Opinion | Letters
July 6, 2009
Letters to the Editor: July 6, 2009
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:14 July 5, 2008
Losing family
There are many cases of abandoned pets, with pet shelters being full in terms of capacity ("JBR residents resist pet ban", Gulf News, July 2). I have had to shift residences thrice just to find a flat that could accommodate my pet. In the end I even gave up my pet since the apartment I stayed in implemented a similar policy. Considering the high rents it is impractical to keep shifting residences. The pain of losing a pet due to such circumstances is frustrating and heartbreaking. Pets for us mean a lot more than just as animals that provide company or entertainment. They are a part of the family and losing a family member due to such reasons is really unfair.
From Freida Kumar
UAE
Better avoid
It is better to avoid talking on the phone while driving ("Hands-free call not safer", Gulf News, July 2). If examined closely, most accidents occur if the driver is distracted, especially if he or she is using a mobile phone. Even if the mobile has a hands-free facility it is difficult to concentrate on the road while talking on the phone. The possibility of getting into an accident is thereby much higher. I suggest avoiding unwanted calls, or attending to a call after pulling over in a designated parking area. The only way to prevent accidents is to implement the law very strictly. By doing so we can save our life and those of others as well.
From Mr Mohammad Ameen
Abu Dhabi
Not worth your life
I stopped driving because my mind would wander to all sorts of domestic issues. There were no serious problems to contend with, yet I would be thinking of what I had to do when I got home or reached work. I ensured that I obeyed all traffic regulations and stayed alert but suddenly I'd find a car ahead of me that wasn't there a moment ago and realise that my mind had wandered off again. Being preoccupied with your problems, even for an instant, can be dangerous. I did myself and other motorists a favour and stopped driving. It's not really an option for everyone. However, here's a bit of free and unsolicited advice - keep your mind clear and focus on the road. Your life is too precious to be sacrificed to rising rents, food prices, school fees or whatever.
From Ms Wilma Chopra
Sharjah
A blessing
The new bus service in Abu Dhabi was a long awaited blessing ("Abu Dhabi residents happy with new bus service", Gulf News, July 1). I congratulate the government on taking this step. I own a car, but would definitely rely on this service for commuting.
Many of my friends are also of the same opinion. I hope that more routes will be added soon. Thanks to Gulf News for giving a detailed route map. However, it would have been better if the routes were shown graphically. Route maps placed at the bus stops could be improved by making the map larger, lowering the height and highlighting routes with different colours.
From Mr Sameer K.M.
Abu Dhabi
Not a bad idea
Naming the metro stations is not a bad idea whether it's a historical name or Western ("To name or not to name?", Gulf News, July 1). My concern is why is it being leased to other countries. Instead one can get names from the common people, with the best name being rewarded.
From Mr Libin Thomas
UAE
Helped find a home
Gulf News has been a part of my family since two years. My breakfast is incomplete without reading it. I am a working woman and leave home at 6.30am but still make time to read at least the headlines. It was Gulf News that helped me find a home in the UAE. My entire family reads it.
From Ms S. Khaku
Dubai
Wrong move
It's absolutely wrong to separate a family from their pets; as for most people their pets are a part of the family. However, all domestic animals should be trained not to disturb neighbours. Proper hygiene should be maintained as well.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
More important
I don't own a pet but still believe that pets can be a part of a family. Many people are separated from friends, family and home and may need the companionship of a pet whilst living here. In my opinion, owners/developers should be more concerned with meeting their obligations by completing promised facilities and ensuring residents do not make changes in the appearance of the existing property.
From Mr Asime G.
Dubai
Well behaved
My heart goes out to the dogs Lola and Pancho and their owners. I don't stay in JBR. In the contract that I signed for my flat, it clearly mentions that pets are not allowed. If the contract at JBR fails to specify that, then it is the right of the tenants to keep their pets. However, don't be surprised if the tenancy contract does not get renewed next year. If noisy and rude teenagers can be allowed to live in residential flats, so should faithful pets. I have two dogs and a cat. I can guarantee that some dogs deserve a place to be seated at a restaurant table, as they are very well behaved.
From Ms Sonia Rota
Dubai
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