Would Boulder be so forgiving and ready to defend if Cici's owner lived in Denver? Colorado Springs? Would Boulder come to the rescue of a dog owner who used organic blueberries and organic beet juice to dye their poodle red, white and blue in support of our troops in Iraq?

No. The folks in Boulder would be in an uproar. Protest groups with hateful signs would be organized and on a 24/7 schedule to march against the evil conservative zealots who are out to harm all living creatures by dyeing their fur (regardless of using natural ingredients) and parading them around like circus animals. Animal psychologists would be out in full force ranting about how the dog's mental state and self-esteem is permanently damaged.

Let's get the pink poodle facts straight. This issue is not about dyeing a poodle's fur. It's not about using natural ingredients vs. chemical dyes. It's not about having agood reason for doing it - to raise awareness of breast cancer.

It's about Ms. Douglas' blatant disregard for a law.

Granted, we're not talking about murder, here. But, why do most of the residents of Boulder believe they can pick and choose which laws are important and pertain to them? Or, which laws are important and should pertain to others?

Ms. Douglas was verbally warned numerous times after the Humane Society received complaints (I can only assume those complaints came from some of the fine folks of Boulder). The Humane Society gave her the opportunity to comply, but she intentionally ignored all warnings - hence, the ticket. This is fairly cut and dry; it's Ms. Douglas that is making it a mockery of the system.

In the Rocky Mountain News, Ms. Douglas is quoted as saying, "Cici is being stripped of her civic duty ... And, I don't plan to take it sitting down."

According to Webster's Dictionary, "civic duty" is defined as "the responsibilities of a citizen." The definition of a "citizen" is 1) a person owing loyalty to and entitled by birth or naturalization to the protection of a state or nation; and 2) a resident of a city or town, especially one entitled to vote and enjoy other privileges there.

Cici does not have a civic duty. Ms. Douglas does, however, have a civic duty to obey the law. If she disagrees with the law, then she does have a civic duty and the right to speak out and/or take actions to change those laws. And, she should do just that - so, write the letters; gather the friends and head to town hall. But, until any change occurs, they remain law - so, pay your fine.

Blogs and other online chat forums are abuzz with comments about the Humane Society wasting taxpayers' money, clogging up the courts and having nothing better to do with their time and money.

Again, let's get the facts straight. Ms. Pederson of the Humane Society simply did what you have paid her to do ... her job. This ticket does not replace their efforts in taking care of other animals that are mistreated or starved. It is not about wasting so much time and money that the homeless and poor are suffering as a result of the Humane Society's misguided efforts (different departments, different budgets). Ms. Pederson is not responsible for "clogging up the courts" especially since she isn't the one taking this to court, Ms. Douglas is.

Try thinking about the amount of taxpayer money Ms. Douglas wasted by ignoring the Humane Society warnings. Try thinking about the amount of time and taxpayer money Ms. Douglas is wasting by taking this to court.

Where others have acted responsibly to do their jobs, it is now time for Ms. Douglas to behave as a responsible citizen.