Will we be compassionate or move a step backward? (Star, August 5).

Re: Step up to the plate, men!(Star letters, July 31)

Dear Paul Cristensen: Trevor is not the first nonhuman I have spoken up for, and if I could give him the home he deserves, I would in a heart beat! I am already maxed-out with other outcasts, dogs no-one else wanted, and the city bylaws won't allow me to take in any more dogs.

I have been rescuing/helping dogs (including Simon an old "sled dog" that was going to be killed in the city pound ) since I was a 'lad' and have lost track on how much "time, effort, money and love", and grief I have put in to help those who can't speak for themselves. I am deeply involved with all issues involving the well-being of non-human animals. I never said anywhere that I am "righteous", Mr. Cristensen, and I don't know how I gave you that impression. I am a regular guy trying to help the victims of our society.

Have you ever rescued, put money, time and love into the outcast of this world, Mr. Cristensen? Yes? I'm glad to hear it.

One person alone can't possibly have enough time, money and love to help all the innocent suffers of our own making. This is why we, as a society, have to get to the root of the problem with respect to homeless/abused animals. As Councillor Jeanine Myhre said, "We are collectively responsible; we all failed Trevor" (Star, July 29). These are great words, except, until now I have not seen or heard Mayor and Council address the underlying issues.

City council recently granted John Taylor $100,000 for upgrades to the City Pound. Yet not one councillor raised the question of why is there an ongoing need for the pound in the first place. Why is the problem of animal neglect ongoing? Why are there no affordable community-based neuter and spay programs in the Yukon? Why are dogs and cats and other animals being killed routinely in the pound without proper investigation?

Trevor is one individual out of millions that are brought into this world for humans, by humans. He, and the countless others, all deserve to have a voice, because they all have a story.

Soon the world will find out what happens to Trevor here in Whitehorse, Yukon and we will quickly learn if we have become more compassionate and responsible citizens, or if we have taken steps backwards.

For the Trevors of this world whose voices are never heard, we must do what we can to tell their stories. We owe them this much!

Peace & Health to all life!

Mike Grieco