Boy, do we like our canine friends! So it came as no surprise to most of us when we learned that lawmakers in Albany, New York, are about to pass a law allowing cremated pet remains to be buried at human cemeteries along with their owners, which – I truly believe – is a sign of deep respect for those whose existence is entirely dedicated to making our lives better. Unfortunately, however, it’s not all good news: A city in southern China holds an annual dog-meat eating festival, and this year, despite relentless protests by animal rights activists who desperately tried to stop the carnage, thousands of pooches have been killed and cooked in restaurants. So let me just conclude by saying this: dogs are the same everywhere. The treatment they get from people – alas – couldn’t be more glaringly different.
The Talking Violin 