Even a puppy deserves TLC

I love my school, my teachers, my principal and my school friends. I am also very proud of my school's Student Council because last year they made a donation to Malibu Pet Companions, a nonprofit organization that pays for the vet care of animals at the Agoura Animal Shelter.

However, I am very sad to hear that my school's PFA leaders recently auctioned a puppy at our spring fundraiser. A young puppy should be with its mother, not at an event with a lot of people and loud noises that can scare the puppy.

The animals that overcrowd shelters and burden rescue groups come from irresponsible breeders who overbreed to make money, not caring what happens to their puppies after they are old. My schools' PFA leaders let the auctioned puppy go to the highest bidder without making sure the winner's household was the best "forever home" for the puppy.

Pet shops that sell puppies and kittens rely on impulse purchases similar to auction bidding. But a puppy can live many years and have many needs; it's not like a handbag or watch. I'm hoping my PFA leaders give the money earned from the puppy to Malibu Pet Companions or another group that the Student Council supports.

Maybe it's the kids that need to tell teachers and their parents not to do business with those that make money from overbreeding: irresponsible breeders and pet shops that sell puppies and kittens. I plan to compete as a junior handler showing dogs from responsible breeders that don't overbreed for money. Responsible breeders make a commitment for the life of their puppies to take them back and re-home them if the buyer no longer wants them.

Last, I want to thank Alessandra Haynes for donating her birthday money to LIFE Animal Rescue. Way to go! Josh Houserman Agoura Hills