This is the letter to the editor that was published the week after my previous column, I have removed the poster's name as a courtesy.

Hi Chuck, 

I try to find humor in every situation that I possibly can. And I know your column is intended to evoke chuckles. But I have to take exception to this particular article.

I rescue animals on a full-time volunteer basis. Although small critters like hamsters are not part of my daily reportoire, I have rescued quite a few because people buy them for their children and when the kids don't take care of them and the parents are not willing to, they are abandoned. I am stunned by the crude, callous expressions in your column. Not only have you completely devalued these animals by finding it acceptable to give them away as door prizes, your terminology - "unload one of the little beasts", "threw him back in", "get rid of them", is not humorous.

If you were not prepared to care for LIVING THINGS you should have returned them to your sister-in-law with a clear explanation that she should return them where she bought them. No matter how small, living beings deserve proper care and consideration. I will spare you a lot of righteous babble, but what type of example are you setting for your children? It is one thing to live in a disposable society, but quite another to have no respect for life other than your own and your family and friends.

Obviously, since you can readily buy small animals in a variety of places, what you do in your house, stays in your house. But when you write material that is published, you should be more concerned about the example you are setting for other people and their children.

Sincerely,

<Person with nothing better to do>