It’s a shame that Stephen Calleja, who clearly loves animals so much and wants people to know it, can be, in my humble opinion, so short-sighted (“Gaia wants her monument too” TMIS, 16 October).

I had nothing to do with Star’s monument nor am I fond of statues but I believe that the monument can and should have a purpose!

I would like to think that individuals who see it would be reminded that dogs, and any other pet for that matter, are for life. The monument will tell people that when your dog is unwell, you take him to a vet and you don’t dump or kill him.

In the same way, when we hear about some tragedy, it reminds us how vulnerable we are or indeed how lucky we are to be blessed with good health; this statue will serve as a reminder that we should act as humans and not barbarians!

People prioritise differently. OK, Dun Karm (a cousin of my great-grandmother) was honoured with a monument 39 years after his death but can you compare awareness (and production of statues) in the 60s to now.

Seriously, monuments create awareness and remind us of what we had and have. And yes, if it creates more awareness, Gaia should have a monument too! And no, it is not silly to idolize an animal that gives you unconditional love and remains your true best friend throughout his life! I say that whatever makes you happy is not silly at all!!

Carina Camilleri