Speak Out 05/07/04

Enthusiastic audience

I TOTALLY disagree with Kathryn Alfisi's opinion that the Lipizzaner show was too long. I did not see people leaving, and the crowd was very enthusiastic about the performance until the very end. As for the performers getting treats, what would you give a horse for a wonderful performance? It was a great show.

Review disagreement

THE ONLY thing reviewer Kathryn Alfisi liked about "Cats" was the song "Memory." The rest of the show she described as silly. I think that was in poor taste. And evidently she doesn't like horses. But I thought the Lipizzaner stallion show was very enjoyable. I was very disappointed that there wasn't a bigger crowd to see the Lipizzaners. The people of Cape Girardeau do not deserve a show like that to come to this city and not support it.

New assignment

THE NEXT time there's a horse show in town, I hope you can find a different reporter to send out to cover the story.

Great prosecution

I WANT to compliment a member of the Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney's staff, Angel Woodruff. I was a victim of a crime and can't compliment her enough on the professional handling of my case and taking the concerns of the victim into account. The police did a good job, and Angel Woodruff, did a great job.

Family entertainment

MY FAMILY and I loved the Lipizzaner stallion show at the Show Me Center. It was barely two hours long and thoroughly enjoyable. The horses are magnificent. I recommend it for wonderful family entertainment.

It's the only time

WE DO not walk our pets at night to hide anything. We walk at night because that is when we have time.

Attracts hoodlums

THREE OR four times I have been to the Jackson City Park in the last month, I have been harassed by young skaters in the park. I feel the skate park that has been proposed would be a serious mistake. It would draw more young skaters to the area along with their hoodlum behavior. I have witnessed young skaters smoking, cursing, telling loud and nasty jokes and giving older folks, such as myself, a hard time. I oppose the skate park and believe improvements to ball fields should be done.

Find a good breeder

THE ARTICLE on backyard breeders failed to point out that meeting USDA standards and passing inspections do not guarantee the quality of the dog. The best bet is to thoroughly research the breed you're interested in and find a breeder who can and will discuss all possible problems with your breed of choice. You should be able to view parents, several-generation pedigrees and positive test results for all problems associated with the breed. All breeds have genetic trouble spots, and a good breeder will explain them to you and what they are doing to help control or eliminate them from their bloodlines. A good small breeder can, and often does, produce litters as good or better than the big time breeders. And their pups are often far better socialized and raised in the home rather than in kennels.