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.

Dear Ann Landers,
I just read the letter from "Pat in Avon, Ind.," about the caged dog next door. My neighbor's dog is tied on a short leash, day and night, to a shack in the corner of their backyard. He barks incessantly, and it really gets to me. That poor creature is ignored, except when the owners hit him for no reason. Like Pat in Avon, I approached my neighbors about this cruel and inhumane treatment and was told to shut up and mind my own business. You advised Pat to call the humane society. Well, Ann, I called the ASPCA and was told that as long as the dog is provided with food, water and shelter and receives medical attention when needed, they can do nothing. Something must be done to change the law so these defenseless animals can be helped. What do you suggest? -- Dog Lover in New York

Dear Dog Lover,
The only way a law can be changed is to let your state senators and congressmen know you want them to do something about a law that is clearly unjust. Urge your friends and neighbors to join you in this crusade. I wish you luck.

Dear Ann Landers,
I have had this essay for years and thought you might print it so your readers could enjoy it. -- Westminster, Md.

Dear Westminster,
Thanks for sending it my way. The dog lovers in my reading audience will appreciate it. "What Dogs Do for Us" Catch Frisbees. Keep a night alone from being truly lonely. Get us outside on beautiful fall days, rainy days and snowy winter days. Listen to our singing. Treat us like celebrities when we come home. Warm up our beds on cold nights. Make our hearts more vigorous. Alert us to the arrival of the mail. Help us live a little longer. Make us smile. Agree with everything we say. Warm our knees with their chins. Provide a use for old tennis balls. Signal when a thunderstorm is coming. Pull sleds. Help lower our blood pressure. Test how fast we can run. Keep the squirrels from overtaking our yards. Teach us the meaning of unconditional love.