YOU published photographs of two beautiful dogs, both obviously healthy and well cared for (December 20), but the difference in their lives brought a tear to my eye.

Willy the Doberman is in the loving care of the Landing Lane animal shelter, after being thrown from a car by some mindless moron and needs a caring owner.

Jeffrey the Rottweiler puppy however has just won best puppy award for his owner John Mackenzie of Selby. Mr Mackenzie stresses the importance of the right diet and right exercise and I would imagine a lot of TLC too.

Should you find that you can't cope with that playful bundle of fluff that has outgrown its welcome after Christmas, please please take it to the animal shelter, or phone the RSPCA.

Don't dump it on a roadside like a piece of rubbish.

Ella Hirst,

Coggan Close,

South Bank,

York.

Updated: 10:24 Thursday, December 27, 2001