Kaytee

Just seen the reports of the court case online. My take on the subject: If I lived in Gobowen I'd be very, very, wary of neighbours who are taking photos - covertly or otherwise. The reporting in both the publications I saw was somewhat misleading. Mainly in that the dog Little Boy was said in court to have "severe mange." Everyone saw the photos of Little Boy when he was being taken away from the house - does that look like a dog with "Severe Mange?" That dog was killed by the RSPCA. The report in the Daily Mail said the RSPCA inspector said they were barely recognisable as dogs. Well, it looks like a BORDER COLLIE to me. If an RSPCA inspector can't recognise this as a dog - then there is no hope. I know that many people in Gobowen will think the situation reflects badly on them - and it does. Because all it goes to show is that when people get old and when they have been independant and are losing that independance, all people do is criticise, judge, blame and attack. I have been to Gobowen and I kinda liked it. A small, close knit, supportive non-judgemental community. At least it was when I was there which was a long time ago. I'm sorry for all concerned. At every level this situation has highlighted the problems with today's culture and mentallity. What happened to a little bit of help is worth a lot of sympathy? We are getting to be a nation of old people - so remember, next time, it could be you. I wish the residents of Gobowen a peaceful future.

Thanks Mark. Yes, I am the lady from overseas! I've sent him three letters since I last heard from him but had nothing back. Hence I was at my wit's end. In the last letter he did say, "Little Boy PTS" (Put to Sleep) but I didn't want to mention it on the forum in case I'd got things wrong. I've actually got something to say on this subject - although I'm trying not to rant. I've known John for 35 years. I worked with him. He was a 150% dedicated vet. He stuck his neck out to save the lives of animals that most vets wouldn't bother to do. They wouldn't even bother trying because they didn't want to draw attention to themselves. I've seen him strive for a 'cure' for distemper - and this was prior to vaccines being used wholesale - and I also believe, he found it - but he couldn't get the pharmaceutical companies interested. Hell, who would want a cure when every dog owner in the land will pay annually for a vaccine? I also believe he paid a price for sticking his neck out. I've seen him work every hour God sends (10pm on a Friday night, why would anyone feel the need to go home????) and I've gone with him to Earls Court when we've taken kids on the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme. No, he doesn't live like the 'typical' person, he is eccentric - but it isn't a crime. And he isn't knee deep in mortgages, credit card debt and bothered more about inanimate 'objects' than living, breathing creatures. His priorities are higher than most. And I honestly don't believe the man has a malicious bone in his body - which is why he can't see it coming when the trivial people show up and start declaring they know the difference between right and wrong. If the courts, or the people who reported him or the RSPCA (they are no longer in my will) see this man as being some kind of demon, then I will leave you with Kierkegaard "There is infinitely more good in the demonic, than in the trivial man." Little Boy is dead because of the trivial people and a good man is being hounded to death. I would say that the trivial people should be ashamed, but it wouldn't make any difference, because they can't look at themselves and judge - they can only judge others.

Thank you.

Hi, If someone could post on here to confirm that John is okay, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

Hi, John (First time I've ever called him that!) knows I'm trying to contact him - at the moment we are limited to letters. Is anyone willing, able, and of course, prudent enough, to pass a message or two backwards and forwards? Hope the mods don't mind me posting this but I'm all out of options and I would like to be reassured of his (John's) welfare. Thanks.