With regard to the dog poisoning story ("Dog poisoned by unknown person; antifreeze put in the food," April 27) on Iris Court, there are generally two sides to every story.

While I do not advocate dog poisoning, I certainly relate to the apparent frustration of the person who caused the dog's demise. I, too, must endure the incessant, loud barking of my neighbor's neurotic dog. After four years, despite numerous entreaties to the dog's owners, the problem still exists.

Unfortunately, some dog owners believe the world revolves around their pets. They see no need to have them professionally trained, or to own a breed that is compatible with their lifestyles.

I question the advisability, or need, of having a dog if one is unable or unwilling to supervise it. Most of us live so close to one another that it is impossible to avoid or ignore the barking. It can be maddening.

During my morning walks, I hear many dogs barking or yapping loudly. The owners apparently are not home or simply don't care.

Additionally, I am appalled at the practice of allowing dogs to urinate on any plant within their reach, as if it were a constitutional right. I no longer plant cut flowers in my parking strip for that reason. What happened to civility?

Helen Jackson

San Jose