DEAR HARRIETTE: I didn't get the opportunity to read the original letter from "Animal Advocate" and your response, but I can imagine what was in it. I second "Animal Lover's" rebuke as well. Unfortunately, there is not always an organization or agency that is willing to help abused animals.
Where I grew up, we had a neighbor who had two large outdoor dogs. They were tied to a tree, and in the heat of the summer, many times their water bowl would be empty. My mother or I would walk down the hill about 100 yards with jugs of tap water and ice for them. Also, they were tied to a tree under a blue tarp.
We called the Humane Society and got no help. We were told that unless the owner wanted to surrender the animals or law enforcement seized the animals, there was nothing the Humane Society could do. We called the dog warden, the game warden and even a personal friend who worked in one of these departments. The friend came and advised the neighbor how to care for dogs. Of course, the owner didn't listen or seem to care, and the neglect continued.
So what does one do when local law enforcement does nothing? When there is no branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Advocates 4 Animals or other organizations in small-town USA? -- Fed Up With Animal Abuse, Jackson, Miss.
DEAR FED UP: We are talking about respecting life, whether it be human or animal. Your story is painful to read but apparently not uncommon.
I would recommend that anyone who is not getting a satisfactory response from local law enforcement or animal rights agencies consider two things. You can go to government officials who are higher up the chain to let them know what's happening. Your city councilman or county commissioner may be able to help.
But a quicker response will likely come if you engage local news media. If you can, take pictures of the abused animals and/or suggest that the news media do so. Ask for the story to be broadcast locally. Or write an op-ed article for the local newspaper describing the animals' plight. That will draw attention to the situation.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Here is what I would say to "Confused in Harlem," whose "gentleman" friend has started sending her nude pics: That guy is a weirdo. Dump him. NOW! -- Not the Least Bit Confused in Bossier City, La.
DEAR NOT THE LEAST BIT CONFUSED: I must say that I'm with you on this one. To think that your new date would be excited by sending random nude photos is odd, to say the least.
I am curious about this man's motivation. Clearly, for some reason he thinks that such an overture will have a positive outcome. Unless this woman really does like this type of behavior, running in the opposite direction -- and fast -- is the best action.