Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Pets as gifts? Please take responsibility

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Dec. 23, 1999 | 9:27 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Her column appears Thursdays. Reach her at deskin@vegas.com.

In all probability a happy, loving puppy or a purring kitten will be among the gifts found under many Christmas trees.

Animal organizations, for many years, have explained the commitment required when a young animal becomes a part of the family. These same groups often go so far as advising against pets as gifts. I wouldn't go that far, because I know there are few things in life more enjoyable than having a cat, dog or other pet as a companion.

Through the years our household has been home for a variety of dogs and cats from pedigreed to those with unknown forefathers. They all became members of the family with all the privileges attendant thereto. We always knew our responsibility to feed and care for animal friends, who gave us love and devotion in return.

When that tiny kitten or puppy pops out from under the Christmas tree, I hope the new owners realize these animals grow up to be dogs and cats. And, if they don't, a poem on the subject might help as a reminder. The author is unknown, but I found it printed in The Vegas Dog, a charming and interesting newspaper devoted to our canine friends.

The poem, "Alone Again," follows:

I wish someone would tell me/what it is that I've done wrong/why I have to stay chained up/and left alone so long.

They seemed glad to have me/when I came here as a pup/there were so many things we'd do/while I was growing up.

They couldn't wait to train me/as companion and as friend/they told me they would never fear/being left alone again.

Said they'd brush me every day/they'd play with me and walk me/if only I would stay.

But now the family hasn't time/they often say I shed/they won't allow me in the house/not even to be fed.

The children never walk me/they always say, "Not now"/I wish that I could please them/won't someone tell me how?

All I have is love, you see/I wish they would explain/why they wanted me/then left me on a chain.

Help wanted -- a pit boss from the 1970s.

Bernard A. Loposer, a writer who is doing research for a book on Las Vegas, wants to interview a pit boss. I have a list of questions Loposer would want answered, but I haven't found him a pit boss from the '70s.

The would-be author says his treatment would be "tongue in cheek" and not a commentary on Las Vegas or an expose -- whatever he means by that.

So far his credentials appear to be in order and he has interviewed some pretty heavy batters in his research.

Any references?

Without all the facts it is difficult to make a judgment, but, according to newspaper accounts, the firing of Stan Jones, longtime director of the state Employment Security Division, was pretty high-handed.

A veteran state employee doesn't deserve such cavalier treatment.

Mike Gordon's Calico Jacks was the scene of a well-attended surprise birthday celebration honoring longtime Sun photographer Ken Jones. Guests included members of the media who have been around town for years and years. This is the group of old-time reporters, broadcasters, public relations and ad men and women who meet once a month to spin tall tales of how it used to be.

Ken Jones will always be remembered as a most lovable guy whose ever-present camera caught the city's citizens and events on film for all time.

I remember a day when he was filming the Sun Youth Forum. The registrars, all members of the Junior League Sustainers, asked for a picture to be taken with Ken.

"Everyone loves Ken," they told me. That was apparent at his 86th birthday celebration at Calico Jacks.

Allen Tooley, another longtime Las Vegan, forwarded a poem that described the magic of Christmas, "when folks begin to love again."

It's been said many times that the world would be a better place if the peace and love of the Christmas season could extend throughout the year.

Merry Christmas to all.