This letter is in response to the letter to the editor in the March 4, 2009 edition of the Anson Record. Although we value freedom of speech, we cannot ignore that it comes with a heavy price. It seems that the way we get attention these days is by yelling loudly until opponents shrink in a corner, terrified of the backlash. It doesn't matter if that person is correct in their accusation, has verified their facts or even has the appropriate authority on the situation. This is all inconsequential. He who screams the loudest wins— right? Or will it be the people who aren't willing to get in the trenches to help all the neglected and abandoned animals in Anson County, but are willing to destroy the reputation of people that endlessly dedicate their lives to the cause?

Homeward Bound of Anson County has been called upon to get up in the middle of the night to rescue a lost animal that is running down the highway. They have been called upon to foster countless litters of puppies that have been dropped at the side of the road. They have been called upon to pay the price of other people's negligence. The volunteers of Homeward Bound do NOT get paid to foster endless supplies of animals. Nor do they get paid to shuttle them to PetSmart in hopes of finding their forever homes. They have lost time with their families and have spent their own money... ALL of them have done this. They have cried and laughed and shared the pain of animal rescue. No one volunteer is valued more than another. To all the volunteers that crossed the threshold into animal rescue, Homeward Bound of Anson County thanks you from the bottom of our hearts and you shall always be remembered.

Homeward Bound Humane Society of Anson County elected new officers at its January meeting. So any new officers have only been in office for two months. The current programs that the group is working on are:

• An educational program available to any group who requests it on the importance of spaying and neutering your animals.

• A senior food program that runs in conjunction with the Meals on Wheels project.

• Free and low-cost spay and neuter programs for all seniors of Anson County and anyone on public assistance of any kind and low cost for those who meet the requirements.

• PETS, which stands for People Enjoying Temporary Snuggles. PETS visit the residents of a local nursing home two times a month.

• Pet rescues when we have any foster home openings.

• Pet adoptions for the animals that are adoptable.

There are other programs that are still in development. From Jan. 1 of this year, we have rescued 31 animals, adopted 24 animals. We have spayed and neutered 100-plus animals in Anson County in the past 12 months.

To respond to all of the accusations of the author's letter would be time better used to help the animals. So just let us say, "There are ALWAYS two sides to the story."

Please remember to spay and neuter your pets and give the newcomers a chance to help our community and the animals who live here.

Homeward Bound of Anson County

Sandra Putnam, president

Dorian Anzaluda, vice president

Sue Froeber, treasurer

Joanne Anzaluda, secretary