Puppy mill in disguise?

September 2, 2008

Dear Sir,

I was startled to read in your classified (August 29, 30 and September 2) that two West Highland Terriers were available for purchase from an importer! I assume that these puppies were brought to Bermuda from the UK. What sort of breeder would allow its puppies to travel 3,500 miles to an unknown fate? I would suggest only an irresponsible backyard breeder, or worse, a puppy miller.

In the United States, importers are nothing more than "brokers" for puppy millers and pet-selling shops . . . I seriously doubt it's any different in the UK. The breeding history of any purebred is critical research for anyone considering bringing a purebred into the family, not to mention the breeder doing a thorough check on the family to whom its precious pup is going. Reputable breeders do not sell their puppies to a third party.

Anyone taking the shortcut and ordering a puppy from an "importer/broker" is simply encouraging backyard breeders and puppy millers. Anyone who thinks they re getting a "good deal" on a puppy from an "importer/broker" is mistaken . . . these poorly bred dogs often come down with very costly medical issues after about a year . . . did you notice your pup's health guarantee is only for a year? Did this not strike you as odd? Reputable breeders stand behind their dogs for life, and while they cannot guarantee that the pup won't come down with some health issue, they can and will provide you with the health history of their breeding stock. Can the same be said for the "importer/broker" or of the "breeder" they got the pups from?

If they cannot properly research the breed of dog you are interested in, you shouldn't be getting a dog. If you can't research the breeder, the breed club the breeder is affiliated with, or review the code of ethics a breeder is bound by, you really shouldn't be getting a dog.

ARF ARF ARF

St. George's

Dog owners: Get a fence!

August 22, 2008

Dear Sir,

My heart just aches for Stanley Curtis and his owner. I've met Stanley at a big dog's birthday party and he was so sociable and playful. How sad that he is now too frightened even to come out from under the bed. Sadly, many people are in denial that their supposedly "gentle" breed dog could cause harm to a human or another animal. My late Doberman mix was on lead on a Florida beach several years ago and was attacked by an unleashed Labrador Retriever, all the while the Lab's owner yelling that her dog had never did that before. Oh really? Just as we people don't like everyone we meet, not all dogs like other dogs they meet. As people, we can often avoid those we don't like, but our dogs don't always get that opportunity. I suggest that dog owners invest in proper fencing to protect, not only their own dog, but all those that walk by their property. Can't afford fencing (a bit hard to believe in Tucker's Town)? Well then, get up off your fanny, put your dog in a no-slip collar or harness, exercise it, then bring the pooch inside the home to chew a good dog bone or rawhide!

MARIA WHITTLE

St. George's

Thank you Karen Clemons

August 25, 2008

Dear Sir,

I would like to applaud Ms Karen Clemons for her article on "Workplace Bullying" in today's Royal Gazette. I, too, was a victim of workplace bullying (in the private sector) which ended in July 2007. I was not the first victim of this 'Bully' and I am certain I will not be the last. I, too, voiced my opinions and concerns to those in authority but they fell on deaf ears. The result was making me feel uncomfortable, stressed, depressed, unable to heal effectively and feeling less and less like going to work.

The 'Bully" in question could do no wrong in the eyes of management even when the person failed to comply with company policies and procedures. The 'Bully' thrived on the need to control co-workers, name calling, talking about others business, displaying prejudiced behaviour, listening to others conversation (telephone or otherwise) and using that conversation as a catalyst.

I, too, did something about it (outside of the workplace) but did not stay around for the result I would have liked; it was beginning to affect my health. I know the best solution was not to walk away from the bullying but it gets to the point when enough is enough. When you are made to feel defeated at management/personnel level, you think you have no other recourse. Ms Clemons, thank you for expressing my emotions and helping to ease my pain.

ANOTHER VICTIM

Warwick

In the wrong direction

August 4, 2008

Dear Sir,

Writing with my opinion only, as a wife, stepmother, grandmother, family and friends of Bermudians. I am very concerned for the future of Bermuda. The Changes I have noticed in the past 25 years are diminishing the desires of tourists wanting to go to your island paradise. Important to review, for we know tourism is Bermuda's lively hood. On my first visit I was overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. I felt privileged to be able to be a guest. The beauty and friendliness was so impressive. To be in Hamilton, the heart of Bermuda, on Front Street when the cruise ships were in town, created a festival atmosphere. The beautiful lights and flags flying at night on those tall ships were a sight to behold. Along with hundreds of happy tourists, shopping at exclusive department stores. There were many taxis and carriages lined up for their convenience. What has happened?

Tall ships can still manoeuvre through "Two Rock pass", even the "Queen of Bermuda" did. Those extremely large ships can continue to go to St. George's or Dockyard, but keep Hamilton Harbour alive. The many commercial container carriers could also be moved to Dockyard, making more slips available in Hamilton. I cannot fathom any reason to change the ambience of Front Street to what it has become. To replace Triminghams, and Smiths department stores to build cement structures, is depressing. Some of us have even saved our bags as reminders of happier shopping days. This is no incentive to allure tourists to come to Bermuda; they can see all the tall cement buildings in New York! I am amazed that the long tail sculpture has not gone by the wayside!

In 2003, cruise ships started pulling out of Bermuda when passengers complained there was no "nightlife" in town nor decent adult night clubs to go to, so they retreated to their ship.

I have said so many times, "you'll never meet a stranger in Bermuda, everyone is so friendly". Even that is no longer true. Walk down Court Street, smile and greet some locals, they either ignore you or react like "What are they doing here?" Not even a pleasant smile. This pertains to some store clerks as well. Are the locals losing their charm? For that matter, locals used to look out for the tourists red tags on their bikes, now they'll cut them off in a hurry. I understand many locals want to bring in casinos for gambling entertainment on the island. This could be a "forked tongue" decision, what with the problems of addiction for some people. When the first cruise ship came into Dockyard, we were there. Hardly any shops were completed, neither were the side walks, no taxis or buses available. People just walking "to where?" My husband said it was the first time in his life he was ashamed to be a Bermudian. Yes, Dockyard has come a long way, but still limited to what people pay a lot of money to visit. The same can be said of St. George's. It has a lot of history, a little entertainment, but still a limited area to do much.

I was prompted to write because of my concern for Bermuda. On my return trip last month, by USA 3000, there were only 35 passengers on the entire airplane. Bermuda is moving in the wrong direction as far as I'm concerned. Take a review of past years and compare with what is happening now. It's a dismal future for residents as well as tourists. And, to add insult to injury to the island residents, they learn that Premier Brown is said to be involved with outlandish spending of "the people's" money for his own pleasures. If true, this is not acceptable.

As stated before this is only my opinion for the love and concern of your country. God Bless Bermuda

CHARLOTTE E. CORDAY

Newark, Delaware

Tribute to Helen

August 16, 2008

Dear Sir,

For the many people who knew Helen Shillingford well during the more than 30 years she lived on the Island, I wanted to mention that she passed away peacefully on July 20th. Helen had been unwell for a number of years and would have been 95 on August 16th. I first met Helen in March, 1958 when we both worked in the advertising department of Gibbons Company, before the introduction of air conditioning! Later she was an easily recognisable character employed at the Visitor's Service Bureau for a number of years. Her vivacious personality and great sense of humour will be remembered still by many. It is as a tribute to Helen and courtesy to her friends that I am requesting this letter be published.

WENDY BLYTH

Northants,

England

Learn from Warren Buffet

September 6, 2008

Dear Sir,

The Internet is a mighty wonderful invention and the knowledge that one can gain from it is untold. A friend sent me the following about Warren Buffet, I checked it out on Snopes.com and found this story to be true. The world could do with more Warren Buffets.

There was a one-hour interview on CNBC with Warren Buffet, the richest man in the world, who just donated $31 billion to charity. Here is Warren Buffet speaking of humility and some very interesting aspects of his life:

1. He bought his first share of stock at age 11 and he now regrets that he started too late!

2. He bought a small farm at age 14 with savings from delivering newspapers.

3. He still lives in the same, small three-bedroom house in midtown Omaha, that he bought after he got married 50 years ago. He says that he has everything he needs in that house. His house does not have a wall or a fence.

4. He drives his own car everywhere and does not have a driver or security people around him.

5. He never travels by private jet, although he owns the world's largest private jet company.

6. His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns 63 companies. He writes only one letter each year to the CEOs of these companies, giving them goals for the year. He never holds meetings or calls them on a regular basis. He has given his CEO's only two rules. Rule number 1: Do not lose any of your shareholder's money. Rule number 2: Do not forget rule number 1.

7. He does not socialise with the high society crowd. His pastime after he gets home is to make himself some popcorn and watch television.

8. Bill Gates, one of the world's richest men, met him for the first time only five years ago. Bill Gates did not think he had anything in common with Warren Buffet. So, he had scheduled his meeting only for half-hour. But when Gates met him, the meeting lasted for ten hours and Bill Gates became a devotee of Warren Buffet.

9. Warren Buffet does not carry a cell phone, nor has a computer on his desk.

And, his advice to young people is: Stay away from credit cards and invest in yourself and remember:

A. Money doesn't create man, but it is the man who created money.

B. Live your life as simple as you are.

C. Don't do what others say. Just listen to them, but do what makes you feel good about yourself.

D. Don't go on brand name. Wear those things in which you feel comfortable and look decent.

E. After all, it's your life. Why give others the chance to rule your life?' Treat yourself like who you are! "A child of GOD"!

Many of us could take a page out of that man's book. Too many people go for the glitz and glitter; the razzle dazzle – the name-dropping – the name brands, the whole nine yards. But if you turn these people upside down, you will find they have no substance, no soul and without a doubt, no humility!

PAT FERGUSON

Warwick

Courtesy will drain away

September 10, 2008

Dear Sir,

This is addressed to the idiot who was speeding along Berry Hill Road this morning at about 11.35. I was placing weed killer on the bottom of my wall which borders the road, attempting to keep everything tidy and clean because we do not see the road crews that used to be in existence and made Bermuda a pristine and tidy place. So you had to brake and take evasive action because you were going too fast. Other motorists were more considerate. You had to shout a whole lot of expletives in my direction because I had the audacity to be on the road, which is not mine, not yours but belongs to the whole of Bermuda.

No doubt, with idiots like you on the road, the normal Bermudian courtesy will slowly drain away, and so will our tourists. If you show respect to other people, they will respect you. Enjoy your life, if you can, what is left of it. I guess within a short period of time we will read about another road fatality, where the car has gone out of control, because you do not care about other road users.

ANTONY SIESE

City of Hamilton