Story by Marilyn King
Happy Fall, Tulsa Pet Lovers –
Hip hip hurray for the arrival of fall, my favorite time of year! I know our furry friends are breathing a collective sigh of relief with the advent of this cooler weather here in Green Country.
It’s amazing that 2007 is nearing its close, and how fast the year has flown! The pet world has also had its share of news in 2007: the pet food recall with its sickening results, the evil Michael Vick and his cohorts in crime, news of pet hoarding and neglect right here in our own backyard. To say the least, these reports are disturbing and a downright shame.
One of my favorite animal quotes ever, by the late writer and naturalist Henry Beston, goes: “Animals are not brethren; they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time.” So true. To me, it’s a privilege to be able to live alongside the ever-fascinating animal kingdom. It’s a relationship to be respected, especially for our domesticated friends, who are so dependent on humankind for their care and protection.
I’m ever passionate about my magazine’s mission, and I hope at least in some small way it’s creating a greater awareness of the number of our homeless animals, the importance of spaying and neutering, the abuse issues, and the overall conditions of our animals locally and throughout the state.
Someone mentioned to me the other day that she hopes that somehow, someway, the information in my magazine gets into the hands of those who most need to know. That’s quite a dilemma, actually, as the people who most need to know most probably aren’t reading my magazine. Then another suggestion was made to put the magazine in our libraries, particularly in the children’s section. After some thought I realized that’s a great idea, and it’s the next thing on my to-do list. (Thank you, Jean Baker!) If anyone has any other ideas on how to enhance awareness for our homeless pets, please send them my way.
So, I’ll sign off until January. As usual, a heartfelt thanks to my advertisers for their support, a huge thank you to Lauren and Joe at Langdon Publishing, and one last thanks to all of you who are enjoying the magazine. Best wishes to all for a safe and blessed holiday season.
Marilyn & Sam
P.S. I’ve been kicking myself since the last issue for not giving some much-needed credit where credit is due. Thank you, Mr. Howard Hulen, for the spectacular picture of Bentley you supplied for the Summer issue’s front cover!
