In the universe of pet owners, there is a faction known as "dog people" and another known as "cat people." And it is true that there is a different psychological appeal to the animals. Some people like the intelligence and independence exhibited by felines, while others are captured by the capacity for unreserved affection and loyalty that comes with a dog. Popularly, these factions don't mix, assuming they interact like, say, dogs and cats. The reality is that there are plenty of dogs and cats that get along together. Like many other things, it all depends on how one was brought up.
One thing dog and cat owners can agree on is the need for greater respect for our animal friends and vigilance concerning their welfare. Our cover story this week, "Is Wisconsin Licensing Puppy Mills?," asks a relevant question, and it also gives us some background on animal-welfare efforts in the state and in state law. Author Linda Falkenstein, Isthmus' features editor, found that some feel there may be flaws in the law, especially in its resources for enforcement, while others say it is an improvement over the previous situation of there being no law at all.
It is worth noting that last weekend's Isthmus Jazz Festival dodged cloudbursts and survived construction disruption to pull off another idyllic demonstration of America's music at the Memorial Union. And Madison Jazz Personality of the Year, bassist Nick Moran showed up with a written acceptance speech, a first in this 25-year tradition.
The venerable jazz master and legendary bass player Richard Davis and his ultra-talented accompanist, Willie Pickens, gave a lesson in musicality. The duo made every note count in the headliner performance in the unfinished but updated Shannon Hall at the Union Theater. Thanks to all those at the UW, students and staff, who collaborated with the jazz community to demonstrate how Madison makes music at the 2014 Isthmus Jazz Festival.
