Letters to the Editor May 7

'Laramie Project' presented important message

I am writing to commend the Brewery Arts Center Performing Arts Collaborative for an outstanding production that I just had the pleasure of witnessing: "The Laramie Project."

Just six professional-caliber actors portray multiple roles through their own talent and the film images that are overlaid onto the stage. It is an amazingly well-presented show. I, who often enjoy a good nap during the first act of any play, was riveted every minute.

The story manages to ask questions about hate, but without being virulent - may we get back to that behavior in our civil life very soon.

My thanks to all involved for a tremendous experience.

Sarah Mersereau-Adler

Carson City

Even in bad times, employees deserve respect

I am writing to suggest an article on the way employers have been treating employees.

When an employee acts badly it is up to the employer to discipline the employee in question. What happens when an employer behaves in a way that call into question ethics - like telling an employee to be at work at a specific time, then declaring that they already asked another to be there and that they can hang out for two hours and it would count as their break? (What about) hiring a replacement for one of their employees before talking to the employee or even giving any kind of spoken warning to the situation?

I understand times are tough, but small business owners have no right to act so badly. Ethics must be held to the highest standard if we are to teach our youth respect. How can you excuse minimal manners when dealing with people just because times are tough?

Right now, people are desperate for jobs and that seems to give employers a sense of power they should not feel over the very people who used to be their customers. How would your current customers feel about your current business practices if they only knew what was going on?

Carson City is a small town and I would hate to see some small businesses go out of business because they lost their humanity.

Lisette Petersen

Carson City

Get your puppy from reputable breeder

Few people understand what is means to buy a dog from a retail puppy store. The majority of puppies in these stores come from other states - where dogs are kept in sub-standard cages and runs - for the sole purpose of producing puppies.

These dogs are not kept as pets but are seen only as a way to make money. The parents are not screened for heritable conditions and are discarded when they can no longer produce puppies.

Buying a puppy from a retail store supports this business. Retail puppy stores are not tightly regulated in Northern Nevada. In fact, they are allowed to sell sick puppies without repercussions, as I have seen too often.

No reputable breeder would sell his or her puppies to a retail store where it is unknown the type of home the puppy is going to. Reputable breeders have their breeding animals screened for heritable conditions, raise puppies in their home, and would never sell a sick puppy.

If you are thinking of adding a new pet, I urge you to adopt from a rescue or shelter. If you have your heart set on a purebred puppy, please seek a referral from a breed-specific or local kennel club.

Vickie Swarowski, DVM

Bonanza Kennel Club