Willow Glen Resident

Letters & Opinions

Speak Out

Caring pet owners say
dogs are family, too

In response to the recent feedback regarding the April 13 story in particular, Ms. Newlin's view on the dog strollers ("Doggone it: shoppers say Safeway is lax about pooches in its WG store"):

Yes, there are those of us dog owners who indeed consider our dog to be our "fur-baby," very much one of our family members.

I, too, have on occasion, brought along one of my rescues inside of a garden or hardware store, encountering no problems at all from either management or onlookers, although we would politely leave if asked to do so.

A couple of these times have been after our vet visit, when we made a quick stop. As a caring and responsible owner, I refuse to allow my dog to sit outside in a warm car, even with a fraction of the window rolled down. We make sure that her harness is in place before entering, or I can hold her in my arms, which some signs will state are requirements.

In many cases, my dog is more mannered than those unfortunate children that run about the store screaming for their preoccupied parents. If my dog were to ever sit in a shopping cart, I would place a blanket under her due to the many times I've seen a mere diaper-clad child occupying the seat.

It's important to keep in mind that the dog stroller has been a heaven-sent idea for those canines who, either because of age or illness, are unable to walk along and can still enjoy the air and sunshine with their owner.

For those of us who were victim to any dog attack due to a lazy owner without dog on leash, we may choose a stroller in situations to keep a tiny dog safe on the streets.

Our loyal companions surely deserve these considerations in return.

Debra Pappani-Goodman

Willow Glen

Slap-down by the
association is wrong

I have been slapped down by Michael Mulcahy and Norma Ruiz for criticizing the Willow Glen Business Association and their "April-Pride of Willow Glen Month" project for using one sentence that contained sarcasm to convey a message ("WGBA volunteers more helpful than critics," April 15). My letter stated clearly that we have traffic and sewer problems that need attention that are far more important than a beautification project. That is my opinion, and as a longtime member of this community it should count for something.

I am tired of feeling like I have to run for my life when I cross the street on Lincoln Avenue and gagging every time the wind has taken a shift in my direction from the sewer. People have been complaining about these two issues for years.

Mr. Mulcahy and Ms. Ruiz state that "Sewer and safety is not such a quick fix, and the challenge is that we don't have the same control of that process; the city of San Jose does." I'm aware of that. In my letter I asked that our new District 6 councilman, Pierluigi Oliverio, be contacted for help. A phone call, an e-mail by the business association could start the ball rolling to get some action from the city, couldn't it?

A few years ago my wife, Linda, wrote a letter to the Resident about an unsafe crosswalk involving Bank of America's exit driveway and overgrown shrubbery that blocked the view of pedestrians using the crosswalk. She spoke to the manager of the bank, but nothing was done to correct the problem. She had hoped that other residents would write to the newspaper confirming that there was a problem, but none did.

After months had gone by, she contacted former District 6 Councilman Ken Yeager with her concerns. He got the Department of Transportation involved, and the problem was taken care of. If one citizen can get help from the city, then I would think that a business association could do the same.

I'm called a "keyboard critic" who should step up and get involved. To write a letter to a community newspaper is getting involved. Criticisms and ideas do not just flow from the comfort of my computer as was suggested. I don't often write letters, but I felt the need to be heard.

Michael Julian

Willow Glen