I still recall the large round eyes and sad expression made particularly memorable by a larger-than-normal head. Often appearing at our door begging for a handout, he was a scruffy, homeless vagabond. We nicknamed him Big Boy–but simply called him Big for short.
We actually pitied Big's plight and sometimes made overtures to alleviate his distress. But when he started fighting with our other cats and stealing their food, we had to find him a home.
And with the help of a compassionate friend, Big Boy was successfully relocated a couple of years ago to another city. We thought the saga of Big Boy was over–until a familiar-looking huge head again appeared at our door a few weeks back.
Had Big Boy returned? Telltale incongruities made us doubtful. Like Big, this new interloper would gobble all visible food–but then present itchy ears to be rubbed and scratched. Son of Big Boy, we speculated.
Most disconcerting were the huge, open wounds on his back. Though surely excruciatingly painful, he never balked as we applied medication. But he needed more care than we could provide. The animal shelter promised help, and Son of Big Boy was eventually caged and carted to the shelter.
A subsequent conversation with Scott, the animal control officer, was enlightening and encouraging. It seems that shortly after Son's arrival, his owner called looking for him. Whereabouts discovered, Son was retrieved and taken to the veterinarian. Grimacing, Scott related the vet's assessment of Son's raw wounds: someone had probably thrown hot grease on his back. But they could be treated, and Son of Big Boy was home.
Scott delights in helping create happy endings. Sadly, his job often brings him face to face with wanton cruelties and acts of neglect inflicted upon helpless animals. "How can they do it?" he wondered aloud.
Neither of us knew. But we did share one belief: how a person treats a defenseless creature is a window to his soul. The character deficiencies that lead one to mistreat animals will eventually manifest themselves in other ways.
Is there a solution? Animal shelters are constantly in need of resources for their rescue and rehabilitation efforts. And as noble as this cause may be, damming the Mississippi at New Orleans is formidable. Upstream efforts are more effective problem solvers.
Certainly better laws–and vigorous enforcement of existing laws–would discourage would-be offenders. But looking at the gaping wounds on Son of Big Boy's back makes me aggressively ponder what might really persuade a person to decide against throwing hot grease on a poor kitty's back.
And in those moments of sober reflection, one of Abraham Lincoln's thoughts conjures up visions of closure. "Whenever I hear any one arguing for slavery I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally."
It's a corollary to the Golden Rule. If we knew for certain that what we did unto others would swiftly be done unto us, behavior modification might be instant–and effective.
Copyright 2001 James McAlister
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