Yesterday my niece posted a video on facebook. I've often thought she was far too young to be on facebook, even though it is a way for me to stay in touch with her.
The video she posted was a little disturbing and for several reasons. It was taken upside down with a ceiling fan spinning, which made it difficult to watch. The content consisted of her friend tossing their small dog to her and her dropping the dog.
I'm not sure why she thought she should post a video of her being rough with a small dog online, but she did. The girls were laughing and I'm sure the dog wasn't injured. However, he could have been.
What in the world goes through her head to do something like that? Even if she'd caught the dog, what was the point?
She doesn't have the best track record with being kind to animals. When she was much younger, kittens and a variety of reptiles were often in peril if left within her reach. It took her a long time learn how to gently handle pets, if she ever did. By the looks of the video, I still don't think she has learned to respect them as living creatures.
The other thing that was disturbing was that it's really unknown the punishment she received for that. I live with that very real fear that my brother disciplines the same way my parents did. Those beatings that were far worse than what was deserved for the offense when we dared to misbehave. I know she's been beaten like that at least once before. Unfortunately, I also know that both of my brothers have an issue controlling anger.
I think the saddest part of this entire thing is that she won't have anyone to really talk to her about what she did. Nobody will sit her down and explain why you don't throw animals. Nobody will talk through the consequences of being mean to animals. Nobody will share with her the potential legal trouble she could get in by posting something like that online.
Oh how I wish I could have more influence in the lives of these children.
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