Golden Retriever Fans Bite Back at Abcarian

I am appalled at Robin Abcarian’s patronizing, supercilious characterizations of golden retrievers as “dumb as rocks,” “no brains,” “dimwitted” and “pea-brained” (“Can Clinton Survive the Humiliation of Puppygate?” Oct. 17).

Aside from the fact that all higher animals have their own innate intelligence, golden retrievers are described in the official American Kennel Club Book as “gentle, sensitive, intelligent,” and are widely employed as Guide dogs for the blind, in large part because of their intelligence.

PAUL YOUNG

(owner of Buckley)

Woodland Hills

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When my owner, Bob Rodino, read me Robin Abcarian’s article, I was miffed by her gross misstatement of fact regarding the intelligence of golden retrievers.

Noted dog expert James E. Walsh Jr. stated in “Golden Retrievers,” page 21: “The landmark qualities of the noble Golden (are) stable temperament, keen intelligence and balanced structure.”

My owners will tell you that my vocabulary is extensive, including phrases such as “get the ball,” “get the Frisbee,” “do you want to go for a walk,” “Where’s Willie,” and “What do you think of Robin Abcarian.”

If I weren’t golden retriever, I’d tell you, but we goldens are far too noble.

SABBIA RODINO

(ownee of Robert Rodino)

Pacific Palisades

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Bear changed newspapers because you called her terrible names . . . dumb as rocks, dim-witted, pea-brained, etc. . . . tsk, tsk. Shame on you.

Z. DIANE SOPHER and BEAR, THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER

Kagel Canyon