Chan Lowe | Sun-Sentinel Blogs

It's time, once again, to get our minds off depressing issues like politics and the economy to discuss an unrelated local topic, to wit: the Boca Raton teacher who has been accused of allowing her cats to starve to death in her apartment while she was off working and spending time with her boyfriend and family.

We knew the subject would stir passions, which is why we made it the Daily Buzz on the Sun Sentinel's website. So far, it has been a smashing success.

I am owned by two cats, myself. I use this locution advisedly, because in a relationship with a cat, he or she is the master, and you are the dog. A cat displays allegiance to the last person who fed it, and that's about the extent of the bonding. I think it's precisely because cat loyalty is so transitory that we prize the critters so. Dogs love you even if you're a dirtbag. With them, love is cheap (I also have a dog).

This is why pet food manufacturers can extort cat lovers, pound for pound, for the most carefully prepared feline treats, while dog food can be bought in bulk at a price that more accurately reflects what it's worth. No kitty toy or gimmick designed to make their lives more comfortable is too expensive.

For the record, I think that what this woman is accused of doing is worthy of a felony charge. The least she could have done was leave the sliding door ajar so that they could get out and fend for themselves. She didn't.

On a personal note, this cartoon marks my 25th anniversary here on the Opinion Page of the Sun-Sentinel. Where did the time go? I think I'll celebrate the auspicious occasion with another Lowe-Down Cartoon Caption Contest, probably next week. Cool prizes and the thanks of a grateful nation lie in store for those with the guts to enter.

Stay tuned.

Comments

I have had pets as a child and as an owner. I think something (like a heart and/or a brain) is missing in this woman to not make provisions for the animals she knows depend on her. Cats can be left alone with a big bowl of food for a weekend, but not a MONTH!

Congrats on the 25 years. I love your drawings. Let's hope that newspapers survive another 25 years.

Posted by: just me | April 1, 2009 5:25 PM

This woman is teaching kids?She is a role model for what?Common sense?

Posted by: David Schulman | April 1, 2009 8:28 PM

Please call Congress Middle school at 561-374-5600 and demand her firing. Also call the Palm Beach County School District at 1(866) 930-8402. She is obviously very mentally ill.

Posted by: CatRevenge | April 1, 2009 9:35 PM

ALL TOO RIGHT..good job Chan

Posted by: lisa | April 2, 2009 9:22 AM

And did you hear her defense?

She is claiming that an abusive relationship at home made her afraid to return.

She lived alone with her two cats.

So she claims she was being abused by her CATS, so she decided to wait until they starved to death to return home?

How lame. I know Chad says he is owned by two cats, but if a cat ever attempted to abuse me, it would be off to the Humane Society with it....

Posted by: Catwoman | April 2, 2009 9:43 AM

Great cartoon. And HAPPY
ANNIVERSARY! 25 years of
excellent cartooning. Thanks.

Posted by: johnctryon | April 2, 2009 9:44 AM

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-news-teacher-killedcat-bn040109,0,1981137.story

I know it was posted on April 1st, but this is no April Fools' joke.

This lady claims that she was the VICTIM, and that the cats were the criminals.

I guess the death penalty was her solution to the extra MEOWING they did to her....

Posted by: Catwoman | April 2, 2009 9:47 AM

Thank you for a brilliant expression of what so many of us have no outlet for - at least not legally. Ms. Dinsmore will get hers on the other side, whether she's appropriately punished in this life or not. And to the person who posted "it's just a pair of cats": all life is sacred. It wasn't that long ago that - and it's still true in many areas of the world - that segments of the HUMAN population were referred to as "It's JUST a...." (fill in the blank).

Posted by: gail bennett | April 2, 2009 12:25 PM

Happy 25th. Love the cartoon.

Posted by: car0612 | April 2, 2009 2:08 PM

The travesty of this horrendous act is the fact she did have other choices. Did she contact the police or Animal Control? Did she call a shelter or rescue group? Did she ask a friend or family member to go with her to retrive this cats? The answer is no. She's looking for a way out of these charges but most people who have compassion are just not buying it. Ms Dinsmore you tortured these cats and could care less that they die. You have shown no remorse for your actions. You are cold and heartless and deserve any and all punishment given to you. But look on the bright side Ms Dinsmore you can pick up your life again after you get out of jail. Unfortunately you didn't give that option to those poor cats. You are a poor excuse of a human as there is not one thing humane about you. You are a disgrace to society!

Posted by: Margie Oliveira | April 2, 2009 3:25 PM

I cried when I resd this story. Animals rely on us for their every need and in return they love us and trust us unconditionally. How can anyone with a heart do such a thing. I am glad she is being charged and I hope she learns a lesson. I also hope that a woman with her obvious disregard for animal like is not allowed to continue to teach our young.

Posted by: Georgia Coyle | April 2, 2009 3:47 PM

What is more scary than starving cats is the Palm Beach County school Board letting her remain in a classroom.

What message are they sending to kids?

Nice job Florida. Another whacked out incompetent teacher still certified. You guys would have given certification to Ted Bundy if he had applied.

Posted by: jacob | April 4, 2009 4:59 PM

Congrats on 25 years! You're one of my favorite! And may the powers that be give just punishment to the woman who calls herself a teacher.

Posted by: mel | April 5, 2009 12:18 PM

Happy Anniversary!

(I'm speechless about that horrible woman. Just. Speechless.)

Posted by: ella | April 6, 2009 8:13 PM