On Saturday, March 24, our tabby cat Arnold returned home after an uncharacteristic 24-hour absence; he was obviously very ill. After several days, and mistakenly identifying his wound as the work of another animal, it was determined that he was shot with a pellet. During a lengthy surgery, there were 10 holes found in his intestines: all the work of a single pellet fired at close range.
Arnold spent the better part of a week in intensive care, his survival dependant on his own toughness (he is, after all, named for the California governor) and the abundant skills of those at Sawtooth Animal Clinic. As of now, after tons of antibiotics, angry and worried tears, and a jaw-dropping four-digit bill, Arnold seems to be out of the woods.
Arnold is not a wanderer; his territory spans about one block in Old Hailey. I understand that Idaho in general and Hailey specifically have their rural roots, and many children are given guns of some kind at a young age; I do not like it, but I accept it as a part of living here (assuming that it was a child who did this).
But what I have also come to expect is that parents teach the responsibility attached to owning a weapon (and, yes, BB and pellet guns are weapons), including, and most importantly, not targeting living things. What may be seen as something fun to shoot at (or horrifyingly as nothing more than a pest) could very well be an integral part of someone's family, a sweet and loving member who gives back more than many humans do, and asks so little.
What others may perceive as just another neighborhood pet could be a child's best friend, and in harming such an animal, so, too, is the feeling of safety and confidence in one's own neighbors harmed.
I know that it is too much to expect those responsible to actually own up to what they have done, but I do hope that in reading this, all parents who have allowed their children such weapons will go over the rules of being careful and caring citizens. Please explain how one thoughtless and cruel act can cost so much: physically, emotionally, and financially.
Pamela Reichman
Hailey
