Editor:
 
Aspen Daily News columnist Jeremy Madden’s humanitarian instincts should be applauded (“The lodging Aspen needs,” May 31). But why does Mr. Madden focus on the needs of homeless humans? This is going to be a drought season in which some of the more aboriginal residents of this valley will find it difficult to locate not only shelter but the more basic needs of food and water. I am speaking of our furry friends, Mr. Fox, Ms. Coyote, and Mama, Papa and Baby Bear. We already have seen Mr. Fox and Ms. Coyote trotting lazily along Cemetery Lane and Power Plant Road, scrounging for the odd mouse or family dog. Hopefully, soon the entire Bear family will be visiting. Where are they all to find shelter and succor?
 
Before thinking about people, who, after all, can adapt more easily to stressful conditions, we need a homeless shelter for foxes, coyotes, bears, deer, and just about any other Disney-esque resident of our valley. And we should build it right next to Mr. Madden’s house, because he cares so much that he gladly will attend to their needs. He won’t gripe about the effect on his neighborhood or property values because he is a humanitarian.
 
Just build it. They will come.

Maurice Emmer
Aspen