Puppy love

Re “Gone to the dogs,” Opinion, Aug. 10

Dogs are innocent. They have no ability to lie, manipulate or deceive. They are, in fact, the opposite of people. That is why dog lovers value dogs and resent people who see them as property or as “flounder.” Joel Stein values humans, a species that is greedy, dishonest and will run you over in a heartbeat for a dollar. How he could ever think that the public outcry over Michael Vick’s actions is disproportionate is truly mind-boggling. If Stein had to endure one day of what these dogs go through -- being used and abused for greed -- he’d be crying and begging for mercy, never trusting a soul again. Dogs come out of it hopeful that someone will save them, speak for them and value their lives.

Courtney Sanders

Los Angeles

I am venturing to guess that Stein is a sad, lonely man. His attacks are humorous but clearly show his anger that animals receive more attention and affection than he has probably received in his whole life. If people with vomiting, crying kids are allowed a seat on a plane, why not my calm, well-behaved dachshund? And hotels do not serve “kibble.” They prepare the same filet and brown rice for dogs that they are feeding you. As for the spay-and-neuter law, no one should be able to tell responsible dog owners who always leash their dogs what to do with them. And no, dogs are not more precious than strippers, but strippers chose their profession and put themselves voluntarily into their environment. Dogs do not have this luxury.

Melinda Jagger

West Hollywood