At that time, I did allow Pal to be outside (without a leash, of course), so I pled guilty to the charge. The judge (whose name I erased from my memory) sentenced me to 3 days in jail. My knees buckled and a gasp escaped the mouths of other defendants awaiting their turns in front of the judge. My son's eyes nearly bugged out of his head. My sentence was commuted, and I was required to pay a $155 fine to the county. My neighbor was there in case he was required to give testimony, but he never said another word to me, not even an apology.

My son and I have moved to another Coweta neighborhood that is more cat-friendly, and I suppose that old neighbor is on the prowl (no pun intended) to cite others who might be breaking obscure laws. I hope he is happy now; I know we are!

Thanks for the opportunity to vent.

Denise Statham

Director of Marketing

Southern Mills, Inc.