This will be a rant.I didn't know whether to post my words here or in "around the campfire".We had a neighborhood kitty known as Vivian around here for about 4 years.2 months ago she suddenly vanished.We knew she was at risk being an outdoor multiple household kitty.Five homeowners have cared for her with food and veterinary care.The kids across the street just loved this little big eyed grey tabby.Not to mention the schoolteacher a few doors away and many other cat people on this street.I found out this evening that a person down from us hit and killed Vivian.This person had previously hit and injured a Boston terrier who resides directly across from us.The person responsible has slowed their speeds on the street at the urging of another neighbor.I really want to approach the person who has caused so much grief and punch him in the face.This of course is unlawful and would be disrespectful of this normally law abiding human who seems to dismiss loved animals as insignificant.I will sit here and fume for a time then move on.A small life that has affected so many.We miss you Vivian we will see you again at the bridge.God bless the good...

Sorry for your loss.It seems like every urban neighborhood has a few of these cats. That's how we got Henry. Being an outdoor animal has it's perils and their lifespan is always shorter.I've found that there are some people who just don't have empathy for other living things. Don't know whether it's just not taught or if there are other forces at work. By the age people are driving, I'm not sure there is much that can be done to change their personality (except with serious therapy).I see bumper stickers - I brake for squirrels- I guess that sums up my feelings.Doug, DVM

I understand your anger, and you are right to avoid the punch part. The law would surely step in, and I doubt you'd enjoy your vacation in the slammer.You know, it may not be a case of disrespect of small living creatures. It may also be a case of bad eyesight or really bad driving habits. There used to be a lady up the road who had accidents ALL the time. She hit other vehicles, parked cars, mailboxes, you name it. I don't know how she kept her license. And she always drove very slowly, too. It eventually turned out that when she was first learning to drive, somebody told her to watch where she was going, and she interpreted that to mean focus her gaze about 10 feet in front of the car so she could spot the potholes, etc. Which, of course, is why she never saw that truck until it was too late.And why she drove so slowly: if your attention is focused 10 feet in front of you, the safe clear stopping distance really shrinks.So maybe your otherwise law-abiding neighbor may have the reverse bad habit, and hit potholes, rocks, etc. all the time . . . . Which wouldn't relieve his liability, but would perhaps take it out of the realm of malice.

I too brake for squirrels, bunnies, turtles, etc. But sometimes creatures don't give you much option other than hit them. Unless the alleged murderer is bragging about offing the cat, your best bet is to grieve quietly. You don't know if the split-second choice was the poor cat or a child on a bike?

There are plenty of testosterone-challenged a-holes that believe if they CAN destroy a helpless creature, without endangering their own life-they will. You are right, you can't punch him out-you will only mess up your life. Put a mental Hoo-Doo on him, and hope for the best. Sometimes, people like that really get themselves into trouble. Karma....

I'm sorry to hear of the loss. On the other side of the coin, I've seen dogs literally commit suicide even when an already slow vehicle is trying to swerve to avoid the animal. As animals age, they don't always have the mental capacity. There's also the panic factor. Sad, all of it.

Insignificance | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

ScottG
Nomad
Jul 09, 2013
It doesn't sound like Vivian was insignificant at all.
Now the jerk that keeps running over things? He's insignificant.
Kittykath
Explorer II
Jul 09, 2013
I didn't know I was a pet person until Layla came around.

Beautiful black friendly stray kitty, visiting campsites only at night, looking for a handout and obviously pregnant.

She chose a covered boat to have her kittens in, but the boat owner threatened to throw the kittens overboard if they weren't gone by morning. Jerk!!

Looks like I got me a new pet. I found wonderful homes for the kittens once they were old enough. Layla couldn't be more perfect for our family. "Layla" means dark night or black beauty. Fitting.
nabi
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
very sad to read...glad Vivian had the love of the neighbourhood before her death.
magnusfide
Explorer II
Jul 09, 2013
I'm sorry to hear of the loss. On the other side of the coin, I've seen dogs literally commit suicide even when an already slow vehicle is trying to swerve to avoid the animal. As animals age, they don't always have the mental capacity. There's also the panic factor. Sad, all of it.
Go_Dogs
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
There are plenty of testosterone-challenged a-holes that believe if they CAN destroy a helpless creature, without endangering their own life-they will. You are right, you can't punch him out-you will only mess up your life. Put a mental Hoo-Doo on him, and hope for the best. Sometimes, people like that really get themselves into trouble. Karma....
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Jul 09, 2013
I too brake for squirrels, bunnies, turtles, etc. But sometimes creatures don't give you much option other than hit them. Unless the alleged murderer is bragging about offing the cat, your best bet is to grieve quietly. You don't know if the split-second choice was the poor cat or a child on a bike?
naturist
Nomad
Jul 09, 2013
I understand your anger, and you are right to avoid the punch part. The law would surely step in, and I doubt you'd enjoy your vacation in the slammer.

You know, it may not be a case of disrespect of small living creatures. It may also be a case of bad eyesight or really bad driving habits. There used to be a lady up the road who had accidents ALL the time. She hit other vehicles, parked cars, mailboxes, you name it. I don't know how she kept her license. And she always drove very slowly, too. It eventually turned out that when she was first learning to drive, somebody told her to watch where she was going, and she interpreted that to mean focus her gaze about 10 feet in front of the car so she could spot the potholes, etc. Which, of course, is why she never saw that truck until it was too late.

And why she drove so slowly: if your attention is focused 10 feet in front of you, the safe clear stopping distance really shrinks.

So maybe your otherwise law-abiding neighbor may have the reverse bad habit, and hit potholes, rocks, etc. all the time . . . . Which wouldn't relieve his liability, but would perhaps take it out of the realm of malice.
dturm
Moderator
Jul 09, 2013
Sorry for your loss.

It seems like every urban neighborhood has a few of these cats. That's how we got Henry. Being an outdoor animal has it's perils and their lifespan is always shorter.

I've found that there are some people who just don't have empathy for other living things. Don't know whether it's just not taught or if there are other forces at work. By the age people are driving, I'm not sure there is much that can be done to change their personality (except with serious therapy).

I see bumper stickers - I brake for squirrels- I guess that sums up my feelings.

Doug, DVM

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Insignificance

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