Sip & Dine

PAW’S CORNER

By Sam Mazzotta Cat Owner Defends Free-Range Felines

--DEAR PAW’S CORNER: As an owner of six indoor cats, I would like to respond to your recent article (“Cats shouldn’t get free pass to poop”). In the past two years we have had to pay over $300 for damage done by chipmunks to our car. We cannot have a raised garden here due to rabbits, groundhogs, deer and chipmunks. When my cats used to be outdoors, I saw very few birds killed by them. Generally, it was mice and moles. My cats would kill snakes and scare off the squirrels. I brought my cats indoors because of coyotes in the area. Also, one of my cats was attacked by a neighbor and had to be put to sleep. If there were no cats, you would be totally overrun by mice and rats. How would you like that? I suggest that you print this letter, that you do not shorten it, that you apologize for what you said about cats and that you think twice before you put something like this in writing again. Thank you. -- Debra in West Virginia

DEAR DEBRA: I will apologize ... for shortening your letter, as we have limited space. You raise many good points based on your personal experience. Cats do keep many rodents at bay, because they are incredibly good hunters. But they are at grave risk being outdoors, from coyotes, from feral cats carrying diseases and from humans who do evil, foul things. The article that offended you raised many good points about the damage that outdoor cats can do to neighbors’ property, and the danger they pose to small creatures. I’m glad you’re keeping your cats safe indoors. Doesn’t your experience prove the point that cats are safer inside?

Send your comments, questions or tips to ask@pawscorner.com. (c) 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

Soaring Stars Livingston County children enroll at this summer enrichment program at SUNY Geneseo to develop a sense of self-confi dence, self-effi cacy, and accomplishment through engaging, inquiry-based, provocative learning experiences that value the student, teacher, and the environment as equal contributors to the experience. www.geneseo.edu/soaringstars

SHOWING July 16-18 & July 23-25 Space Jam - A New Legacy

Movie Line Up

Showing July 22nd @ 7pm ONLY! Overcomer

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144 Main St., Dansville, NY 14437 Movie Info: 585-335-6850 • Inquiries: 585-622-6722 startheatredansville.com Shows: Fri. @ 7pm, Sat. & Sun. @ 3pm & 7pm

Farmers' Market

Sunday, July 25th • 10am to 1pm

Fresh Produce, Beef, Cheese, Eggs, Sweet Corn, Herbs, Sunfl owers, Soap, CBD, and More! Some of our Vendors: The Farmette, Acomb Acres, East Hill Creamery, Earth Dragon Gardens, Spring Hollow Ranch, Knapp Farms, and more! Any vendors interested in setting up a spot, please contact Kevin Mark 585-737-7587. The Legion now has Flags for sale. Stop in for details.

Cub Scout Troop 1021 Chicken B B Q July 25th (11am till gone)

Available at the door only! $12 per meal. Rain or Shine! We have a tent to keep you dry!

Future Dates: August 8th & 22nd! See our Facebook page for more details

Wayland American Legion

102 Main Street • Wayland, NY