PET STORES

Regarding “How Sick Is That Doggy in the Window?” by Nicole Yorkin (Dec. 3): There is no reason ever to buy a cat or dog from a pet store. In fact, considering the thousands of animals put to death daily in shelters throughout the United States, doing so is completely unconscionable. The city and county shelters, not to mention dedicated people like Pet Adoption Fund and Pet Lifeline (who do not destroy animals), have many wonderful pets to choose from.

If you must have a purebred, go to a reputable breeder, and get references! But the purchase of a purebred is all too often merely vanity--a pretty poor basis for a relationship that may last as long as 20 years. We have adopted all our pets as strays, from the city shelter, or from the Pet Adoption Fund. All are healthy, happy, loved and loving. The fact that we can’t trace their ancestors back to the Norman Conquest is of no importance.

DAVID TROWBRIDGE, Tujunga