All animals deserve a chance

There is a sickening feeling that comes with losing a dog. What makes it even more sickening is when the dog dies at a time of someone else’s choosing. The dog may not have been ready to go, the owners were definitely NOT ready to let it go, but a total, unaware stranger with a shotgun was armed and ready to put the puppy down.

Luna was one of the most loving dogs I’ve met. On the few encounters I have had with the young dog, she had been nothing less than a bundle of kisses and happy yips. When her owners, two teachers in the community, returned that night, they weren’t welcomed by Luna’s energy, because Luna had been shot moments before. The obvious suspect played dumb and, upon calling the police, the family was assured that an investigation was in order. Obviously, thanks to the great response team Saipan has, nothing has been done about the situation. Probably because the suspect was the distant cousin of one of the officers.

I am totally and completely outraged. Anger is an understatement. The fact is, neither Luna nor her owners had ever done anything to offend the man and Luna was wearing a collar and tags that clearly showed she belonged to someone else. Still, the man just shot the dog, and left her waiting, body still warm and blood still running, because of the coldness in his heart. People either do not care or are not aware of the value of a good pet. People do not appreciate a furry friend to come home to and to cuddle with. I’m sure that more than half of Saipan’s population hasn’t even given a dog or a cat the chance to warm their heart. Animals out here seem to be considered more of a watchdog or rat-catcher then a member of the family. Animals are considered pests, and that is how they are treated.

Unfortunately, as a pet owner, I’ve realized how wrong they are. We cannot expect to convert all the people of Saipan to animal kindness. What we can do is take a stand for them. Animal rights are a must. Every living, breathing creature deserves to be respected. Unfortunately, we cannot bring Luna back, but we can do something with the story she has left behind, because Luna didn’t die for nothing. Through her death there is the opportunity to state the ridiculous manner through which everyday people treat animals, and how lightly police officials consider animal abuse cases. All animals deserve a chance.