BMN Letters to the Editor


		Letters to the Editor from our May 6, 2008 issue


		I want to thank both the original owner(s) and the Toronto Humane Society (THS) for my two canine ‘babies’, Katie and Lucy, poodle mixes (cockapoos), judged to be close to three-years-old. They arrived at the shelter together, presumed to be sisters (or mom and daughter), picked up as strays, both female, unsprayed. Lucy, the white one, needed to be shaved right down as she was very shaggy and matted. Katie, the apricot one, has a bent hind knee cap (luxating patella) so she scoots and runs with a lower gait. In the early fall I tragically lost two beloved family members, an 11 1/2-year-old cat to a vicious dog, and my Shepherd-mix dog to a sports injury which crippled both hind legs. By the third week of October, I decided I needed to find another dog or perhaps two cats to rescue to help ease the pain I was feeling at my loss. At the THS I was attracted immediately to the two cute poodle-mixes, especially Katie who always came to greet me (Lucy was shy, fearful and hung back), over the week and a half that I visited while waiting for them to be ready. And thankfully, the THS wanted them to be adopted together as they came in together, were housed in the same enclosure and had bonded . Thanks to Sherrie, the worker there who recognized that these little dogs would need someone who had the time, energy, commitment and the love of animals and the outdoors to be successful with them. Having taken early retirement last year, living in a house with a large, enclosed back yard and a cottage in Haliburton made me the match for these active, demanding little ‘monkeys’. When I got them, they had some bad behaviours and habits that needed work. Patience, discipline, structure and lots of praise and activity (The beach’s offleash area has been a godsend!) eventually did the trick, although once or twice in the first week I wondered whether I had chewed off more than I could handle. They are both a delight. Lucy is quiet, intelligent, athletic and loving. Katie is a little scamp, hyper at times, loves to hike and explore and meet up with other dogs (and chew things!). It was Katie, the Houdini artist, who probably planned and executed the escape from the previous owners. I realize these owners may not have had the time or facilities to handle these two characters and thought they would be picked up and adopted by an owner such as myself. However I would love to know what area of Toronto they came from, when they ‘hit the streets’ and their real age Michelle Ste. Marie This morning (April 23) I found three irate notes on my car windshield accusing me of being insensitive to others as demonstrated by my parking behavior. (I took up two parking spaces.) I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to all those I offended and frustrated. I have often been frustrated myself when trying to find a parking spot on Wineva and I do sympathize. Yesterday, however, I was suffering from a severe toothache and I'm afraid I just didn't notice how I parked. I hope those who left notes will forgive my transgression as I will try and be more forgiving in the future when the same thing happens to me. Marian Downie I must agree with the previous writer (April 22 issue, Letters to the Editor) as to the state of the Malvern Collegiate pool. Not only did I attend MCI and remember the pool classes, but I remember when the YMCA used the pool on Saturday morning for swim lessons. Surely budget items can be found to save this unique program that the Toronto board has in the physical education program. I applaud the students for their actions. The last time I remember MCI students taking a stand was the strike during the reconstruction of the school. How many of your readers will remember that? Onward Malvern! Sandy and Janet Richmond Shanty Bay, ON Send your letters to editor@beachmetro.com Please include your name and address (street numbers will not be published). BMN reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and length.