[Artemisia] Pets and Real Monsters

[Dawn Tavares]

This is my annual reminder to keep your pets under close watch forthe next week.
 
Every October there seems to be at least one story in the Salt Lakemedia about some poor animal found mutilated to death as part ofsome "ritual sacrifice" to Halloween. Initial reports usuallyspeculate on the involvement of pagans/wiccans/goths; monthslater, when an arrest is made--if an arrest is ever made--the sadiststurn out to be drunken teens and adults looking for cheap thrills.
 
Whether you believe this ugliness occurs in your neighborhood or not--for the sake of the animals you love, play it safe.
 
Keep your dogs and cats indoors, especially at night, until November 2 at least. Black cats are particularly vulnerable; several Utahshelters will not allow black cats to be adopted until well past theholiday. Pure white animals are at risk as well, especially ifthey're small enough to be carried off: guinea pigs, rabbits,puppies. Even farm chickens and petting zoo goats have been known todisappear. Don't let Fluffy be taken to grade school for show-n-telljust yet.
 
Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? Until their mangled bodies are found...
 
Little costumed strangers trekking up to the porch light for treatsmeans bigger strangers feel free to pull tricks. Most of them areharmless. Most.
 
Don't let your pet become a victim.
 
 
Aurora de Portugalcat lover,pet owner,retired goth
_________________________________________________________________
When your life is on the go—take your life with you.
http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/115298558/direct/01/