Thank you for mentioning the Humane Society of the United States in your June 30 article about the Tennessee puppy mill ("Atlanta shelters puppy survivors," June 30, Metro).

The HSUS has been the leader in exposing puppy mills and working toward ending this cruel industry, which raises dogs under cruel and unhealthy conditions as a cash crop. Prior to the HSUS End Puppy Mills campaign, and HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle's appearance on the "Oprah" show, many people were unaware of the real cost of that cute puppy in the window. HSUS has spent many years and a great deal of resources to investigate puppy mills, and in some cases, prosecute the owners. The recent bust in Tennessee is an example of the strides they are making.

Fortunately, a local shelter, the Atlanta Humane Society (a completely separate organization from HSUS), is helping with adoption of some of the puppies that are healthy enough to go to new homes. Other rescue groups from around the country are also helping with the adoptions. HSUS supports local shelters in many ways but does not operate its own shelter. Partnerships like the one with AHS will bring a happy ending for many of the puppy mill "refugees." Since HSUS itself is not a shelter, the cooperation of others is needed to confront puppy-mill cruelty.

I have been a member of the Humane Society of the United States for many years, and I feel so proud to support this animal-protection organization. Animal suffering is rampant in this country, and sometimes an individual can feel so helpless to ease the pain.

HSUS effectively uses the resources of its 10 million-plus members and is making a difference for animals and the humans who care about them.

If you care about animals and want to help them, go to the HSUS Web site (www.hsus.org) and learn about the issues, from puppy mills to factory farming. Please consider becoming a member, so that you will be part of the process to change the world for animals.

Finally, if you are considering sharing your life with a pet, please adopt from one of the many, many local shelters. See www.spotsociety.org for a complete list of shelters and rescue groups, including those for purebreds.

— Debra Berger lives in Atlanta.