Charles Gauci of Sannat writes:
I notice from the article ‘…What children want from Santa’ (December 23) that some children are asking for a puppy this Christmas.
As a dog owner myself, I can safely say that a dog brings untold joy to a home. However, it must also be remembered that a dog brings with it a number of heavy commitments.
A dog brings with it a number of heavy commitments. Photo: Shutterstock.comIt has, of course, to be loved and properly trained to deal with children.
It also needs to be walked several times a day, properly housed, not locked up in a garage, left on the roof or in the yard or periodically let loose to run around the streets fending for itself, dodging traffic and annoying neighbours. It must also be properly fed and medically cared for.
Also, with some breeds, a small cuddly puppy can turn into a very large dog, which the family may not be able to handle.
All these many factors have to be taken into very careful consideration before parents buy their child a puppy as a Christmas present.
Malta and Gozo have a number of dog sanctuaries catering for unwanted dogs.
The saying “A dog is not for Christmas” has never been so true. It must be heeded.
Season’s greetings
Mark Galea of Sliema writes:
I would like to give the very best Christmas and New Year wishes to all the staff who work at the Times of Malta and the readers. Throughout the year, the coverage of news content is incredible and amazing. The Christmas season is a time of rejoice, unity and peace. The New Year is a time of resolution and renewal.
I would like to thank the dedicated journalists, editors and all those people who make the Times of Malta a reality, especially, this year being its 90th anniversary.
I wish a very successful new year for the Times of Malta.
Putin’s rights?
Albert Said of Naxxar writes:
I fight you, take possession of your house, break up your property and kill your dog.
Local law makes me pay for the damage I caused you, a fine, possibly much heavier than the damages, plus a term behind bars.
Vladimir Putin invades Ukraine, destroys its cities and kills its citizens and the best lawyers in Europe doubt whether he shouldn’t at least get the same treatment I got for my crimes!
They talk of loans repayable to the aggressor who owes Ukraine immeasurably more of his assets than whatever his victims can lay their hands on.
I think it’s about time to correct international law, based on the principle that “might is right”, with some compassion and common sense.