LETTERS

Editor,
First, congratulations on putting out an informative dog magazine that deals with mixed breeds as well as purebreds. Your article on Lurchers was of particular interest to me as I am proud to be owned by one.

My Lurcher, Snork Stonky (right) was brutally abused before I found her at the pound about 10 years ago. I have done a lot of reading on Lurchers over the years and feel I should fill you in on a fact about Lurchers that was not covered in your article.

Lurchers were originally used by poachers. They were named Lurchers because in about the 15th Century the land owners became increasingly angry about poachers using these dogs, so a law was passed that anyone owning a greyhound cross type must maim the dog, usually by cutting a few toes off or even a full limb amputation, to slow the dogs down. Hence the name Lurcher.

Snork is a very gentle, clean dog. She looked after all three of my cats when they were kittens and continues to do so. For these reasons I, too, am looking for another Lurcher and have been for some time.

I take Snork for two huge runs EVERY day. For this reason, at 11 years old, she is as fit and healthy as a buck rabbit. These dogs MUST be exercised - and exercise does NOT mean a walk around the block on a lead, it means a decent run OFF the leash in a park, on the beach, or on a farm. They are not active around the house; Snork spends most of her time snoozing at my feet with the cats. - Cathy

Thanks for the extra information. The type seems to have endured an unfortunate past, and in some countries, for example Spain, is still treated very badly by hunters who use them for a season, then leave them to die in the forest. - Ed

Good intentions

Editor,
I've recently moved to New Zealand and was delighted to find your first issue of K9 Perspective. Just wanted to congratulate you on an excellent magazine which obviously has some good intentions - ie natural diets etc.

I've been living in the United States for the past five years and there are some great magazines on natural health for animals over there and I was disappointed not to find any similar publications here. Congratulations. - Charlotte

Appreciation

Editor,
Congratulations on the new magazine. As a career journalist and a new dog owner (long-haired retriever pup) I have great admiration and appreciation for what you've done.

Good luck and I look forward to many more editions.

PS - It'd be great to see your name at the bottom of the editorial and your pic at the top! - Greg

Thanks all of you for the wonderful words of encouragement. You will notice that I have used my name on the editorial this time - it does sound more friendly. However, I will have to give a little more thought to the picture (don't want to frighten anyone away). Perhaps a photograph of one of my own little dogs (Ziggy - right) will do instead? - Ed