Juicy

Here's our neighbor's ancient Rottie, Juicy. Juicy is SUCH a sweet boy, even though he's spent the vast majority of his life on a chain and is generally ignored. We take him out for walks on his tottery old legs, and slip him extra food. On this particular day, his owner had taken Juicy was off his chain because the dog's neck had become ulcerated from the wear and tear of the links. Once off his chain and left to his own devices, Juicy immediately came across the street to see us -- his friends -- for some pats and food. His situation just breaks our hearts, but according to Bermuda law, as long as Juicy has food, water, and some sort of shelter, nothing can be done. To many local Bermudians, dogs are status symbols or "protection." Dogs are often not considered pets and are generally kept on chains or confined to cages for their entire lives. And, dog fighting has only recently been outlawed.

I wish these ignorant people would live by Albert Schweitzer's philosophy, as follows:

"Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man will not himself find peace."