Shelter for pets

Thank you for your article concerning choosing pets in Indonesia (The Jakarta Post, April 20, For keeps: A sampling of pet animals on the market).

In addition to purchasing dogs and cats from a breeder or pet shop, there is a very important source of pets which was not mentioned; the animal shelter, Pondok Pengayom Satwa.

This shelter, located at Jl. R.M. Harsono No. 10, Ragunan, South Jakarta, currently houses approximately 100 dogs and puppies, as well as a large number of cats and kittens. Some of the animals residing there have been abandoned or abused, and some have come to the shelter because their current owners could not or would not care for them any longer.

All shapes, sizes, colors and temperaments pass through the shelter's gates at various times. Even pedigree animals have been known to end up at Pondok Pongolim Binatang, but it is the mixed breed or kampung dogs and cats which often make the hardiest and most personable pets.

If you can provide a loving home and are looking for a dog or cat as a companion, I would strongly recommend giving the shelter a try. You will be giving a wonderful animal a second chance.

MICHELLE BRUCE

Jakarta