Re: Oh, deer…please get new priorities, Your View, Oak Bay News, Nov. 9
I read the letter about the talking deer wandering through Oak Bay written by “John Doe” (Y.B. Douglas).
It’s interesting, that as children, we attribute human characteristics and feelings to animals and even go so far as imagine they can talk.
With the number of cartoons and film productions out there portraying animals as little people, it’s not difficult to understand why children are easily recruited to this notion.
As we mature and become adults, we (most of us) realize that animals are unlike us and have their own animal characteristics.
I think it is the responsibility of parents to explain to their children, at an appropriate age, the difference between animals and people.
Parents should explain that although animals and people deserve a place in this world, that often it is not the same place.
Animals are different, and parents should explain how we people differ from them. Most children figure this out for themselves, often before the Easter bunny stops laying chocolate eggs.
The letter all the same, provided me with an inner warmth and smile. It reminded me of days long past, when I too was a youngster.
Hopefully “John Doe” will enjoy the magic of at least one more Christmas believing in Santa and his talking reindeer before he grows up.
John Phillips
Oak Bay
