To be safe, how can we know when people or pets really are brewing up a hurricane force of hatred &/or mental instability?

Miss Katrina, my Shih Tzu is a social butterfly. I've gotta watch that little girl every time we're in public parks or she'll be rounding up a bunch of equally excited 4-legged friends in no time for one happy, "Let's play" roundup.

You see she's very smart, yet, kinda too trusting as well, believing most other dogs love her that much also. Innocence dealing with other pets, people and parks has its good, and not so good influences and opportunities.

Then there was Rosie, the Newfoundland dog that made news around the world at her death.

As adults we know the important roll pets play in our life, yet there seems to be a lack of understanding of our pets and what is going on in their thinking process. They can't speak English and we can't read their minds.

Today, some dogs, such as pit bulls, are trained to be mean and ornery, but not Rosie. Miss Katrina and I only met Rosie once in the park about 2 weeks before she was killed. We found her gentle, although cautious.

How can we really know when people or pets are safe or not?

That's a question I asked readers when I walked within inches of soon-to-be notorious killer Maurice Clemmons while crossing the Beach Park walking bridge Nov. 7, 2009.

I'll never forget the look on Clemmons face, that nobody's--home blank stare straight-ahead look. Two days later Clemmons murdered four highly respected Lakewood police officers.

One year later in that same park, Miss Katrina and I met "Rosie" the Newfoundland dog that would be controversially fatally shot within two weeks. How do we know when danger is only steps away?

That question seems answered when Seattle Police Officer Ian Birk, who shot and killed John Williams, a woodcarving citizen, was quoted in The Seattle Times of 01.12.2011, saying he felt threatened by Mr. Williams behavior, based on police training known signs of attack; "Pre-attack indicators include a clenched jaw, furrowed brows, and a fixed "thousand yard stare."

The tragic victims of Clemmons blank stare were four young, innocent police officers who died much too early in life.

Today, thoughts around the world are for Rosie, recently killed in a sad Des Moines situation. Did Rosie have dog "pre-attack indicators," other than possibly being scared to pieces?

When Miss Katrina and Rosie met it was quite a sight to see, little Katrina standing on her back legs leaning front feet against Rosie's strong legs, and stretching to touch noses. There was no fear between them. Rosie allowed me to pet her thick hair, while Miss Katrina made Rosie her new friend. That was the first and last time we saw Rosie.

Today Rosie is a worldwide subject. Blame for her death is bouncing around like a soccer ball in action. Who is right - who wrong? Who is bad, who is good? How about if we just admit...no human being is perfect and just do the best we can each day.

When we can all walk on water without sinking, we'll have one great all-city celebration. Meanwhile, we need to live together and "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Meantime, Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler is the target of unkind printed public words responding to Rosie's death. Des Moines Police Guild leader demanded Sheckler's resignation on the basis that the mayor was not publicly supportive of police officers in the Rosie tragedy.

From Bob Sheckler's first campaign to become a council member, he has served this city well. Mayor Sheckler established the first Volunteers Leadership Conference that produced a committee that supported police services in every possible way.

A huge help was the levy lid lift that voters passed allowing upgrades of DMPD equipment and added personnel.

In response to the Police Guild's published criticism Mayor Sheckler said, "I am very disappointed that something like this is happening and especially in light of what I believe is my stellar history of supporting the Police Department. As to Police Guild Leaders demanding my removal from office - only voting citizens of Des Moines have the right to make that determination, and when they do, it will be at voting polls. I strongly support Des Moines Police," Mayor Sheckler said.

Serving in public office demands teamwork. "Together we stand -- divided we fall."

No one is an island -- not even with an attractive face-lifted marina!

Today's Thought: There are 3-sides to every question, your side, their side, and the heck with it.