For any pet owner or prospective adopter, a visit to PETS,Inc is worth the gas. Tuesday I dropped by to pick up my pet food and litter (at their non- profit pet store) and was greeted by the sight of 15 or 20 recruits from Fort Jackson working away, painting, clearing the grounds, doing repairs, and playing with the animals. I was greeted by Ollie, the biggest bird I've ever seen, whose owner told me he loves to visit them!

The people who volunteer and work there are wonderful. It's obvious they love what they're doing. I've been there on several occasions when animals arrive who are injured or suffering from terrible neglect, so I know it can be stressful and chaotic at times, but somehow they seem to be able to handle it.

To see our troops from Fort Jackson taking part in this effort validates my feelings for this organization and what they are doing for stray and homeless animals throughout the Midlands and South Carolina. And kudos to the many people in the community who support them.