Dog breeding comparison to genetic human condition upsets reader
Dear Dr. Fox: I was upset when I read your recent column about the “Worst Mistakes Pet Owners Can Make.” You wrote (about dogs bred to look and act like perpetual puppies), “These dogs most likely have the canine equivalent of Williams syndrome, characterized by hyper-sociability and limited intellectual abilities.”
I found your attitude and words cavalier and insulting to people with Williams syndrome. As the grandmother of a child with Williams syndrome, I don’t want her diagnosis put in the same category as dogs that are commercially bred and/or genetically manipulated. Williams syndrome is a chromosome irregularity, occurring in approximately 1 in 10,000 births. These children are more than “hyper-sociable with limited intellectual ability.” They have great human value, and they contribute greatly to the lives of the people they come into contact with. — E.F., Norman, Oklahoma
Dear E.F.: I understand your sentiment, but wish you to understand we humans are animals — more similar to dogs, genetically and emotionally, than we are different. That you found my short encapsulation of the behavioral signs of thi s condition “cavalier and insulting” is regrettable. Thanks for emphasizing these children “have g reat human value” —sodo the dogs who share a similar genetic condition. My main concern for them is their evident “perpetual puppy” over-dependence and vulnerability to separation anxiety.
Dear Dr. Fox: I have justjoinedtheboardof GREY2K USA Worldwide. As the founder of Birmingham Greyhound Protection and Candy Cane Res- cue, I have been working to save greyhounds across the globe, particularly in the United Kingdom and China. Today, I am excited to announce the launch of a new resource for international greyhound advocacy! Our new website (www.grey2kUSA.org) contains updated information and photos, more volunteer opportunities, and cre- ative ways for you to help the greyhounds every day. Also, we have just received moreofo ur 2018 greyhound calendars from the printer, and urge you to buy one! — Kerry Elliman, U.K. Director of GREY2K USA Worldwide
Dear K.E.: I have a longstanding respect and admiration for these dogs, having rescued one when I was a little boy after she escaped from a racing dog kennel. I hope readers will help support your efforts fo rth ese beautiful and much-abused dogs.