I, for one, am tired of hearing about Smiley. I’m sorry the dog was given up; I’m sorry the dog hasn’t found a home in all this time.

However, it’s sad to see so much invested, time spent, resources used, and news coverage given to a dog while children are being physically abused, neglected, sexually abused, emotionally abused, exploited and emotionally neglected. Yes, even on Whidbey Island.

I wish there were more people who would put children first in their families, extended families, neighborhoods and communities. Will there ever come a day when children are not regarded as property? When do the people who can intervene stop turning a blind eye?

Kathy Doolin

Coupeville