Editor: For more than two decades I have been walking the North 40 off-leash dog park without a single incident. Since it became an official off-leash park, my dog and I have been rushed, growled at, bitten, nipped and flattened by unruly large dogs and I am absolutely fed up.
We have had puncture wounds, stitches, antibiotics and vet bills, none of which the offending parties have offered to pay. I have
a right to walk at the park without feeling threatened and in case those irresponsible, idiotic dog owners haven't read the rules at the entrance, I will repeat the pertinent ones for them: No more than two dogs per person are allowed (for control issues, I am sure).
Keep your dog within sight and under verbal control.
Remember as a pet owner it is your responsibility to control your dog and if asked by other park users to leash your pet, please comply.
And don't give me the lines, "Oh, it's just dog talk," "Oh, he's friendly" or "Oh, she's never done that before." I am sick of all the lame excuses I have heard them from many repeat offenders, so I am not swallowing that anymore.
Let's hope we can all enjoy the park and that all (not just a few) dog owners will control their dogs and be more responsible.
Chris Conroy
