I WRITE in response to David Brickwood's letter headed "Don't jog that dog" (Letters, July 20). I am a long-distance runner and my running partner is four-legged.

She is an ex-RSPCA lurcher - built to run. She has even been likened to a "mini racehorse".

For most of our runs she is off her lead, enabling her to (pay attention now Mr Brickwood) sprint, mark her territory (several times I might add), and eat grass. She occasionally really enjoys herself by rolling in goose/fox/cow poo.

One other thing. My dog is my security. On the odd occasion that I run without her, I feel less safe and am usually on the receiving end of lewd comments.

I get only positive comments when we are six legs. I even get recognised when I'm not in my running gear - "Are you the woman who runs with the dog?".

Mr Brickwood ends with "the least we can do is walk them in a kind and responsible manner". What is so kind about leaving poor sulking doggy at home while you go out on your own "on a walkie"?

I have sought veterinary advice with regard to running with my dog. We don't go out in hot weather.

If she is tired then we stop. If I'm tired and she isn't, then we carry on. I always carry a large bottle of cold water with me, which we share.

My lurcher-cum-racehorse claims to be York's fittest dog - would you argue with a dog with thighs that Linford Christie would be proud of?

Emma Ramskill,

Jorvik Close,

Acomb, York.

...THANK you to David Brickwood for pointing out that "walking" dogs while jogging or cycling is extremely dangerous and irresponsible.

I have seen dogs collapse without warning when "walked" in this way.

Elderly dogs are often subjected to a different version of the same cruelty.

Why do so many owners insist on striding ahead of their old and arthritic dogs? They either yank them along by using the lead like a tow rope, or else they let the dog off the lead, but walk in front, so that the dog spends the entire time struggling to catch up.

All dogs, and especially those who are elderly, deserve to be treated with kindness and patience. We should walk them at their pace, not ours.

Mike Sanders,

Hull Road,

York.

...WHILE I agree with David Brickwood on the thoughtless cyclists who expect their dogs to keep up to their pace (Letters, July 20), I have a bone to pick with mothers pushing their pram at great speed while their other child, a toddler hanging on to the side of the pram handle, is forced to try to keep up the pace.

If that isn't child cruelty, I don't know what is.

Anne Chelton,

Foss Islands Road,

York.

Updated: 09:26 Monday, July 26, 2004