Email  Print

Let dogs share the Montini Preserve

Editor, Index-Tribune:

 

As a human life form, born it seems with an affinity for dogs often surpassing that for other humans, I say let them share the Montini property with us. Dogs need to be out in nature as much as we do. It’s as much our responsibility to provide space for them to walk (leashed) and run free (dog parks) in natural environments, as it is to feed, provide medical attention and care for them.

Arguments against leashed dogs on the Montini Preserve were twofold: 1. They adversely affect wildlife. 2. Irresponsible owners let them off leash.

In response, I would argue that leashed dogs have no greater impact on wildlife than careless humans, or humans on bikes or horses. It’s humans who have polluted our planet almost beyond redemption, not dogs. As for irresponsible human behavior, it’s ubiquitous, but we don’t ban cars or stop building roads because people abuse driving laws.

Although we act to the contrary, we don’t own this planet. We share it with all the other creatures and life forms. Dogs are unreasonably loving, consistently loyal, work for humans in innumerable ways and provide comfort, solace and humor for a lifetime. We have as much to learn from our relationship with dogs as they from us. Surely we can repay the service here in our community.

Will Shonbrun

Boyes Hot Springs