Letter: Roy, Montecore have special bond

Monday, Oct. 27, 2003 | 8:52 a.m.

My heart has been so indescribably touched by the words Roy Horn spoke immediately following the incident with his white tiger Montecore.

He asked that no harm come to the big cat. There is no relationship that has as much depth as one shared between a person and the animal who allows him into its life. The level of intimacy and loyalty cannot be expressed with words. It is only felt within the bond of complete acceptance and unwavering trust.

Many people have tried to attribute what happened that night to the fact that they feel Montecore is a wild animal. Montecore was born in captivity with Roy being present at his birth. Roy has raised Montecore with a sense of nurturing and care that many other people would do well to create for the human children they bring into this world.

Montecore and Roy love one another to an extent that only they are able to comprehend. My heart breaks when I think of Roy and Montecore being separated by Montecore acting instinctual when he felt Roy was in imminent danger. There is no fault to be blamed for what happened. Montecore felt he was saving his best friend's life.

My thoughts and prayers are with Roy daily as he goes through this time of recuperation. Roy is an incredibly strong and brave man. He and Montecore will be together again very soon.

KIM HECKSEL Coldwater, Mich.