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.