Here’s what DOG FANCY readers had to say about our recent issue. 

More Happy Endings
The June 2008 Happy Endings story (“And he lived happily ever after”) brought a tear to my eye. It makes me so sad and sick to my stomach when I read or learn about any animal being abused by humans. If it weren’t for people like Vicky Glancy, wonderful animals like Felix wouldn’t be given the second chance they all deserve. Vicky, thank you for being a savior to Felix. I sincerely hope that stories like this inspire people to get out there and do anything they can to help animals in desperate need. Even volunteering at your local animal shelter as I do can make a huge difference in an animal’s life. Thank you, DOG FANCY.
Liz L.
via DOG FANCY e-mail

The Editor says: You said it, Liz. All it takes is every dog lover to do one thing, and all homeless dogs could have much better lives.

Love the Bites!
I just wanted to say that I love your new feature Breed Bites. Your magazine is wonderful as a whole, and I am a loyal reader! Keep up the good work, DOG FANCY.
Olivia S.
via DOG FANCY e-mail

The Editor says: We’re happy that you and other readers are enjoying these, Olivia.

A Poignant ‘Goodbye’
“Saying goodbye” (Senior & Puppy, June 2008) really hit home for me, as two days ago I lost my Papillon of 14 years.

For the last year, he’d been going downhill, eating less, lost his hearing, had trouble jumping on the couch, etc. He’d lost all his teeth, and I was feeding him canned food and carrying him outside to potty.

But within about a week, he stopped eating at all, drank very little, and couldn’t control his back legs. So I wanted to do the right thing, and make it quick and painless for him.

However, I ran into snags. I wanted to have him euthanized, although he didn’t seem to be suffering. But because I didn't have a regular vet, every vet I called wanted to do a medical exam and consult first to be sure euthanasia was warranted. I knew Dandy's quality of life was no longer there, but I couldn’t get a vet to work with me on this. It was very disappointing.

Dandy passed quietly in his sleep, and at least he was at home when he went. But people need to realize that having an old pet put to sleep is not as easy as your article makes it sound.
D.C.
via DOG FANCY e-mail

The Editor says: We are so very sorry for your loss. All dogs regardless of age should see a veterinarian regularly. So, especially for an older dog, we assume that the dog is under a vet’s care. A veterinarian who would put a dog to sleep without examining her first would not be doing his job.

Boating with Dogs Is Fun
I have only been getting DOG FANCY for a short time, and I love it! The June 2008 articles on boating with your dog were excellent (“Catch the drift” and “Can you canoe?”). Our Shih Tzu is a seasoned boater, and he loves to swim. We live on the Muskingum River and also boat in the Ohio River. Patches dives right in off the swim platform of our boat without hesitation. He has also done quite well in a kayak. This summer he will experience camping as well as continue boating. It is so nice being able to take our little buddy with us, and if you have a boat they make good first mates!
Jim and Lori S.
via DOG FANCY e-mail

The Editor says: Yes, Jim and Lori, dogs are going everywhere! Glad to hear that your Shih Tzu is such a water dog.

That’s Not Fair!
I have been a DOG FANCY reader for many years and generally find your magazine to be an excellent source of information. I always look forward to it arriving in the mail each month.

I must admit, however, that I was a little taken aback when I read the article about Chico and Chloe and the musical Legally Blonde in the June 2008 issue (Newshound). I think it is wonderful that these two needy dogs were adopted and have landed on their feet in so successful a manner, but I take offence to the comparison of Chico the Chihuahua to a German Shepherd Dog due to his aggression. I have been the proud owner of German Shepherds for nearly 20 years. My dogs are great companions, good neighbors, AKC- and UKC-titled performance dogs, and registered therapy dogs.

It is offensive that Chico was called more German Shepherd Dog than Chihuahua because he was an aggressive pint-sized pooch. It really does not matter what breed the author compared to the aggressive Chico. I is an unfair stereotype toward any breed. I am not generally overly sensitive or thin-skinned, but this statement really rankled.
Kathy W.
via DOG FANCY e-mail

The Editor says: In retrospect, Kathy, we wish we had reworded that passage. We read it as Chico being protective, like German Shepherds will be when trained to do so, rather than aggressive. We all love German Shepherds here, and apologize to all those we offended.

No More DOG FANCY for Me
I have been an avid and religious reader of DOG FANCY since January 2006. Imagine my utter joy when I saw the German Shepherd Dog showcased and on the cover of the September 2007 issue. I thought to myself, “Finally, a magazine read by thousands that is giving a great breed its due. They will set everyone straight on how well-behaved and even-tempered these dogs are.”

So, imagine my shame and disgust with your June 2008 issue when, in the article regarding the Legally Blonde Broadway play (Newshound), you likened the Chihuahua to a German Shepherd because it was “aggressive … biting at anything and everything in his path …” Shame on you! Breed stereotypes have no place in reputable magazines. I have seen a Corgi fight with a Rottweiler, and the Rottie needed 40 stitches to close the wound the “pint-sized pooch” put into it.

I will no longer read your magazine. I cannot associate myself with a publication that prints such misleading statements.
Jennifer M.
via DOG FANCY e-mail

The Editor says: We are sorry to lose you as a reader, Jennifer. Perhaps after reading the editor’s note above, you will reconsider.

 Opinions expressed do not reflect the opinions of DOG FANCY, DogChannel, or BowTie Inc.