Sadly, to this question, one only has to look at our lifestyles. What was the centerpiece
of your Thanksgiving dinner - Was it turkey or Tofurky? Have you ever thrown out a
dog, kitty, bunny or other companion animal because all of a sudden he/she has become
too much work - a nuisance, or a responsibility you no longer want? Did you buy your
"pet" from a pet store because you want a certain breed -even knowing that these
stores use puppy mill animals? Did you relinquish your old or unwanted horse to auction
for the meat men to snap up for killing? The questions can go on and on regarding what
should be our concern for all of animal life. But looking at the larger picture, I'm sorry
to say, that many of us probably fail in compassionate treatment of them.
And less you think people like me only care about animal life - this sad caption caught
my eye this week: "BLACK FRIDAY: TARGET SHOPPERS STEP OVER WALTER
VANCE AS HE COLLAPSES, DIES."
Walter Vance collapsed while shopping at a Target store in West Virginia on Black
Friday. This 61- year- old pharmacist who reportedly suffered from a prior heart
condition, later died in the hospital.
It was reported that some shoppers actually ignored his prone body and walked over
him as they continued to shop. Friends and co-workers expressed outrage over the
way he was treated. Sue Compton -Vance's co-worker asked "Where is the good
Samaritan side of people? How could you not notice someone was in trouble? I just
don't understand if people didn't help what their reason was, other than greed because
of a sale."
Sadly, somehow even though this terrible neglect by these people surprised me, in
reality it shouldn't have. If you look around the world today and read the accounts
of cruelty- especially to animals, we shouldn't be surprised at all. I have always believed
that if we start with treating the animals with kindness, we are more than likely to treat
fellow human beings the same way. Obviously, we have a long way to go. Obviously too,
I am ashamed of being part of the human race. Am I any better? I don't know, but I
truly hope so, dear God.
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