"I thought my recycle bin needed a hug now that his skinnier sidekick is around fat shaming him," writes Maree Robinson of Howick.
Gone to the dogs
"I have just returned to my home in the Waikato after a super Anniversary Weekend staying at our daughter's home in Point Chev," writes Steve. "I did notice a somewhat disconcerting sight while travelling through Herne Bay and Ponsonby on a couple of mornings. Small dogs
were smiling while being carried by their grumpy owners. They were carried in the owners' arms and in carry baskets on bikes. Have the dogs got no legs? Have they got distemper? Have the poor little darlings just become another fashion accessory? Here's some free advice ... Let the dogs walk so they don't get fat. Feed them Tux once a day. Give them water in a bowl, in a shady spot. Dogs are outside animals — buy them a kennel. Feel free to call the dog Jess or Rover."
Cyclists vent bigtime
"I have this theory that cycling is as close as a middle-class straight white guy can get to understanding Being Female," tweets Emma Hart @Ghetsuhm. "People have a reckless disregard for your safety, you have to treat everyone like they might hurt you, and if you do get hurt people will blame you for existing ... Oh, all the other 'cyclists' will turn up in a minute to tell me I'm being hideously insensitive." Bel on Wheels adds: "Anytime you appear in the media, they will focus on what you were wearing rather than what you were doing." And if you try to claim any safe space at all you get accused of "car hating", says Mrs Chippy.
What's in a name?
