Letter: Apartments should allow pets

I believe that pets should be allowed in apartment complexes.

If apartment managers do not exclude children, they should not be allowed to exclude pets. Pets should be counted as a part of the family.

People have to give up their pets just because they need to find a new place to live. According to a 2002 survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 62 percent of American households include pets. Apartment managers worried about the damage done by the pets should just charge a reasonable fee for the pets.

Pets don't ask for much — just a short list of basics such as food, shelter, veterinary care, and, of course, our companionship. Pets offer far more in return, improving our emotional and physical health, and providing us with unconditional affection and friendship.

A dog once led a family out of their burning home. Another dog also dragged an injured woman to safety. Older people, whose kids have moved away, enjoy having pets so they don't have to be alone.

Pets are a special part of the family. I think the apartment managers need to re-evaluate the rules and allow people to have pets.

Kendall Immoos

Delevan