Now Hear This: Gizmo’s death cause for outcry
I fully realize I have no power to do what I’m about to do, except that I’m a dog owner and lover of all animals, which gives me certain rights, (and responsibilities). Therefore with absolutely no authority vested in me I do hereby proclaim Gizmo to be Saint Gizmo.
This makes the 16-year-old Yorkshire terrier, as far as I can determine, the first dog to be so “sainted.” I pray there won’t be an outcry from the Saint Bernard’s of the world.
I can’t say I know exactly what the qualifications for saint-hood are, but if the circumstances under which tiny Gizmo died, and the life of honor, I’m certain he lived, which included obedience to his masters, love for all, and a generous giving spirit, are not reason enough, what is?
How many of us since hearing of the absolute insane manner in which Gizmo was killed have not spoken of what we would have done, or would do, if we caught someone doing to our pet what was done to Gizmo. Would we not try and rip the heart out of that person? Of course we would, but the kicker (no pun intended) is they would have no heart! We would have to settle for some other body part. (I know what I would go for, how about you?)
I am certain Gizmo’s co-owner Jelani Lewis, who says he witnessed what happened, used a great deal more restraint when he caught the alleged killer Chad Daniel Crawford, than most I have talked to.
Kick my dog, and you better run for your life! Mess with my animal, dog, cat, horse, bird, or children, and well ? you fill in the blank.
I should tell you if you’ve gotten this far, and don’t have a clue what happened, that Gizmo was brutally, and without remorse tortured to death as one man held the 2-pound creature while another man ran, and kicked it like a football. Gizmo’s little body fell to the pavement and a severe blow to the brain stem was the likely cause of death as determined by state veterinarians. Last week Gizmo was cremated, and his ashes I am told, are in a container in his owner’s (Jelani Lewis and Jessica McKenzie) living room.
“Puppy” was our 19-year-old Peek-a-Poo who died several years ago of natural causes. His ashes are in a wooden box, with a gold plated inscription, written by my wife, surrounded by lifelong pictures ? in our bedroom. We know the pain of losing a best friend.
The outpouring of outrage from around the world over the publicity of Gizmo’s death has not been surprising, really. Animal lovers are fearless, and shameless with their affections, and they will love your animal with the same enthusiasm as you do. And, please don’t get ’em riled up. You had rather fight off a nest of hornets.
Dog owners everywhere have taken ownership of Saint Gizmo. He has found a special place in our hearts as do all animals mistreated.
The courts will only do so much (and not nearly enough whatever it is) to the alleged Saint Gizmo killer. So, the only real justice I can think of would be for Saint Gizmo’s attacker to suddenly one day run out of gas on some Middle Tennessee backroad, only to find his car surrounded by Cujo and several of his large friends.
(Hope Hines is a television sports reporter and a Nashville personality.)