A brief letter of support for Mr Atkins and his dog-free, stress-free life (Your Letters, April 9).

How lucky we are to live in a society where we have the freedom and finances to keep such pets. We should also enjoy the freedom not to have anything to do with domestic animals should we so choose, nor have their problems forced upon us by irresponsible pet owners.

Last week I read in the Gazette about yet another abandoned dog seeking a home. This one was nervous and unsuitable for a family with young children, other dogs, or cats. It hardly sounds like a recipe for lowering one's blood pressure!

As a society, we do need to guard against the view that the perfect family has two parents, two children, a 4x4, plus a dog.

In my experience, many dog owners would be glad to see the back of their pet, but hesitate to admit the same.

My house is a strict dog-free zone. My garden would also be cat-free, if only I could enforce it!

Angela Smith (Mrs), Wells Road, Malvern