The Columbia Banner

Water For Dumb Animals.
A man was driving a beautiful horse. At the roadside was a watering trough. The animal swerved from the road. Its delicate nostril was quivering, and a short whinny said as plain as a horse can talk.
"Master, I am very thirsty, please can I have a drink?"
The answer was a jerk on the reins, a blow with the whip, and the rig disappeared in a cloud of dust.
That was cruelty-unthinking cruelty--and it brings up the whole question of hot weather treatment of animals.
Is your horse given water frequently? Do you give your dog and your cat water as often as they desire it, or do you simply guess that they will find all the water they need?
The owner of any animal, large or small, who does not think of these things is not fit to own a dumb brute. Not to provide for the wants of domestic animals and pets is cruelty that causes torture.
It is not safe to trust to an animal's finding food or drink. In a wild state they were able to do this. Domesticated they have learned to rely on man, and in many cases they have met with base betrayal. Water is as essential as food. In the hot days of July and August it really comes before food.
Kindness to animals is more than kindness; it is justice.
The man who beats a horse can be reached by the law, altogether too seldom does he meet with his just deserts.
The man who does not beat his horse and who forgets to water him for long periods can seldom be reached by the law, and yet his cruelty is far greater than temporary pain that follows the feel of the lash.
Think about these things. Remember how it feels when your own throat is dry and parched. and look after the need of your four-footed friends.--Ex.