Editor, Times-Union: I read the letter about the dog being hit at 4:45 a.m. and it is very unfortunate. Why do pet owners feel it's the responsibility of the driver of a car to look out for their animals? The owner is the responsible party. Why was that dog unleashed at 4:45?
I don't believe anyone intentionally hits an animal but sometimes it is unavoidable. If you're traveling at 55 mph and an animal darts in front of your vehicle, it's impossible to stop without possibly losing control or even causing another accident. Besides the fact that you may not even know if the animal is a dog, raccoon or possum. The owners wonder why you don't seek out the dog owner. Many times you would not even know to which house the animal belongs. At 4:45 a.m. it's probably not a good idea to start knocking on people's doors. And, is it really a good idea to approach a strange, injured animal?
There are ordinances requiring owners to have their pets confined or on leashes. When you own a pet, you are responsible for their safety!
Judy Szobody, Leesburg
Wine In Winona
Editor, Times-Union: Apparently the citizens of Winona Lake aren't in favor of wine being sold in the community. They seem all upset over the fact that the boutique, Vintage France, wants to sell wine. I don't know about a beer or liquor license, but wine? Well, I'm not so certain that there is such great sin or degradation in selling wine. Wine is not always to drink just for the sake of guzzling wine, but it seems to be a good remedy for several disorders, including one that I am truly in favor of. At times, whenever I have been suddenly overcome by a bad cold or the flu, I take a small glass of hot, sweet wine and jump into bed. You'd be surprised how much that hot wine has helped me, as regards a cold or the flu.
Now I am almost sure that there are many people in the Winona area who are against wine because of its fermentation; therefore, they consider it a sin to drink it, but I just want to say that recently, I read a most emphatic quote that goes as follows: "No longer drink any water, but use a little wine for that sake of your stomach, and your frequent ailments." Now, the aforementioned statement is a quote from the Bible (Timothy 5:23). So, all of you good people of Winona Lake who live daily by the rules of the Good Book, would you refute the word of the Holy Scriptures?
You know, not everyone who partakes of a glass of wine on occasion ends up dead drunk. Furthermore, we should all be aware of the fact that there is good and evil in every situation.
Don Kaiser, Warsaw
Garage Sale Thieves
Editor, Times-Union: To the couple who stole from me this past Saturday. I had a garage sale, trying to make a little extra money to make ends meet. I can't go out to work as I have health problems.
This couple came to my sale previously, browsing, trying to buy particular items but didn't want to pay the price. I even lowered the price on a particular item but that wasn't good enough. While I was kept busy with the wife, the husband stole a new $50 item. This was the same item he was interested in previously. I know who you are, maybe not your names but your faces are etched in my memory.
I feel sorry for you. I don't hate you, I just don't know how you can live with yourselves. The item was there when you came in - no one else was there. When you left, I found the empty box. The item was in your pocket. You may think no one saw you, but that's where you are wrong. God sees all and when he is ready your punishment will come.
I guess you think you were both clever and got away with your deed but your time is near. In his way, God will make you pay much more and is it worth it? Maybe it doesn't bother you being a thief.
We can't watch everyone at our sales but most people are honest and I have acquired many friends. I will continue to have my garage sales and enjoy the people who come, not just to buy, but browse and talk a while.
Bernadine Blair, Warsaw
Happy Ending
Editor, Times-Union: I enjoy reading the letters to you. To the people that lost their puppy, I have had a happier ending to mine.
A kind person found my Ebony wandering around, I don't even know where, but they took her to the Animal Shelter. They, in turn, called me. A very fine deed for both parties.
She was about 15 years old, going blind and deaf. I want to thank the people who helped us to make the best for her. We had her put to sleep. Thank you all for the kindness.
