Don't trivialize actions of caring people

To the editor:

Please forgive me for not responding in a more timely manner. I read the Friday (Aug. 26) paper just this evening. In reading Angie Lewis' letter to the editor today I felt the need to agree completely with her feelings on the commentary written by Matt Hickman.

I, too, was disillusioned and hurt to read Mr. Hickman's initial commentary and totally disagreed with the position taken with regard to the death of the Flash, who died in the van stolen recently. I did feel you trivialized this animal's death which is reprehensible (in my eyes). We Alaskans love our animals and consider them part of our families.

I also cringed when I read Mr. Hickman's diatribe where he referred to those supporters of Flash as the "Justice for Flash mob". This was uncalled for sir. And, I agree with Angie when you stated the defendants may not have known Flash was in the vehicle, where she stated (and I totally agree!) that never have either of us known a dog, regardless of age, who would ignore a stranger entering his vehicle. When they abandoned the vehicle they KNEW he was there and left him to die - their actions tell us in no uncertain terms that they didn't care. I hope the charges regarding the treatment of Flash are not thrown out to expedite the case and save taxpayer money.

Please understand Mr. Hickman, Alaskans do not view our animals as expendable and we are hoping for full justice for Flash. Please don't trivialize the actions of those caring people who took time out of their days to attend the courthouse proceedings — they are who we are, all Alaskans, all animal lovers. This WAS a violent crime and should be treated as such, to the fullest extent of the law.

Sharen Rockefeller

Wasilla