Kudos to Sande Riesett for his wonderful and compelling ad campaign against animal cruelty ("Baltimore athletes show their 'soft side,'" Sept. 26). It is not cool to be cruel, and the athletes that volunteered, along with their animals, to reach out to the community will get that message across to misguided kids and adults.

Thank you, too, to Caroline Griffin and her inspiring work leading the anti-cruelty task force. Hers is a powerful voice for animals that is much needed in Baltimore.

Susan B. Nestler, Towson