Saratoga News

Letters

Two paws up for a great response

On behalf of all of the animals at the Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley, I'd like to give two paws up to the community for donating enough food during our Holiday Food & Toy Drive to feed the shelter's dogs, cats and little critters for three months! Now, that's a lot of chow, as we're the largest animal shelter on the West Coast. People also donated toys for our volunteer dog and cat socializers to use when they interact with animals every day and for the animals to play with on their own while they await adoption. Ninety-one percent of the animals that are placed for adoption find new homes. Snugly warm blankets and towels will also be much appreciated during the coming months. The Humane Society cares for about 33,000 incoming animals every year, and we simply could not do it without the community's support.

Leslie Baikie
Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley

Perhaps shopkeeper was simply polite

In response to the commentary by Ann Lencioni in the Dec. 31 issue of the Saratoga News: Since our shop does not have a mini forest of pine, holly and thousands of white lights, I am safe in assuming you were somewhere else when you perceived the slight of people looking down their nose at you and your companion.

What rings close to home, though, is that in today's retailing we no longer ask "May I help you?" as most specialty shops are not shoe stores, and we prefer the client to feel free to browse without our interference. We do, however, make eye contact and greet customers to make sure they are aware we know we are here to help if needed.

We also take merchandise from their hands and put it on the counter for them, not so they won't steal it, but so they have their hands free to pick up more.

Being of a Latin background myself, I feel sure your friend was not the least bit insulted, as she is used to the hands-on approach taken in Latin countries, where the salesperson never leaves the side of a client.

Por favor, señora, sus protege a to amiga es muy admirador, pero no es necesario. Tipical perque to qurere. I have found myself in the same place when out with my Mexican cousins.

Justo Arzie
Los Gatos Porch

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