Reader feels dog mauling story is a non-issue

Editor,

For two weeks in a row, the Almaden Times has been sensationalizing the story of one dog killed by another. If the survivor dog's owner had been your copy editor or my 5-year-old daughter, would their privacy have been invaded as much as the Rathje's? Would you have biased the stories with emotionally laden terms like "killer bulldog," "mauled" and "swept under the rug?" Or would the whole episode be treated as a non-issue, which it is?

Instead of making those who tried to stop the dog fight look like good Samaritans, or champions of the little guy, why not point out the dangers of trying to stop a dog fight? Dogs are animals after

all, and good manners aren't going to enter into a fight. Most dog owners know that you do not put yourself in the middle of a dog fight. One can use a hose, or as the firefighters did, a jet of foam. Jeff Popoff was fortunate to not get bit himself by either dog.

This was a terrible accident that nobody could have anticipated. If the terrier had been killed by a car, a coyote, or a non-celebrity's dog, would you have still run two weeks of blaring headlines? Those of us who have unexpectedly lost a pet would understandably be grieving, but does such coverage (which must certainly be prolonging the grieving process) belong in what claims to be a positive community newspaper?

Elizabeth West

Almaden Valley

Don't judge all American bulldogs by Max's actions

Editor,

I'm writing in response to the story of the American bulldog, Max, that killed Banjo. First of all, I want Sara Whitlock to know my thoughts and prayers are with her. What a horrific thing to have to experience—seeing her puppy being mauled to death. I'm writing this letter to let the public know that not all American bulldogs are like Max. I own two myself. A 3-year-old, Shasta, that weighs around 90 pounds, and her 2-year-old brother, Chance, who weighs around 130 pounds.

I've met Max and the [Rathje's] other bulldog when I was walking Chance. Even though both the "Sharks" dogs were behind an iron gate, they wanted to fight with Chance. I want the public to know it's all in the way you raise your dog. A well raised American bulldog is known for their "puppy" personalities. They're active, fun loving, always-on-the-go dogs. They tend to be mischievous and always wanting to play. They are a lot like the Chance from the movie "Homeward Bound." Both my American bulldogs are housedogs. The male sleeps with us in bed at night. They're great with our teenage boys and their friends. The male loves to watch me cook dinner and is always at my side. Every night, Chance steals the dishtowel and runs around the kitchen table with it. He'll give us his "stuffed-mouth" muffled bark until we chase him. It's a funny sight to watch us all running around the table! Quite often people will actually cross the street when they see us coming. But I know for a fact, my dogs would never act like Max did on that tragic day.

I love American bulldogs, but I feel Max should be destroyed. Once a dog viciously attacks and tastes blood, chances are it will happen again. Even though both my dogs outweigh Max and the other bulldog, I don't feel comfortable walking the trail anymore. One irresponsible owner and one out-of-control dog should not make it uncomfortable and unsafe for others to use the public trail. I don't care who the owner of this dog is or how famous he is. He needs to do the right thing and have his dog put down. In conclusion, please don't judge all big dogs—only their owners. And as for Sara, I hope time will heal her wounds and broken heart.

Brooke Andersen

Almaden Valley

How you can help soldiers in Iraq this Veteran's Day

Editor,

We'd like to thank your newspaper for publicizing recent contributions and care package events. We want to share a recent letter from a soldier at Camp Bucca, the largest POW camp in Iraq.

7 Oct 03

I want to thank you and the San Jose community for your wonderful support of the 670th Military Police Company, California National Guard.

My unit recently was notified that we will be in Iraq up to April 2004. Thus, I am requesting any support for our unit during the holiday season. We are deeply appreciative that Californians care about their soldiers. Your efforts have boosted the morale of U.S. soldiers. I thank you in advance for consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Sgt. Jerry S.

We have a week to go until the Veteran's Day weekend event at the Red Cross facility in San Jose! Once again, we are attaching a flyer that can be distributed. We have had a great response to our military care package program in recent weeks, and have shipped about 20,000 pounds of goods and care packages since April.

Here's a quick checklist of things to do this week before the event:

1. Call your dentist and doctor for donations of toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and medical supplies.

2. Gather those onesy, twosy holiday cards and stickers, stationery, and envelopes.

3. Bag up those hotel toiletries, samples, and sewing kits.

4. Know any packing supply companies, T-shirt printing companies, or printers that can donate supplies?

5. Ask your local Safeway store, Longs Drugs, fast food chains for (condiments) donations.

6. Ask your local school to write letters!

7. Ask your neighbors and friends to contribute. Contributions are tax deductible!

On Saturday, Nov. 8, we will have collection barrels set up from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for folks who wish to drop off donations. You are also welcome to join us as we assemble the holiday care packages that we will be mailing to the troops. The address is:

American Red Cross

"Operation Care and Comfort"

2731 North First Street

San Jose, CA 95134

Remember, this is an ongoing program, so keep us in mind if you cannot support us at this time! Checks may also be mailed to this address, made payable to Red Cross Operation Care and Comfort. On Tuesday, Nov. 11, meet us at the Red Cross facility at 10 a.m. sharp if you want to join our march in the San Jose Veteran's Day parade! Grab your Veteran friend or relative and celebrate the day!

For additional information on these events, or to reach a program coordinator, please visit our Web site at www.santaclaravalley.redcross.org. Thank you for your help in bringing care and comfort to our US Service Members!

Your Red Cross "Operation Care and Comfort" program coordinators:

Randy Bye

Julie DeMaria

Cookie Crissman

Brian McCormick

How do I send in my “Pet of the Week?”

I get the Almaden Times Weekly, which I really enjoy. I would like to send in my “Pet of the Week,” but don't know where to send it. Can you help?

Kim Dalena

Almaden Valley

Editor's response: Thank you for your letter. (See page ________ for Kim's pet!) Send us an e-mail ( Julie@timesmediainc.com ) or a letter describing your pet (name, age, breed–where applicable) and where you obtained your pet (animal shelter, breeder, friend, etc.) and any funny stories or interesting information about your pet. Include your name, phone number, and the names of anyone else in the household. If there are children in the household give their ages too. Then send us a jpeg digital picture of your pet or a ‘real' print through the mail. All pets will be given their chance to shine in the pages of the Almaden Times Weekly!