DEAR ABBY: Because of your well-known compassion for animals, I thought you might be interested in knowing what my twin daughters, Lindy and Barbara Wallace of Moscow, Idaho, did for their 50th birthday last year. They decided to make it a special occasion.
They held their party at a local church and had it catered. A small jazz group provided music.
At their age, they decided they didn't need any more "stuff," so the invitations requested donations to the local Humane Society instead of gifts. Friends brought a mountain of dog food, cat food, pet toys, collars, leashes, pet carriers, etc. And many contributed money for the Humane Society wish list.
The Humane Society, which has a no-kill policy, was delighted -- and everyone had a wonderful time. -- BILLYE WALLACE, BUTTE, MONT.
DEAR BILLYE: Although I have heard from readers describing how they turned their special occasions into benefits for food banks and homeless shelters, yours is the first I have received about a benefit for an animal shelter. It's a clever idea for a worthwhile cause. There's no telling how many imitators you have unleashed.