I'd second most of that but would like to add that if you use the Baskerville type of muzzle instead of the soft, fabric ones then it can bruise you if the dog hits you with it.   I use one on Rupert if we have to walk at times we're likely to meet other dogs and for obedience class.  It's helped a little, I'm not as stressed when we see another dog and as a result neither is he.  He wouldn't tolerate the soft muzzle and because he's bouncy and not very gentle I've had scrapes and bruises from his muzzle but better that than a bite to anyone.
 
I just want to wish you luck, I'm trying to deal with Ruperts fear aggression and it's not a lot of fun.

Okay, I went through exactly the same thing with Rupert and my fiance.  I had Calvin completely ignore him.  No looking at him, no speaking to him and no attempts to interact with him.  Seemed to give Rupe the confidence to make the first move towards him.  We had to take things slow, at first Calvin could only stroke him gently and only when sitting down, but we're at the stage now where he can actually play with him.  Having your boyfriend drop treats where she can see them might help you.  Didn't work for us but Rupe won't eat unless it's given to him by someone he trusts.

Please don't punish her for being scared.  Give her a safe place she can go to when she's worried about something and don't force the relationship.  It will come eventually.  It's just a matter of patience.  It  took me 6 months to convince Rupert that he didn't need to live under my bed but you wouldn't think he was ever that afraid now.  Good luck with her and let us know how you get on.

No, I agree with you on that.  There's no need to put a healthy dog in one just to take it out and show it off.  Some people seem to use little dogs as a baby substitute.  Dressing it up in "cute" little clothes and pushing it around in a pram. I find it very disturbing.  A sweater/coat to keep the dog warm/dry I can understand or the occasional fancy dress event and a pram or something similar for elderly/disabled dogs but not for healthy dogs or just for the sake of it.

I like the cushions!  Good luck to you   The beds and things are too small for mine, he'd only fit his head on them, but they're really nice.  Is that your dog in the pics?  She's gorgeous.

Didn't see it advertised, saw it in person.  Mastiff/Shar Pei cross.  Oh.  My.  God.  Talk about adorable!  12 weeks old and had the most squishable face ever!
Irish Wolfhound/Rottie cross.  Size, body shape and coat of a Wolfhound but head and colouring like a Rott.  Beautiful dog.
Anything crossed with a Bassett.  I've seen Rott, Staffie and Lab crossed with Bassetts and they've all had the stumpy little legs.

I know someone who uses something like that for her Chihuahua at dog events.  The dog competes but is at risk of being stepped on in a crowd.  She finds it easier to use that than to carry the dog in her arms.  Other than that he walks though.  I don't have a problem with that or for someone using them with a dog who's unable to walk far but still enjoys to go out.  I was in that situation but unfortunately they don't seem to make things like that for bigger dogs.
In general I don't like them though.  Dogs have legs and should use them.  They're dogs not babies in fur coats.

Not picking on kids in general here, just the ones on my street and the surrounding ones.  To say they get on my nerves would be an understatement.  The sooner they're put in prison the better as far as I'm concerned.  I don't think there are many on the street who haven't been assaulted by them verbally and/or physically.  It might be their parents fault but it doesn't make any of us like these kids or want them around.  They're all over 8 years old (I think the oldest is 15) but it's been going on for about 5 years now. 

Wow, what complete and utter bull!  I can't believe people still think that's true.
I can't view the site by the way, apparently it has a virus.

We have a towel by the back door and a tiled floor.  Main reason we always use the back door   I just wipe Ruperts feet, legs and belly when we get in then he has his biscuit and goes to his bed to dry off completely.  The floor and his bed get muddy but nowhere else.

I'm not a huge fan of children either.  It's not so much children in general, more the little yobs I seem to encounter on a daily basis.  I know I hate to be pestered by them and my feelings about their parents are very similar to the feelings the letter writer expressed about dog owners. 
Whether I'm more sensitive to what the letter writer is saying because I get annoyed about people letting their dogs run up to me when Ruperts with me I don't know.  I can definitely see what he/she is saying though.  No, the comments about dog owners having no social skills weren't right but if that's the sort of dog owner you run into regularly then that's the opinion you're going to have.  I'm convinced most of the dog owners near me are complete morons because they'll let their dogs run up to Rupert when he's obviously trying to attack it.  Maybe they're not all morons but it certainly seems that way.

Gimme Metallica any day.  Congratulations on the tickets though

Okay, to be perfectly honest I actually agree with the point the writer of the letter is trying to make (or what I think is the point anyway).  There are people out there who don't like dogs or who are afraid of dogs and don't want someones pet leaping all over them or just generally making a nuisance of itself.  Why should they have to put up with it?  I don't care how friendly or playful the dog is it's owner should still respect the feelings of the rest of the public and keep it under control.  I've lost count of the number of dogs I've had run up to me.  Usually it doesn't bother me too much as I love dogs but I can see why those not keen on dogs don't like it.  And the time I was dressed up for an interview and someones Rottweiler jumped up at me and left huge muddy paw prints on my top I was ready to kill someone.

I don't believe the writer of the letter needed to be so down on dogs and their owners but that's how some people do feel.  Do I like it?  Not really, but then there are a lot of things in life I don't like or agree with.  Out of respect for others I trained my dogs not to approach strangers unless invited to.

I practically ignore Rupe when I first walk in.  I say hi but don't make a fuss of him until I've taken my coat off.  He launches himself at my face if I make a fuss as soon as I get in.  Doesn't do that if I wait a minute.  He's too big for me to handle leaping at my face, he knocks me down.

A dog flap for a Mastiff?  Probably just be easier to leave your door open 

I wouldn't have one for a dog that size.  I could easily get through a dog flap that size.  Fair enough for a small dog who could get through a cat flap but not for one who needs a big enough one to let a human through.