Smoking idea left me fuming

I was appalled to read in “Light a Fire Under Their Butts” (February 2009) that a clinic would allow employees to represent it while smoking. This gives the clinic a very negative reputation, in my opinion. If employees have to smoke, they should do so on their allotted breaks somewhere that clients can't see them. I'd never allow my pet to be walked by someone who was smoking, and I'd be quite angry to learn a medical facility allowed my pet to be put at risk in such a way. Secondhand smoke isn't just dangerous to people, it's dangerous to pets, too.

Lori Martindale, technician manager

Village Veterinary Hospital

Johnston, Iowa