Pet Issues

        I recently spoke with a very nice lady who lives in an area where there are no organizations that deal with animal cruelty.  She described situations where owners abused their dogs by leaving them outside all day and night on leashes, among other things—and she lives in a place with harsh winters.

    She has rescued one of the dogs twice—so far--after he slipped out of his leash and wound up in life-threatening situations.  

    Unfortunately, it’s a small community where retaliation is likely if she tried to publicize the problem and just talking to the owners didn’t help.

    I wish I had some way to help her.  Even more, I wish I had a way to help the dogs.

    Best thing I can do right now, as a writer, is to write about animal cruelty—and beg people not to be cruel.  Love your pets, or find them new homes with people who’ll love and take care of them appropriately.

    But I don’t have to tell you this.  I feel sure that if you’re reading this blog post, you know better.  You probably love animals, too.  But if we all talk about it, maybe cruelty can be reduced. 

    If nothing else, I have a sad touch of reality that I can add to one of my upcoming Pet Rescue Mysteries.