truth out, and John Heuertz did a great job. Now that the truth is out, maybe, just maybe people will start to question the majority of the falsehoods that the general media pushes that the homeless are just bums and mental patients. It's my hope that people will finally figure out that there isn't much difference between the homeless and themselves. I realize that idea might scare some, but my hope is that it will motivate people into getting involved with the organizations working to make change for the poor and homeless.

As a Kansas Citian, I would like to thank the UPLIFT organization for the work they do for the homeless of Kansas City. They are truly heaven sent. But at the same time, they can't do it all alone; there are countless other organizations that do their part too. All of these organizations could use your support. But by support, I don't mean just writing a check; what I mean is personally getting involved with these organizations doing the work, and in that way you'll know in your heart that you are making a difference.

I thank you for taking the time to read this comment.

-- Richard G. Tripp

Director, Care Of Poor People

www.coppinc.com

Kansas City, Mo.

What a terrific story on Kansas City's homeless! I was a little put off at the thought of reading such a long article, but John Heuertz's writing was so compelling, I flew from paragraph to paragraph. We all need to know this kind of information -- to realize that the homeless are people just like us.

-- Jane Stoltz

Corvallis, Ore.

Of facts, hacks, and fins

I just wanted to drop PitchWeekly a note and let it be known that I enjoyed two of Shawn Edwards' articles in the Feb. 17-23 issue.

The first was "Fact checkin'." I thoroughly agree ... ignorance perpetuates ignorance, and Jason Whitlock is doing all he can to stoke the fires of ignorance -- presumably for a fat paycheck and personal kicks.

The second was the cover story regarding black swimmers ("Doin' the aqua boogie"). I was on a Grandview (Parks & Rec) swim team for about seven years in the late '70s-early '80s. Now that I think about it, I don't think I EVER saw a black participant on my team or on any we competed against! What a shame. I also enjoyed this article and wish the three boys all the best and all the distance they can go!

One statement that caught my eye near the end of the article was: "Since the mid-'90s, the number of pools available for use has increased. The Parks and Recreation Department in Kansas City, Mo., operates 18 pools (17 outdoor, and one indoor), and two new pools will open by the end of this year, including the new Westside indoor facility."