Did I hear that bottled water especially for dogs is now on sale at some supermarkets, pet hypermarkets and veterinary shops (sorry - 'waiting rooms')?

Commercialism knows no bounds. If this makes money, it is only a comment on those that buy. What's wrong with filtered tap water or, failing that, glass-bottled spring water? (I cannot recommend plastic as a container for food or water.)

To buy water especially bottled for dogs, at an inflated price, is playing right into the hands of unbridled commercialism. I believe such stuff even comes in different flavours (sorry - 'flavors') in the USA! I hate to think what the ingredients list of that stuff would be.

I don't agree with those who say that tap water's just as good (unfiltered) as glass-bottled spring water. I suspect that argument may be based on bacteriology, not drinkability, chemical purity or flavour. I suppose no self-respecting bacteria would go near the stuff. I can't drink our tap water, unless it's filtered (a dangerous generalisation, I know - I can't vouch for other areas of the UK). I therefore only give our dogs and cats filtered water.

Of course, properly filtering tap water not only makes it drinkable, it also gets around the very valid 'food miles' argument against bottled water.

I await the 'bottled water for cats' version! Purrfect! We can't have our cats drinking dog's water, now, can we?

[Why not take a look at www.alternativevet.org while you're here?]

Just back from a concert in the Brighton Dome, featuring Level 42 (jazz-funk), with The Mercury men as a 'new' and 'up and coming' trio, with vocals and acoustic guitars.

To tell the truth, we had only gone to see (and support) The Mercury Men, as we have a friendship connection, but Level 42 had passed me by, back in the 80s. Two such dissimilar acts would be hard to find!

I came away very impressed indeed with The Mercury Men, who put on a great show. I know they will do well and I wish them all the best. Their music was fresh, lively and very listenable. They also 'worked' the audience brilliantly, who were mostly, let's face it, there to hear Level 42 (music that is a universe apart).

I was surprised to have come away also with a great admiration for the sheer noise, confidence and musicianship of the Level 42 line-up. Mark King's guitar is some machine. Perhaps he shouldn't be so 'understated'!

Off to buy another set of ear protectors . . . . .

[Why not take a look at www.alternativevet.org while you're here?]