JUNE 12,
2006 --
Shana doesn't walk as well as she used to. Indeed, her back legs
sometime weaken, causing her to fall. (Where
once it was a joy to see that she could rise by herself, now it is a joy to see
that she can walk for a stretch.)
Friday, we were on Lexington Avenue, to
get film developed at GR, between 83rd and 84th Streets.
Shana was somewhat unsteady, and a man, standing at the entrance to a store,
suggested that I take Shana to the vet. I saw no point in replying that she had
been to the vet the day before.
Next a well-intentioned, no doubt, lady came up to me and said she did not like
to see animals suffer and suggested that it was time for Shana to go. This time
I did reply, perhaps not softly.
It later occurred to me that this incident continues the message of the tale
of King Solomon and the disputed baby. In that
tale, the mother of the deceased baby wanted what she regarded as fair to
her -- not the best interests of the surviving baby.
|
 |
Shana
at Oddo's parking area June 8th.
|
I have an idea
that some people who say they don't want to see animals suffer --
and having no knowledge of the pet's comprehensive condition -- simply
wish to be spared sights that make them uncomfortable.
The day before, Shana was in Litchfield County and clearly felt much better.
Is it the air in Connecticut, and her friends there -- or the pollution, including
kindly-stated nastiness, that can be found
in Manhattan that makes the difference?
|
|
)
