A special thank-you! We are writing this letter to acknowledge two groups of people at Iowa State who have helped our animal shelter so much! S.H.R.A., or Students Helping Rescue Animals, and Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

S.H.R.A. sends many volunteer dog walkers and cat socializers to our shelter every school year! The people who give of their time to come and do this on a purely volunteer basis need to know that you are appreciated and help make many of our animals ready to step from the transition of coming into the shelter, oftentimes neglected, abused or strayed, ready to finally find their forever home! You bring us needed supplies, and are always willing to help when asked! For that, the animals and staff at the shelter are indebted to you for your kindness and willingness to help!

Pi Kappa Alpha: Your “Pikes Puppies” event in October raises the money we need to help the animals who might have health issues or need special care. Sadly, these days, there are so many of them! Your event gives these animals the needed funds to continue getting ready for adoption! Your event means so much to the animal shelter!

With both of these wonderful organizations, you have helped us maintain our 99 percent adoption rate of all animals, which is not an easy task. It is clear from both S.H.R.A. and Pi Kappa Alpha that the commitment to help these animals runs deep. It is also fun to watch the camaraderie that takes place between these two organizations when they do the wonderful things they do!

Both of the organizations work as a well-oiled machines that help the animals in critical ways. Without either of these groups, the animals could suffer the consequences. Thanks to you all for giving of your time and energy to save the animals here at the shelter! You all provide an unmeasurable amount of service that will move you forward as you find the careers of your dreams!

Sincerely, Sue McCaskey, Director of Story County Animal Shelter and Control