DIALOGUEletters

fact that we “pamper our pets” (versus the once-accepted practice of keeping them chained out in the backyard!) is a wonderful indication of an increasingly enlightened society! We’ve become kinder. I like to think we are eons removed from the days when it was commonly thought that animals didn’t even feel pain. It’s frightening to realize this was once accepted as truth.

Arlene Wands
Troutdale, Oregon
Debate goes on
In response to the December
Debate, “Do Americans pamper
their pets too much?”

NO. For many couples without children, seniors who have lost a spouse or singles, pet companionship is a very important part of life. Pampering is a relative thing, but toys, dog beds, sweaters, good food and treats are part of a healthy pet’s life.

YES. Americans pamper themselves too much. Doggy jewelry, gas-guzzling cars and cell phones for each member of the family, including children, are just some of the many signs that we’re overindulging ourselves and spending our way into a debt hole of despair.

Vicky Reardon
Bellingham, Washington
A true family affair

I want to thank The Costco Connection for using the photos of my horses on page 71 of the December issue. They lived in one of Costco’s shopping-cart corrals for five days during the October wildfires here in San Diego County.

In fact, my entire family (two sons and my husband) and our animals (seven horses, three dogs and one cat) stayed at the Poway Costco from Monday, October 22, until Friday, October 27. The staff was so kind and accommodating to us and to all of the other families who chose to evacuate to their parking lot. Costco employees came out several times throughout the day to visit and ask if we needed anything and offered food to us at no cost. Thank you so much!

Kimberly Wagner
Ramona, California
Odds and ends
Toys will be toys

Will you please remind the author of “Great gifts at costco.com” [November issue] that this is the 21st century? Perhaps he or she momentarily thought we’re in the 1950s. “For girls, consider dolls, such as Barbie and

her accessories, and doll houses and play kitchens. Boys might enjoy skateboards and ride-on vehicles,” says the writer.

I am a child psychologist
and former school coun-
selor in the Seattle area. I
can assure you that boys
as well as girls enjoy dolls
and their accessories,
though they’re often
called “action figures”
when given male bod-
ies. And girls as well as boys
enjoy skateboards and ride-on vehicles.
I’m certain your sales of these items
would plummet if buyers stuck to the out-
dated concept of gender-appropriate toys.
Suzanne Engelberg
Seattle, Washington

Taimi Gorman
Bellingham, Washington

YES. So much pet-owner behavior is simply
self-indulgent behavior. It’s not for the pet, it’s
for the owner. How many dogs really,
really want a diamond collar or a
new jacket? Things like that are
what the owner wants; they make
the owner happy. Pets are like
children in one respect. They don’t
need things; they need time, affec-
tion, attention.

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Jane Lewis
Laguna Niguel, California

NO. Gandhi said something to the effect of “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” I think the

Warren Buffett will now take your questions.

WHAT IF YOU could ask Warren Buffett, the quintessential investor, businessman and philanthropist, just one question? For an upcoming story in The Costco Connection we will interview Mr. Buffett, and your question just may end up in the story. Send your question to “The Warren Buffett Story,” The Costco Connection, P.O. Box 34088, Seattle, WA 98124-1088, or e-mail it to connection@costco.com with “Buffett” in the subject line.

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