Letters to the Editor 07/09/2008

To the Editor:

Kathryn Godsiff's letter concerning the two abandoned cats in a box and her own experience with her daughter-in-law's unwanted cats bears a desperate note for education.

Godsiff suggests "guilt-free" euthanasia. The example set by euthanizing healthy animals is an insensitive product of a throw-away society. Euthanizing healthy pets does result in insensitivity and emotional distress in anyone with a normal, healthy conscience.

A veterinarian's profession (similar to a medical doctor's oath) is a dedication to caring for and treating illness in animals. It is scientifically documented that our treatment of animals carries over to how we treat each other. With hearts desensitized, would this "guilt-free euthanasia" eventually provide "a painless and inexpensive way" to "rid" ourselves of our elders or others who are homeless?

As individuals, we all need to focus on positive education of population control. Apparently, we can clearly see the impact of animal overpopulation. Yet we ourselves continue to overpopulate, bearing unwanted children, homelessness, shortage of jobs, depletions of food and water, higher costs of living, desperate drug and alcohol abuse, disregard for others and research-documented destruction of the earth. Until we control our own overpopulation, we will continue to create pet overpopulation.

At present, there are several rescue organizations in Central Oregon who never refuse "unwanted" cats. A small monetary donation may comfort one's "stress." A local newspaper offers free ads for anyone giving pets away. Never should it be acceptable to conveniently discard an animal as we would a no-longer-useful lawn mower, just because our lives have become stressfully congested.

Decades ago, Dr. Albert Schweitzer said, "Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man will not himself find peace."

Linda Daniel

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To the Editor:

It is that time of year again - when many locals avoid downtown during the Quilt Show. But based on what I experienced at last year's show, I would encourage you to come into downtown this Saturday.

With highway traffic being rerouted around town, and Cascade Ave. closed to all vehicles, it is a great time to experience downtown Sisters at it's best - quiet, peaceful, room to move around, people talking and laughing - even with 10,000 people in town.

You can actually hear birds singing right in the middle of town - seriously, you can!

So take a stroll down the middle of Cascade Avenue this Saturday and imagine what it would be like if we could close off the traffic for other events throughout the year - without having to beg ODOT for permission and pay thousands of dollars in traffic "fees" to do it.

All we have to do is find a way to get Highway 20 off Cascade Avenue so that the city controls the street, and we could do this as often as the people (and businesses) of Sisters wanted. With the city in the middle of a transportation plan update, now is the time for everyone to talk about their vision of Sisters.

Carey Tosello

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To the Editor

The Sokol and extended family would like to express our profound gratitude to the entire community of Sisters, Bend, and surrounding areas for your support, love, hugs, food deliveries, flowers, notes - for everything - during this most difficult time with the sudden unexpected loss of our Douglas Sokol this last week.

Son, brother, father, husband, uncle, friend, visionary and more - this amazing man who we all will miss so much forever.

To Deschutes County Search & Rescue - you are true heroes. We are eternally indebted to you for your swift and diligent efforts.

Thank you all so very much.

Evangeline Sokol