Dear Ann Landers, Last night, I was driving in the city and hit a cat. "Just some stray animal," most people would say. I stopped my car and checked the poor creature, but it wasn't breathing. There was no identification, but I couldn't get over the guilt of thinking some child might be looking for "Fluffy" or "Tiger."
When I was growing up, my two cats were hit by cars. I begged my mother not to let them out, but she insisted that cats needed "prowling" time. That is the most insane thing I have ever heard. A pet is part of your family. Would you let a child out to play alone? Pets don't need to be out running around. Cats can be litter-trained. Dogs should be walked on a leash or kept in a fenced yard.
If one thing comes from this letter, I hope it is that people will take better care of their pets and give them the chance to grow old with the rest of the family. To the cat I hit last night: I'm sorry we couldn't have met under better circumstances. -- E.M. in Lonoke, Ark.
Dear E.M., The accident was not your fault, so please stop tormenting yourself. I have said several times that pet owners should NEVER let their pets roam free. Anyone who takes on the responsibility of caring for an animal should be willing to keep it safe from harm. Your letter may save a few of those nine lives.
Hi! It's Margo here. I'd love to know what you think of the letters -- and the answers!
Also, any additional thoughts you might have. Thanks!
Reader Comment
My cat was a former 'street cat' tat we took in in 2005. I took her to the vet who said that she was at least 1 year old. I had her deloused, spayed and she's been my closest companion since then. She IS the light of my life and I love her very much. We have grown old together and we are both experiencing illnesses. I will keep her in the best of health possible as long as she is not suffering. Yes, when you adopt a pet, it is your responsibility for the life of that pet and you must realize that when you take the little darling in.
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Dear Readers, , My x-girlfriend who lived with my son and I for 16 years died of cancer. Prior before we knew she had cancer-she moved out because of an addiction problem. We did stay very close before she died. Her x-husband an attorney took over her finances and the burial arrangements. I being financially set was okay with that, whatever they needed I provided. What really hurt my son and I the most was the obituary - we were not mentioned at all. Our friends (mine and hers) were appalled. I was embarrassed and upset for not just me, but for my son-who loved her also. I never been so upset. Her x-husband put his wife and kids and their grandchildren in the obituary, who my girlfriend barely knew. They live an hour away from us. I know its silly to be mad over a little section of the newspaper, but it still hurts. Will time let this devastating loss of her and this article ever go away? I am so angry at this whole situation, its not like we can go and rewrite an obituary notice.
