Asako Shinoda states she hears English people love dogs (Opinion, February 12).

There has always been a rumour we are a nation of animal lovers. True, we do, of course, allow hare coursing, hunting, etc. in this country, enjoyed mostly by psychological misfits but, yes, generally, we are a nation of dog lovers.

Why are dogs allowed in pubs without leads? It may be because until now there has been no record of any dog being found drunk and disorderly in any pub - more than can be said for some of their owners.

Dogs' droppings are a bit of a problem. Brighton and Hove is yet a new city with many great assets, public toilets, however, definitely not being one of them.

I am sorry to hear the Japanese lady is scared of dogs. I wish she could meet my two friendly dogs, Poppy and Prince. Poppy is half Rottweiler, half Great Dane. Prince, affectionately known as "Mad Jack", is a Doberman.

The trouble with Poppy is she has been a couple of times on television and has become big-headed. She thinks she is in Hollywood. Prince, on the other hand, does not give a damn about cameras and is anybody's for a couple of biscuits. It would be hard to find two more friendly and gentle creatures.

They have asked me to point out, however, they do not like the heading "Dirty Dogs" and should they ever have the pleasure of meeting this student she has nothing to fear from them, since they are very particular about what they eat.

-Ron Cunningham. Norfolk Street, Brighton