A rebuttal for Ms. Julie Johnson in reference to her column, “Is Bend going to the dogs?”

After reading this piece, I am reminded of something my father told me as a child to relieve the anxiety I experienced when being exposed to some very cruel acts toward animals. He told me they didn’t feel any pain and that they had no feelings. Now, my father was one of the most decent human beings I have ever known in my life, and I realize he told me this to somehow alleviate my despair. It didn’t work, though. It was during those childhood days that I became, and continue to be, an advocate for all animals and the causes that ensue because of the neglect and mistreatment from humans.

There was only one point in your article that I might agree with, and that is the excessive adornment of cute accessories and clothing for dogs and cats. These displays of fashion are for the entertainment of humans and do nothing for a canine’s spirit or well-being. What does contribute to the population of our beloved canines and felines are acts of kindness and the benefit of human decency. Their needs are simple for the forgiveness they show daily of we fractured humans. Dogs are satisfied easily with a little good food, the display of physical affection and the luxury of a walk in the woods where they can show their gratitude in the only way they know. One look at their happy faces and their wagging tails does more for my spirit than many interactions with my fellow human beings.

What harm can come from a gathering of canines for an Easter egg hunt? This event does nothing to take away from any other cause that would benefit “human” charities. If anything, it enriches the lives of those who gather for these events, be it families with children or simply the gathering of those who find camaraderie in a canine’s pleasure. Events such as these, as well as Bend’s Pet Parade, are part of what makes Bend the kind of city worth living in.

What it comes down to is compassion for those that have no voice to speak for themselves. They are at the whim of man for the essential necessities of survival. It’s not only dogs but children as well. These are the charities I believe in and contribute to in favor of those who must rely on the kindness of others for that which they cannot obtain themselves. They never asked to be born, but shouldn’t it be our duty to protect and nurture those living beings that are brought into the world by breeders and irresponsible adults who really don’t deserve to be parents or dog owners?

The conception of puppies by irresponsible breeders has contributed to a population of neglected and abused dogs that either wander the streets looking for a loving home or sit in cages at the shelter waiting for the same. They don’t deserve this kind of life. Wasn’t it Gandhi who claimed that the worth of a society is based on how it treats its animals? I can only hope we are able to score high enough on that scale.

As far as I’m concerned, there are dogs and cats whose company I enjoy more than some human beings. Their contribution to society is huge in many capacities, and I will continue to contribute to these charities for as long as I have a dime in my pocket.