I WAS amused to read Mr Tiptons letter “Dogs only suitable for countryside” believing his letter to be superbly ironic. However, after re-reading said letter, I do believe he is serious. What a very sad person. He really wants to live in a sterile utopia without a dog in sight.

I can only confirm the facts passed down from far more knowledgeable experts than myself; or Mr Tipton.

Dogs have lived in our homes since the ice melted. Humans as usual got the best of the doggy deal, realising that in many ways dogs are superior to ourselves. Lets see, sense of smell 20,000 times better and sense of hearing far superior.

Most young dogs can out-run, out-climb, out-manoeuvre and out-last any human athlete.

Dogs are still living in our homes some 10,000 years after we put the flint spears away because they have very similar emotions to ourselves. The ability to be a loyal friend, to give love and affection, to play, to befriend, to protect, to guide and to be a good companion.

Mr Tipton, it is the minority of owners who are to blame, not the dogs. Yes poo needs to be picked up. This lets down all dog lovers. The cruelty and the abuse that dogs receive is beyond forgiveness. Dogs feel pain just like we do.

Mr Tipton, it is very sad that you will never know the joy of having a dog as a very real friend. To live with a dog you have to give lots and lots of love and care. For this you are rewarded ten thousand times a day.

JIM O’BRIEN, Cynthia Road, Poole