FORUMS & LETTERS

Editor:

Thanks to all who contributed to the CASA garage sale in May. The sale earned 1,500 pesos, which will go towards needed maintenance for its physical plant.

Although the next garage sale will not take place until October 17, donations are welcome at any time. Right now, household items that could be used by the new midwifery students arriving in August would be especially helpful.

Use this efficient method of recycling by delivering items to the CASA office in Santa Julia or by calling the office at 154-6090. You can also contact Margo Seymour or Erin Mc Carthy at: casainterns@hotmail.com  for pickup.

Pat Hirschl
CASA volunteer

Editor:

In the SPA article, June 26, Tomas Herrera B. is referred to as "The Dog Whisperer of San Miguel". Tomas has worked with me and for me over a period of years. It is beyond me to imagine Tomas ever intentionally doing anything that would hurt or frighten an animal. He uses the methods I taught him—positive reinforcement for desirable behaviors rather than punishing undesirable behaviors.

On the other hand the so-called Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan, to whom I believe the writer is making reference, uses long out dated methods which cause dogs pain and fear. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, an internationally renowned veterinary behavior specialist has been quoted as saying that Millan has set dog training back 20 years! Thousands of people—vets, trainers and behavior consultants such as myself—have written to National Geographic pleading with them to change their position. All to no event because a LOT of money is being made.

When Tomas teaches/trains he wants people to "try it at home" whereas the disclaimer "Don't try this at home" accompanies the TV program. This should give people cause to question the methods, but apparently it doesn’t because not only do people "try it at home," but a lot of them get bitten as does Millan. My guess is that Tomas never gets bitten by dogs!

I am presuming that the writer of the article meant the comment to be a compliment, but compliment it is not.

Charlotte Peltz
Certified Animal Behavior Consultant





Editor:



The San Miguel Authors' Sala is pleased to announce that, beginning July 9, we are returning to the beautiful Centro location of Posada de San Francisco for our monthly author presentations.

At the same time, we are making two other changes. In the past we held our events on Fridays. We will now hold our events on Thursday evenings, 5–7pm. We have had to adjust our admission fee to 70 pesos. (As always, we never turn anyone away for inability to pay. If the price presents a problem for you, don’t stay away! Please come and pay what you can.)

We are grateful to St. Paul’s Church for their most gracious and generous hosting of our events over the past several months. The staff there—including Michael Long, Eunice Hernandez, and Ernesto Martinez—could not have been more generous and accommodating. We have enjoyed our relationship with them and thank them very much for taking excellent care of us.

Our July 9 event at Posada San Francisco at 5pm features two long-time San Miguel residents, Lucina Kathman and Anthony Maulucci. If you have never attended an Authors' Sala reading, now is the time! All are welcome!

Susan Page and the Authors' Sala Steering Committee.