Letter: Dog Shooting

Editor, The Friday Flyer:

Around the middle of January, a very strange thing happened to me. I had the honor of being accused of shooting a neighbor’s dog. While in my home watching television one Sunday, I noticed the sounds of people talking. I walked over to my window and to my astonishment a large crowd of people, along with a channel 5 news crew were standing across the street from my home chanting the dog’s name.

When the shock finally left me, I decided to go out in the street to question these people. Even in my weakened state from cancer recovery, I felt I must because staying in my house would have made me appear guilty.

After about 30 minutes or so of trying to explain my innocence, all the while being verbally slapped around and called disgusting names by certain people in the crowd, I decided to just go back in my house.

A week or so later, the official cause of death was released. The death of the dog was caused by an attack from a bird of prey such as a hawk or owl.

The lesson to be learned here is obvious. Being falsely accused (and convicted in some peoples’ mind) of a crime this horrendous is more than disconcerting, but the Bible tells us to forgive so that we may be forgiven. Having said that, I forgive all the people in the street on that horrific day. I hold no ill feelings.

To all the people who immediately reacted to the social media, try to remember to take a deep breath and a step back when reading negative things about people without any proof or sourcing. Saying “I’m sorry” is nice but you can’t un-punch someone.

I’d like to thank the Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept. for their true professionalism. We’re fortunate to have them.

Manuel Geris