Many of you saw the picture and read the Story about “Hero” in the Bee on July 27. If we learn nothing else, it is that we are our brothers” keepers, be it a child or a dog or cat, or any other living creature. Though I”m grateful to the neighbor who called Animal Control, I wish it had been a little sooner.
I went to see Hero at the vet”s office, and as I sat on the floor with my arms around his thin neck, he laid his head on my shoulder, the tears just fell. His little body was so thin and emaciated you wonder how he is still live, yet he looks at you with those big brown eyes and still finds the capacity to trust you and to respond to a stranger with a reserve somewhere deep inside.
I can”t find it in my heart to justify this kind of abuse. After you wipe away the tears, you find the anger beings to rise. This person will be prosecuted and we need to be there to make sure this is not a slap on the wrist. A message has to be sent, that this community will not tolerate abuse in any form. This person should not be allowed to resume their life as if nothing happened.
Most of all please begin to be aware of the animals in your neighborhood. Not to be petty but to really begin to pay attention: If you see a dog tied up on a short rope 24/7 or tied up without shelter or water; if a dog is barking not stop; if he is whining constantly. They have no one else except a human who can talk. These creatures are our responsibility.
Be it a little child or animal we as humans are here to protect them. There is never an excuse for abuse in any form to anyone.
Victoria Chamberlin
Lakeport
