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Negative feelings for some dog owners

Editor, Index-Tribune:

    

  I am not a dog-lover, but I am also not a dog-hater. I do have negative feelings for some dog owners, especially those who allow their animal off leash where it’s not allowed; and those who allow their leashed animal to approach and sniff or lick me or my clothing; those who allow their animal to bark or jump at me; those who allow their animal to dig, scratch, and/or chew landscaping, native plants, or more that doesn’t belong to them; and those who don’t clean up after their animal and/or allow them to urinate on whatever seems handy.

  As to an animal’s needs to “run and romp” (a quote from Mr. Bolling’s Oct. 12 editorial) I feel somewhat conflicted. If I were a responsible animal owner, I would be sure to own an animal for which I had plenty of space.

  I believe it’s cruel to force an animal to survive in an unsuitable living space. I would not own a horse, camel, elephant, pig, cat or dog if I could not properly care for it.

  I certainly have no hostility or unfriendliness toward any animal owner who properly cares for their animal, but I do have concerns when that owner feels I have a responsibility to aid in that care.

  I am not a City of Sonoma resident (I live in Boyes Hot Springs). Perhaps I am not included in Mr. Bolling’s mentioned “community,” but I am not sure that I agree with Mr. Bolling’s assertion that “this is a profoundly dog-loving community.” Nor do I agree, “it’s not all that dog-friendly.”

  Perhaps a measure could be put on the ballot in which Sonoma residents could express their opinion as to changes in laws concerning animals.

  I believe that dog owners and non-dog owners can exist in harmony with simple courtesy from both. I feel that current laws should be enforced or changed by public vote. Through all discussions, I hope we can all remember that common courtesy is commonly well received.

  Peter Kaye

  Boyes Hot Springs