Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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THIS WEEK WITH MARGARET A Woman's Best Friend by MARGARET DICKSON and understanding. They have no idea how much joy a pet can bring and how If confession is good for the soul, maybe I will feel better. I did something very mean last week. I did not intend to. It was an oversight. But much we human beings learn from the creatures near and dear to us. All of this is also why I am delighted that the North Carolina General Assembly is I did it nevertheless and have been guilt-ridden ever since. once again considering legislation addressing puppy mills. These "dog factories" are My beloved Lilly the Lab and I were heading down the driveway to begin located in many rural areas of our state. They breed closely related animals, keeping our daily walk around our neighborhood. She hesitated for a moment and I them caged and living in literal filth for their entire lives and provide little care of any encouraged her to come along to the street, using our special signal meaning go sort, including veterinary. These factories exist beyond the public eye and rarely, ahead. I said "OK." if ever, allow outsiders to see in. They cheat consumers by What I had forgotten is that she was wearing the shock charging high prices for dogs that often have congenital collar which keeps her in the yard when she is outside alone. defects, chronic illnesses and other significant health issues. Lilly tossed her head and proceeded down the driveway, It is stunning to me that organizations purporting to care for trusting that I had given her a safe command. dogs actually oppose such legislation, but they have managed Suddenly, she yelped, dropped the tennis ball she carries to stop it during the last several legislative sessions. on our walks and ran into the street as if she had been More good news is a bill that addresses pet owners who kicked. leave their animals in parked cars no matter what the weather. I knew at once what had happened and felt sick. Lilly A friend is thrilled about this particular bill as she has long had been shocked. A young mother pushing a stroller and been in the habit, when she sees an animal locked in a parked her little one stopped to look on in sympathy. vehicle, of actually waiting for the owner to show up and, Lilly is fine now but a bit skittish about the driveway, failing that, leaving the owner a note. These conversations which is understandable. I am still shaken that I forgot about the collar. North Carolina General Assembly is once again or notes always include her stern warning that, speaking as a veterinarian, they are endangering their animals and risking Dogs have been part of my life since I was a preschooler considering legislation addressing puppy mills. their tortured deaths. My friend says the owners are almost and a friend gave our family a gun shy Weimaraner who always contrite, unaware that she has just told them a whopper hated loud noises but was a perfect dog for a young family. about her own professional credentials. I can name them all, remember their diverse personalities Lilly and I continue our walking routine, and she proudly carries her tennis ball in and loved each of them, although some more than others. hopes that I will throw or kick it for her to retrieve for another go. Sometimes I do Lilly ranks high on the love list. not want to go out, but when I look into her patient brown eyes and see how much Unlike people, a dog loves you no matter what you do, depends on you for our outdoor time means to her, I get the leash and out we go. her wellbeing, always keeps your secrets, trusts that you will take care of her I will close with two of my favorite quotations about dogs. and forgives you when you fail. A dog is trustworthy and teaches life's most Television personality and animal lover Roger Caras said this. "Dogs have given us important lessons and values just by being herself. their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love All of this is no doubt why I can barely hear or read the sad and wrenching and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best stories about all kinds of cruelty to dogs and other animals. These include deal man has ever made." accounts of people who neglect their pets, who withhold food, who keep them And this from former President Woodrow Wilson, a thoroughly serious man. chained, who leave their animals exposed to the elements—heat, cold, rain and "If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, snow, who do not provide veterinary care and some who actually do deliberate you should go home and examine your conscience." physical harm to their pets. Underlying all such behavior is the cold, sad reality that people who behave like MARGARET DICKSON, Conthis see their animals not as living creatures but as objects, incapable of feeling tributing Writer, COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com. Daily Specials Breakfast Lunch Dinner Fresh Seafood Hand Cut Steaks Homemade Desserts Italian & Greek Children's Menu 484-0261 1304 Morganton Rd. Mon-Sat: 6am-10pm Sun: 7am-2:30 pm Serving Fayetteville Over 50 Years! 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