Cristobal Yera

Dear Sir or Madam:

It is a truly sad occurrence that has brought me to write this letter. In many ways, it is impossible to put into words the anguish that the loss of my dear friend SHADOW has caused to all who knew him. To some, SHADOW was just a dog, but to those with whom he shared his life, he was a gift, unfairly taken from the people who loved him. The issue in question, though, is that to one person in particular, SHADOW was an animal unworthy of its life. This view, however, is no less flawed than one that places little to no value on a human life.

SHADOW was many things to many people, but above all, he was a friend to anyone who took the time to stop and pet him. Personally, I have countless stories of difficult days where SHADOW seemed to sense my troubles and almost instinctively, would do something to make me laugh. He had the amazing ability to brighten your day simply through his presence. The old truism, “man’s best friend,” certainly applied to SHADOW, and it is unfair that he was taken away from those who loved him, as a friend or even as a member of their family.

It disturbs me greatly that someone could do something like this and yet their actions should have such insignificant consequences. Please consider the simple fact that someone took away a true friend with little thought to the impact their actions would have on others, and make sure that person understands what they did was a horrific thing that can never be undone.


Sincerely,
Cristobal Yera
Ensign
US Navy