OPEN ARMS: Animals vs. humans

I have noticed twice recently front page and prominent headlines elsewhere in The Press promoting the new animal shelter in Hayden, along with a fundraiser at the Hagadone Event Center. I think it is admirable that people want to treat pets in a humane way. Yet at the same time I wonder how many people know what “Open Arms” here in Coeur d’Alene is all about, or about their fundraiser at the Hagadone Event Center on Oct. 5 to build a new facility to serve the public free of charge. Three hundred seventy people attended yet not one picture or article, even on the back page was to be found in The Press. Why do you suppose that is? Could there be a little bias going on here?

How many of you know they are there to help men and women with pregnancy issues, and also that they give free ultrasounds (something Planned Parenthood refuses to do) and many other services. They offer free parenting classes where attendees can earn “boutique bucks” which can be redeemed for baby supplies. So my question is this, how many of our good citizens who jumped at the chance to help finance the animal shelter would also jump to help this worthwhile cause to help our most vulnerable families?

JOYCE BECKER

Coeur d’Alene