A Waggy Tale

Set on the scales of public opinion: one money grubbing evil landlord against one sweet lil old grandma, her eyes welling with tears at the prospect of losing her only joy in life, and you have the makings of the next great debate in this city.The poster child for this movement seems to be the poor lil old lady, forced into an apartment, having given her beloved companion over to the murderous folks at the Humane Society.

The local opposition is presenting a bill in Manitoba to force landlords to accept pets in apartment buildings. It matters not that the current wise men in power have already addressed this issue, by sweetening the pot to encourage landlords to accept our four-footed roomies, in an attempt to avoid trampling over the rights of one while supporting those of another. There are already buildings that allow pets, only time will tell if this move will increase their number.

It also matters not that it could just be that sadly grandma needs caring for, in a seniors home, for example. I would certainly hope that such residences would be exempt; the angels of mercy that care for these folks have enough on their hands.

Please don't get me wrong, I am an animal lover. Like these people I had to hand over my best friend once, and it taught me to be very sure if l wanted another pet, that I could commit to that life-long commitment; well in dog years anyway.

I am also a lover of personal freedom, and despite the instinct to protect those big brown eyes and waggy tail, I have to remain on the side of choice.