Wednesday, 8 September 1999

It is very disheartening to see that there are already irresponsible people out there who are selling their wares, i.e., Bouvier des Flanders puppies, through the new Warner Brothers movie, ``A Dog of Flanders'' (``Dog is great, but poignant movie is wide of its mark'' - Aug. 27).

How can these people live with themselves? This movie is about a boy and his dreams, not a retail outlet for dogs.

After the movie ``101 Dalmatians'' came out, Dalmatian Rescue and the Humane Society were overflowing with purebred Dalmatians bred to make money because of that movie.

Bouvier des Flanders are a working breed. They are not a breed for everyone and are not the best family dogs. They are very big, hairy, smelly and take a great deal of time and money to maintain.

They need a great deal of people contact and do not like to be left alone. They also have many health problems, such as hip dysplasia, blindness, heart problems, epilepsy, von Willebrand disease and thyroid problems because of irresponsible breeding.

If you are interested in any breed, check it out thoroughly before buying. If you buy a puppy on impulse, it will surely end up in rescue or at the Humane Society.

Mary Alice Bushey