Woeful Walker

Dear Lonely:

I'm sure that if you are well-behaved and your owner is responsible, it isn't YOU that is causing the problem. Many areas where people have enjoyed walking their dogs are off limits nowadays because of the handful of people who do NOT act responsibly. Some owners take their animals to playgrounds and school yards and feel that these places are ideal for letting their pets off their leads to run around. While this might seem fun for the dog, it is very unfair to others using the area. Dogs can interfere with other people's activities and even a very friendly animal can accidentally knock someone over or become so excited by all of the activity around him that he might nip someone. In addition, there are some individuals who allow their dogs to defecate and do not pick up after them. Responsible owners always allow their animals time to relieve themselves at home BEFORE setting out on a walk and ALWAYS carry materials to pick up should the dog have to "go" again before returning home. Pet stores all carry special "scoop up" bags for owners to carry. It is also very easy to carry a plastic bag in a pocket -- owners can simply put a hand in the bag (like they would a glove), pick up the waste matter with the encased hand, and use the other hand to invert the bag, tie the top and discard it in the nearest trash receptacle. It only takes a moment to act responsibly and fairly to others who use these public areas. When people fail to keep their dogs on lead and to clean up after them, municipal officials have little choice but to close the areas to ALL dogs. Responsible owners can help by obeying the "no dogs" rules and spreading the message that once all owners learn to follow the rules, perhaps recreation areas can once again be opened to all community members, including canines