There appears to be some confusion about what it means to be accountable. Accountability is not the same thing as blame. The distinction can become blurred. Very simply put aka Webster - accountability is a willingness to accept responsibility or to account for ones actions. Whereas, to blame is an act of censure, reproach, and often causes outright condemnation. When we are asking someone to be accountable we are asking them to take ownership for themselves and the outcome of their behaviours. Accountability is about learning from our mistakes and taking steps to solve the problem. My post may have been misinterpreted to mean blame, and for this I apologize to Alexandra. I think most would agree that accidents do happen and the post was not as much about blame as it was a reminder that we share responsibility when a tragedy occurs and a request for reassurance that steps would be taken to lessen the probability of yet another tragic accident happening. Defending the status quo, as some did - is not taking steps to reduce the risk of more accidents. I do not assume any lesson was learned because people other than Alexandra offered reassurances that it was. Nor do I assume that anything is going to be different in the home environment to prevent another tragedy from happening because those who know her best say it will be so. I don't presume to speak for others on important matters and I would consider it disrespectful if someone were to do it for me. I have my own voice. What I did hear clearly from Alexandra before she 'quit' as Barb put it so well - was that she was agonizing over the "what ifs"; had forgiven her dog and was asking us to do the same; that she believed in the power of love; and that she deeply misses Ping. I tremendously admire Alexandra's gift with words, she is without a doubt one of most talented writers I have read in decades - she writes eloquently, cleverly, humorously and honestly. Tressie Tressie A. Dutchyn, PhD (c) Dalhousie University Research Project Coordinator Community Health & Epidemiology [Posted in FML 6089]