Opinion

Pray someone steps in

Friday, December 28, 2001

Dear Editor,

I just finished reading "Buddy's Last Day" that told the story of the malnourished and dehydrated German shorthair. As I read the article and looked sadly at the picture of the dog only a day before he died, I can't help but wonder what kind of person could have caused such pain on something so dependent on them.

The article said that this dog had an owner, which shocked me at first, for I thought from looking at the picture, that this dog was perhaps found abandoned in the country somewhere. Then as I read the article, I began to understand. I can't help but worry that people with such limited capacity can be responsible for the well-being of an animal. If a person is incapable of taking care of pets, how will they ever be able to take care of children?

How do these people function in today's society? Someone needs to step in and help these people with important day-to-day activities. Right here in McCook we have "help programs" and centers available for such people.

I feel that we, as neighbors, need to be aware of such "special people" and make note of any potential problems that they may encounter. The person who wrote the article is right. There should be laws to protect those who are unable to protect themselves. Writing to Governor Johanns is an excellent beginning -- his address is worth repeating.

But until laws to protect these innocents are in place, it is up to you and me to help those who cannot help themselves. Please! Pay attention to your neighborhood. I'm sure that Buddy is not the only one out there. And as for the "owners", I will pray for them. I will pray that someone will step in and help them so this doesn't happen again.

Contact Governor Johanns at: gov0001@umhost.cdp.state.ne.us or write him at:

Executive Suite

State Capitol

PO Box 94848

Lincoln, NE 68509-4848 Shannon Pevoteaux

McCook

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