"DOING THE RIGHT THING"

It is of course far from a news flash that humankind’s failings have never been in short supply, including those of a malevolent nature. While much too often overlooked or otherwise marginalized are the many examples of folks “doing the right thing” — including, but not limited to, those concerning efforts to prevent and/or pursue accountability for “animal cruelty.”

Encouraging and inspirational examples such as, but not limited to: (1.) the Parsons Sun’s very informative and duly emphasized news publications; (2.) the Parsons Police Department’s very professional and aptly prioritized investigations and arrests; and (3.) the ever-so-crucial reporting by and otherwise support of various concerned citizens.

With the above humankind pros and cons in mind, attention is drawn to the animal cruelty case reported on the front pages of the Sun’s May 11 and May 13, 2022 publications, concerning “Midus” — an emaciated male dog found tangled in its cable in the backyard of a house in our proud city of Parsons; in poor health; in grass close to a foot tall; so thin that his ribs were showing; with no food found in yard; and only available water suspected to be that from large amounts of recent rain. A terribly suffering and life-threatened Midus discovered “by-chance” and “responsibly reported” by an Evergy employee — as it seems especially noteworthy that subsequent contacts with neighbors reportedly indicated that the owners had “not been at the house for at least a couple of weeks.”

From our so-called superior human perspective, it often seems that for the most part our cats just “tolerate” us. While, much to the contrary, dogs “appear” blessed (possibly burdened) with the capacity for “unconditional affection” for we humans — and in some cases, even for the most undeserving among us. And their loss or abuse is especially felt by those fortunate to experience, and duly respect and appreciate, their truly special and much too limited time with us.

And if our pets ever become equipped with human language, it seems very likely that early-on one of their most passionate and historically justified requests of humankind will include the following plea . . . “If any among them become abandoned or otherwise abused, please personally and very timely “do the right thing” — and leave not their fate to the unpredictability and otherwise uncertainty that “someone else” may by-chance one day discover their plight and react responsibly.”

Of course, the crucial importance of such responsible and commonsense behavior has long been emphasized in a number of ways—none the least via our Parsons Police Department’s ongoing encouragement that we citizens responsibly step up and “see it, hear it, report it.” Even at the risk of possibly offending someone, and even in the face of the long standing reality that at times no good deed goes unpunished in some way.

                                                                 —James & Ann Moore

= = =

[ The above was also included in the Public Mind section on page 4 of the Parsons Sun’s Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, May 21-21, 2022 Edition. ]