I would like to thank the Bangor Humane Society, Pet Quarters and the New York ASPCA for their heartfelt efforts to rescue the many pets left abandoned by the tragic loss of life in New York on Sept. 11.

There are so many loved and loving pets that bore the terror of waiting for loved ones to return from work. Those loved ones did not return and those animals waited. We can only imagine the terror experienced by these pets. It took longer for the animal rescue to begin and I know we all understand this is simply a reality of life. However, it is a reality of life that we must consider deeply; with heart and mind.

All life matters in a disaster. When we show immediate concern and compassion for the animals affected in any tragedy, we deepen our compassion for each other. All three of the agencies mentioned above are collecting donations to help these lonely, frightened pets get the food and medical care they require in this, their time of need. This money also works to keep these pets from being euthanized simply because their owners are no longer alive to reclaim them.

Please look again into your hearts and send a generous donation to any of these three charities that work on behalf of us all, in our community and our nation. Include in your donation a note specifying that the money sent be used for animals affected by the terrorist assault.

Balenda Ganem

Bangor