Wal-Mart is one of shelter's biggest supporters

The board of directors of Panhandle Animal Shelter is concerned about recent letters to the editor by well-intentioned individuals seeking to change Wal-Mart's national policy requiring all charity organizations to remain outside the building rather than having use of the warmer lobby.

We must clarify that the shelter does not want to pressure the Wal-Mart management and it is our policy to follow the rules wherever we are welcomed. Though we would love warmer accommodations, this is a national store regulation, which was relaxed at one time but cannot now be changed by the local management. We request that instead you call to thank Wal-Mart management for the huge benefit they give the animal shelter.

In fact, Wal-Mart still provides our very greatest benefit to adoption opportunity by allowing animal shelter volunteers unlimited access outside their front door. Contrary to rumor, we have never been refused access to the outside property.

In addition Wal-Mart provides a bulletin board in the pet section to post animal adoption pictures, and has awarded numerous grant funding and surplus food donations.

In all, Wal-Mart is probably the top benefactor to our effort for homeless animal adoption. Panhandle Animal Shelter greatly appreciates the huge benefit we do receive through welcome on the property and we do not endorse twisting the arm of the greatest benefactor to extract additional favors. Please thank Wal-Mart for making all of this possible.

STEVE WILLEY, President

Friends of the Shelter