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Pasco Letters to the Editor

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 21, 2008

Dog's Peaceful Goodbye

Normally in this space, letters appear to voice a complaint, take a stand on a matter or respond to an article. This letter is written for a totally different reason: to publicly thank some very special people for the caring, understanding and compassion shown us through a very difficult time.

On Jan. 14 we had to put our dearly loved German shepherd, Schatzi, to sleep. We knew the time was coming when this decision was going to have to be made, but as any pet owner knows, we didn't want to have to face the fact that our pet was getting old and her health was failing. Years earlier, we had made a promise we would not let our dog suffer.

Earlier in the day, we stopped at our veterinarian's office to see if we could make arrangements, as we couldn't bear to watch our dog in pain any longer. Without an appointment, our vet quickly fit us in to talk with us.

It was hard to get the words out, but she knew what we were feeling. We weren't even sure if we were making the right decision, but because she had been Schatzi's vet since she was 8 weeks old, she knew her health condition and in her so soft voice told us, "It's all right."

As we didn't want to have it done at the office, we asked if she could come to our home. We wanted to be with our pet and have her pass away at home surrounded by those who loved her.

"No problem" was the response we got without any hesitation. "It'll have to be later in the day." She had major surgery to perform in the afternoon. We were given an approximate time and left with a very heavy heart.

Needless to say, the afternoon held the longest hours for us. We spent what time was left loving our dog as she was a member of our family. So many wonderful memories passed through our minds.

Suddenly, they were here. The time had come when we had to say goodbye.

While our dog lay on the floor being held and petted by us, and after being gently stroked and talked to very tenderly by the doctor, the needle was inserted in her back leg. She passed so quickly. She just went to sleep. Now she was at peace. No more pain! No more suffering!

Our house is so empty and quiet now. Part of us died with her. She'll be back in a week or so, though. We had her cremated, and she'll remain with us always, just where she belongs.

Dr. Cathy McCashion - thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you have done over the past 14 years for Schatzi. Because of your caring and dedication to your profession, you kept her in good health and gave us many, many wonderful years with our beloved pet. You are a wonderful individual. You treat all your patients as your babies.

To all the staff at Companion Animal Hospital - thank you for everything you have done. God gathered all of you together in this one place for a reason. You are all angels in our eyes!

We know there are some of you reading this who think this story is a waste of time and space. I feel sorry for you. Unless you are a pet owner, you will never know what love and joy can be brought into one's life by a defenseless, innocent animal.

All they want is your love. The companionship and loyalty they give in return cannot compare with the affection we have for them.

BETTY and RUSS KNIERIEM

Shady Hills

Keep The Money

I have been a coach in a youth recreation basketball league at a local recreation center for the last five years, with my children and other local youth as players. I was quite surprised to find that there would be no youth basketball league this year because there were not enough workers to support a league in the center's gymnasium because of budgetary cuts.

I can't help but wonder what life will be like when other more important services will be lost because of cuts that will result if Amendment 1 passes. Cuts to education, law enforcement, fire services, etc., are not worth the $240 tax savings I will supposedly receive!

I would rather the state keep what amounts to less than $5 a week and fund the services and employees who will be lost and most likely never be returned.

KENNY BLANKENSHIP

Land O' Lakes

Misleading Savings

Regarding "Pasco Sheriff Pulling Patrols As Motorcycle Lease Expires," Tuesday:

I don't think they gave you all the information when they told you they save in fuel by using motorcycles instead of cars. I also ride a large motorcycle, and I get about 40 to 45 miles to the gallon.

What they failed to tell you is that bikes only get between 10,000 and 15,000 miles on a set of tires. Tires for a bike cost at least double that of a car, and mounting costs are more, too! Factor it all together, and the fuel savings is not really accurate.

What I save in gas, I spend in tires. It is equal and offsetting!

DAN ROSENTHAL

Tampa

Metal Advertisements

Regarding "Where Are Fees Going?" letters, Jan. 16:

First: What are the fees going to? Well, I am not sure, but your sea turtle license plate is nothing more than an advertisement for the protection of the sea turtle. The same could be true with your university plate.

I don't like all the license plates that are available to Florida residents. We now have over 100, and 15 or 20 choices is plenty.

RICHARD WELCH

Zephyrhills

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