Responsibility

Few people are as intimately in touch with the neighborhoods of our communities than the civil servants whose job assignment takes them through these neighborhoods on a regular basis and year round. These folks see things as they are, and often, for better or worse, as they continue to be.
Recently, one of these civil servants reported on the sorry way in which some residents treat their dogs. This worker has seen dogs literally starving for lack of proper or adequate nourishment. One dog has been tethered at the back of the residential lot, denied the opportunity for adequate exercise or even regular, positive human interaction. On more than one occasion, this worker has seen dogs left outside in bitter cold conditions for hours on end. The stories could go on.
Some people are not cut out for pet ownership. They acquire an animal based on some idyllic notion of companionship, trendiness or status, only to find the ongoing responsibility of caring for a dependent life is tedious, expensive and inconvenient. Cases of abuse can and should be reported.
As we write this, it occurs to us that this same cycle of irresponsibility can apply to caretakers of children as well as to pet owners. The former is far more tragic and absolutely must be reported to authorities by people of good conscience. But even animals deserve good homes and compassionate care. How we care for the animals in our charge reveals the quality of our character. Let?s make responsible choices. ?DR

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