Take responsibility

As a teacher of young children for many years and a dog owner for more than 30 years, I know the responsibility of taking care of children and animals who rely on adults to take care of them.

Not having all of the details from both sides, I feel that, ultimately, the life of a beloved pet is in the hands of the owner.

Older pets like Rusty need extra attention because they do not see and hear as well as they once did.

Accidents do happen, but others should not be blamed for the inattention to details of keeping a beloved dog out of harm’s way. Fences need to be fixed, leashes need to be used, especially if you are near a busy highway or railroad tracks.

I am sure animal control officers deal with people every day who do not keep their pets safe. If my dog of 12 years accidently got out of my yard and was hurt, I would not blame the messenger who brought me news of my pet. Take responsibility for your beloved pets and keep them out of harm’s way. Some accidents can be prevented. It takes care and concern for an animal’s safety, just as it does for young children’s safety. They both rely on adults who can see the pitfalls of a busy highway, railroad tracks or the pitfalls of being left alone.

Linda Starks

St. Joseph

Excited by Graves

It was really exciting to see U.S. Rep. Sam Graves running up and down the Apple Blossom Parade route on Saturday in downtown St. Joseph. From what I saw, Mr. Graves was all over the place, shaking hands and talking with people. It’s nice to know that I have a congressman who is willing to personally interact with the people he represents.

Brandon Boswell

Chillicothe, Mo.

Pets deserve our love

I was thrilled to know that Hal, the cat, miraculously found his way back to his owner’s arms.

So many wonderful animals are dumped senselessly each year. In March, someone left a wonderful longhair silver-and-white cat across the road from my home in the country. I fed him twice daily, but he wouldn’t follow me. After three weeks, he got sick and I brought him home and gave him antibiotics, but a week later he died from pneumonia.

He had been someone’s sweet pet, and he was waiting for his family to return.

I was saddened at his death, but glad he had someone with him, who cared, at the end.

We, as keepers of our pets, need to remember these creatures trust us to feed and love them and know they have feelings just as real as our own.

If it comes to a point that someone can’t keep a pet, it is our responsibility to find it a home or take it to a shelter or rescue where it will have food and a chance. Thank goodness Hal got another one.

Cathy Heye,

St. Joseph