Macon County Humane Society is offering the perfect solution to individuals who would enjoy the antics and fun of a kitten or puppy, but who, for various reasons, do not wish to have a cat or dog for the rest of its life. Since pet lives are getting longer, just as ours are, this is a definite commitment that not everyone wants to make; however, one misses the laughter and enjoyment of watching a young animal develop.

Fostering is a way of obtaining the pleasure of temporarily caring for a kitten or puppy during its formative months and MCHS has recently begun a program to do just that. There are several options available: a mother cat or dog with a litter, weaned litters of kittens or puppies (litter trained, but not house broken) or an individual weaned kitten or puppy.

While Mr. Hill's editorial letter of last week's statement that in North Carolina a pet (dog or cats only) can receive a one- or three-year rabies certificate was technically correct, he was incorrect in stating that the vaccine used for the certificates is the same. For a veterinarian to legally provide a three-year certificate, they must use a rabies vaccine that is licensed and has been laboratory tested and certified to have a three-year duration of immunity. These three-year vaccines cost more per dose than a one-year vaccine. Many local veterinarians offer both one- and three-year vaccinations at their clinics. The use of which vaccine is decided over age of pet, lifestyle, species, and the financial constraints placed on us by the owner.

Like many of you, I had the privilege of attending the Art Show, held Sunday, May 5, 2013. This Art Show was presented by the students and art teachers in Macon County. The show is an exhibit at the Macon County Public Library and, through their gracious hospitality; it will remain there this week.

Too often, children and youth who have dreams, curiosity, and creativity, that can be expressed only through the median of drawing, painting and other visual arts, do not have opportunities for demonstrating their works in public. The Art Show this week is that type of opportunity.

Please take the opportunity to visit the show and to communicate with our Art Teachers your appreciation for their efforts.

Jim Duncan — Franklin, N.C.

Here in North Carolina, we have a choice of a one-year or three-year rabies certificate (and the associated collar tag) for our dogs. The one-year and the three-year are the same vaccine product. (The first rabies vaccine a puppy gets is always only good for one year.)

After the initial 12- month booster, how often your dog gets rabies vaccines is controlled by local law. Every three years is generally considered adequate in most communities and by American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medicine Association.

When we have a rabies clinic in Macon County (or when you go to your vet) and they have only the one-year certificate (and NOT the three-year) available, the purchasers are getting short-changed and the pet receives additional unnecessary vaccinations. I will leave it to the reader to question the possible motive for this.

Tom Hill — Franklin, N.C.