Authorities raided her home after receiving numerous complaints about the condition in which the animals were being kept. Inside they found nearly 30 neglected dogs and puppies, six cats, birds and even a lizard. The animals were so dehydrated and neglected that one of the puppies later died.

The Washington County animal control officer was quoted as saying it was "one of the worst cases I've seen that didn't involve finding animal carcasses."

The shameful part is that right down the road from the woman's home is the Washington Area Humane Society. This no-kill shelter is a haven for lost and neglected animals. Funded by private contributions, it turns no animal away that is in need of help.

The Washington shelter currently leads the voting portion with nearly 1.1 million points, well distancing the second, third, fourth and fifth place vote getters, which are in a tight race jockeying for positions. Each of the top 20 will receive money to help with their cause.

Animals, pets especially, tug at the hearts of most human beings. We have received so many letters and e-mails in regard to the story we published in January regarding dog fighting. The impact of the story caused many to sit up and take notice.

The story spurred some to want lend a hand, others just appreciated the story being told.

We all know there is an extreme on the flip side as well with pets sometimes being treated better than family members. But wouldn't you rather read those stories than the ones which tell of cruelty to animal?

We live in a country where standing up for the rights of one who can't is a standard practice. Animals certainly fall into that category. We can shake our heads in horror as we read the stories of neglected and abused animals, or we can do something simple that would give those would-be pets a safe haven. Give a vote for the Washington County Humane Society at www.zootoo.com, and click on shelter makeover.