Viewpoints
RE: Dog Park
By Chris Barry
December 23, 2009
Wednesday
Mr. Reed, it is nice to have a confirmation that there are some
responsible pet owners in Ketchikan that have a desire to let
their pets run loose without bothering others. I love being
around dogs, and I've always enjoyed having dogs (currently I
don't have one). I would support having a pet designated area
such as a dog park for multiple reasons that I am sure many locals
will agree with.
The first reason is as you stated, so that our pets can run and
play without getting the owners/caregivers in trouble.
The second, and one of equal, if not greater importance, is to
keep the other parks in the city free of pet feces. It is hard
enough as a parent of two small children to keep the children
out of trouble, but when I also have to continually be on feces
lookout. . .well, I am sure you get my drift. It bothers me
that some owners think it is not their duty to clean up after
their pets, but rather to leave the droppings behind for children
(and adults) to step in. Even when I had my last dog, it bothered
me that I had to struggle to keep my dog out of other dogs' feces.
Third, and last for now, is I tire of taking my children to a
park that is clearly posted with signs reminding pet owners of
the requirement for animals to be leashed at all times, and yet
I have to sheild my small children from random dogs that are
running up to play with them. Now I remind you, I like dogs,
and assume that the dog running loose is a friendly dog, but
my children do not think that at all. All they know is a big
dog is running directly at them.
I hope that someday all pet owners will become law abiding citizens.
It's not that difficult. Maybe, if enough people do speak up,
some of the head-tax money could be used for a pet park, or at
least the community and local government can find a way to build
one, or convert one of the existing parks(not sure which, if
any could be used) into one.
Chris Barry
Ketchikan, AK
Received December 18, 2009
- Published December 23, 2009
Related Viewpoint:
 Dog
Park By Jeremy Reed
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