Nooooot sooooo fast.
To the Editor:
The July 25 article [QUICKIES, JUL 25] "Shop at Petco; Save a Puppy (Or Kitty)" contained valuable information on the importance of spaying and neutering companion animals. However, Petco's track record of poor treatment of its living "merchandise" is a perfect example of why people who care about animals should not shop there-or at any pet store.
Caseworkers for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have received numerous complaints about Petco stores. [ See www.peta.org]
While incidents like these may not happen at all pet stores, remember that these businesses exist to make money, not to help animals.
To be a real friend to animals, don't buy any animal from any pet store. Adopt from the Humane Society or a reputable rescue group instead. Shop at stores that sell only supplies, not animals. Support groups that have animals' best interests, not profit, at heart.
Sincerely,
Tara Rodriguez
Ace features an adoptable companion animal in the Ace Pet Pick in the List once a week, and encourages responsible, low-cost spay-neuter. To adopt an animal from a no-kill animal sanctuary, visit www.homeatlastanimals.org. Most purebreds also have rescue programs with an adoption component (search by breed at www.akc.org).
If insistent on buying, most animal welfare groups strongly promote careful research of a breeder prior to the purchase of any companion animal, to ensure that pet lovers are not inadvertently subsidizing puppy mills, or contributing to any other inhumane treatment.
Letters Policy: Ace LOVES to publish our mail (250 words or less please); please include name and daytime phone. No photocopies. No bulk mail. First come, first served. We may edit for space and grammar; we will limit frequency; and, on popular issues, we may print one or two letters to represent a segment of public opinion. Private correspondence should be labeled “NOT FOR PUBLICATION.”
Mail: 486 West Second St , Lexington, Ky 40507
e-mail: editor@aceweekly.com
Get off the Bus
LexTran workers staged a walkout earlier this week. Among the concerns they cited was an unwillingness to operate vehicles they deemed unsafe.
Water, water everywhere
With an estimated 218 million Americans living near polluted waters, it's no wonder that bottled water is as pricey as it is. The public is invited to attend an open house meeting on the topic of the 
drinking water supply in Central Kentucky. The meeting will be held at Henry Clay High School, from 6 to 9 pm. Tuesday, August 6.
And nary a drop to drink?
State Attorney General Ben Chandler's weighed in against the sale of KY American Water Company to a German Conglomerate. The Public Service Commission seems to think the sale is a fine idea-but these are the same Yahoos who thought changing the area code in Lexington from 606 to 859 was a great idea (as opposed to making the change in the far less densely populated Eastern Kentucky). The impact of that bonehead decision is still creating both nuisance and economic factors for Lexington.
Or spare?
With the month of July being as dry as it was, and neighboring counties now being advised to conserve water, residents of Fayette County may be next. So, in the following months, to help conserve water, try not to water your lawn between noon and 6pm and cut down on washing your car and shining up those rims. Also, delay seeding or sodding new lawns.
Plant a Tree
For those interested in sprucing up their yard, the National Arbor Day Foundation will be giving away 10 free white flowering dogwood trees to every person that signs up for membership in the month of August. The trees will be sent along with planting instructions, and are guaranteed to grow, or they will be replaced for free. Check out www.arborday.org for more info on memberships.
It's enough to drive you crazy
Honestly, who among us really likes to wait in line in order to register our vehicles? No one. Finally, the DMV listened, and you can now register your vehicle online. The Kentucky Transportation cabinet has set up a website, www.kyrenew.com that enables users to renew registration, as well as obtain information about licenses, taxes, and titles. But, whereas it was free to stand in line, convenience will cost you. To register online will cost $5 in fees, as well as a $3 credit card fee. There are certain restrictions to registering online, so check out the website for full details.
Business first
The Kentucky chapter of the Sierra Club will hold its monthly business meeting Monday, August 5th, at 7:00 p.m. at Faith House, Faith Lutheran Church, which is located at 830 Melrose Ave. The meeting is free and open to the public, so if you plan on attending, be prepared discuss the issues facing Kentucky and help set some of the priorities for the group. Should you need addition information or directions to the meeting, contact Group Chair Jay Taylor 867-1899.
Money matters
Starting August 1, a tax amnesty program will run through September 30th. Within this period, those who owe taxes to the state can square up without being prosecuted, penalized, or charged interest. The spectrum of payable taxes runs the gamut, from personal and corporate income tax, to levies on items such as coal and cigarettes. Whatever is collected by the Revenue Cabinet is fair game. Tax liabilities ranging from as far back as December 1st, 1987 through November 30th of last year are eligible under the amnesty program. But, taxes on real estate, personal property, and motor vehicles, (which are usually collected by local officials) are not covered. But, taxes on real estate, personal property, and motor vehicles, (which are usually collected by local officials) are not covered. The program is expected to generate an estimated $20 million in revenue in 2002, and an additional $7 million in 2003. Pre-filled amnesty applications will be sent to approximately 90,000 taxpayers. For more information, call the Tax amnesty toll-free telephone 1-877-665-9829. Or you can get the info from the confines of your home by checking the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet website, http://www.revenue.state.ky.us or the tax amnesty program website, http://www.amnesty.ky.gov.
The pen is mightier
For those aspiring to be the next Charles Bukowski, Maya Angelou, or Steven King, the UK Writing Center is offering a creative writing workshop. Those in the writing center will help writers that are looking for feedback on their works, whether it be a work of fiction, poetry, or non-fiction. The sessions take place at 6:30-8 p.m., Wednesdays. UKWriting Center, 1315 Patterson Office Tower.
To submit an advocacy/activism activity or event for Quickies, email rkirkland@aceweekly.com, or editor@aceweekly.com.