Thanks to the caring men who work at the Athens County Dog Shelter

To the Editor:

This is a letter to the men who work at the Athens County Dog Shelter. THANK YOU! I say that with my heart. You see, a week ago Monday an alley cat who sometimes visits my porch to sun himself, and maybe get a treat, was slammed by a car that was going too fast. The car never did stop. Anyway, the accident didn't kill the poor cat outright, but it was apparent that my cat "friend" was hurt badly and dying.

I didn't know what to do. I live in Nelsonville and don't have any transportation to take the cat to a vet.

First, I called the Humane Society, but only got a recording. Then I rifled through the phone directory looking for anyone I might call for help. Finally, I took a chance and called the Athens County Dog Shelter. I explained my situation to both Jeff Koons and Max Bishop, and they were very supportive. Not only that, even though it was 3:30 in the afternoon and I was calling about a cat not a dog, they said that if I made the arrangements with a vet, they would come out and get the cat and take it to the vet. So I called Dr. Allen's Pet Clinic and made the arrangements to have the cat euthanized humanely. (Thank you, Dr. Allen and staff.)

It was around 5:30 p.m. when Max Bishop came and picked up the cat, well after the shelter's hours of operation. As far as I'm concerned, both Max and Jeff went over and beyond the call of duty. They could've said, "We're sorry ma'am; we only take care of dogs here" or "It's too late. Call us back in the morning," but they didn't. Instead, Max came out after work and picked up this poor dying cat, and took him to the vet so he wouldn't have to suffer what would have been a slow, painful death.

So the next time anyone wants to question the integrity of the men who operate our county's dog shelter, just remember what they did for me and this alley cat. I know I'll be sending in a donation to support the Athens County Dog Shelter. As for Jeff Koons and Max Bishop, I can't thank you enough for your generosity.

Jill Costa
Nelsonville