Deserving of a second chance

DOGS

I WRITE in support of the Hobart Dogs’ Home and R. Wolfe (Letters, August 1). I am not denying there are dangerous dogs. But the majority are deserving of a second chance, particularly where treatment by their owners was at fault. Over 30 years I have been privileged to adopt three dogs from the Dogs’ Home. The first, a beautiful doberman, had been abandoned, and lived happily with me for a further eight years. The second, a young puppy, kelpie cross german shepherd, left to rot on the roadside at Risdon Vale, I have had for over 10 years. The third, most recently, a greyhound deserving of a better future, has become the best of friends with the kelpie. The Dogs’ Home is insistent upon adequate representation by prospective owners, and the bringing of existing pets to meet with prospective pets to ensure compatibility. I would be very sorry if adopters were discouraged from the Dogs’ Home. The Dogs’ Home does a wonderful job, without appropriate financial assistance and, in circumstances where RSPCA has pulled out of southern Tasmania, deserve all the support it can get. cent children having their faces ripped off by dogs that have had some sort of mental meltdown. Although I am sure they normally have lovely temperaments there is no justification for having animals with such horrendous physical capabilities at large. Blame irresponsible owners all you like, but the fundamental problem is not the temperament of these dogs, it is their physical capability when they lose control. Dare I suggest it is socially irresponsible to be putting such animals up for adoption and that it is also socially unacceptable to support these organisations by providing them with publicity.

Places to socialise

FOLLOWING recent news of a horrific dog attack when a family pet killed a toddler, I hope that people will keep things in perspective and not rush in condemning dog ownership. This event was a terrible tragedy, absolutely devastating for the poor family and my heart goes out to them.

I’d like to congratulate the Kingborough Dog Walking Association and Kingborough Council for getting together to try to achieve a balance for a forthcoming proposed dog management policy. Since a rally held at Kingston Beach against proposed changes to the dog management policy, some progress has been made to accommodate some of the concerns raised. Owners and dogs need more places in which to exercise and socialise freely. We cannot expect a dog to be confined to a backyard or have to walk everywhere on a tether. Walking the dog is a wonderful way to stay healthy and get to know other Residents rally against cable car Would be great for the cable car to go from Kangaroo Bay up to Rosny Hill, across the Battery Point waterfront, up to Arthur Circus and across to the Treasury building, up to the top of the new 60 story hotel and directly to the mountain from there… Surely there’d be no opposition to this route? walkers. I urge more dog owners to join a local dog walking group to demonstrate the many reasons why dog owners love their animals, train them, clean up after them and receive more health benefits because they have a loyal, constant companion which is doing its best to please. Be aware of this in the upcoming council elections in October and make your voice heard.

Man’s best friend

HOW mean-spirited of the Kingborough Council when it comes to looking after man’s best friend. Dogs have been our best friend for thousands of years. Dogs bring comfort and unconditional love. They look after us in sickness and in health. Don’t take away their right to enjoy our company and the company of other dogs. We have learned over 25 years with kelpies and heelers at our beck and call, dogs rarely fight or squabble when they are allowed to enjoy each other’s company.

Out of our six dogs we have had only one that was aggressive when he was only a puppy, and we found out he was stone deaf and we taught him with hand signals which he soon learned and obeyed. It breaks our heart to part with them when their life expires. At present our red heeler is lying under our dining room table waiting for some pizza leftovers. Jazza is a boon to our lives, he knows when we are feeling down and off colour and his affection with comfort is never ending and all it takes is a little TLC. God bless him. Dogs are man’s best friend. Don’t throw them away.

Remarkable

WHAT a remarkable statement from Treasurer Peter Gutwein ( Mercury, August 3). Paying extra wages to nurses and teachers would mean less money for health and education. Since when are nurses and teachers not in health and education?

Doctors too expensive

MULTITUDE of letters on the inordinately high workload of the very efficient staff of the RHH Emergency Department yet no explanation why. Surely a major reason is that a visit to a doctor costs $80 with, eventually, $37 rebated. People on low incomes just cannot afford to both eat and visit the doctor.

Hospitals before horses

The State Government can find money for upgrade for horses while hospitals continue to create waiting lists.

We spend plenty

IN reply to Rod Cooper (Letters, August 1), RV owners spend a lot of money in Tasmania and mainland Australia. I should know, my wife and I are among them.

Thank you

THANK you, Ian Cole, for the trip down memory lane (Talking Point, August 2).