DEAR ABBY: When my dog "Robert" died, I received an unusual memorial from a friend. It was such a good idea, I want to pass it along. A donation was sent in Robert's memory to the Companion Animal Fund of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University. The purpose of the fund is to support pet health research, and to purchase critically needed surgical and diagnostic equipment. Other colleges of veterinary medicine must have similar funds.
I also received memorials to the local humane society -- a good idea, too. -- ROBY KESLER, CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA
DEAR ROBY KESLER: In a sense, donations of this kind return to pets some of the physical and emotional benefits they so generously bestow upon all of us. How rewarding to know that research in your pet's name will not only help to perpetuate his memory, but possibly lengthen the lives of other pets as well.