Responsible dog owners needed

We are about to lose the use of two parks for our dogs. I believe it

is our own fault. I am disgusted and disappointed at the amount of

dog excrement at all the parks, excluding Bluebird, because dogs are

not allowed. As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to watch and

monitor your dog. That means being prepared to clean up the mess and

take responsibility for their actions!

I take great pride in being a responsible dog owner. I carry

several bags with me at all times. I clean up after my dog whether I

am walking my own neighborhood, at Dog Park, Lang Park, on the fire

road or on the trail by Alta Laguna Park. The parks and wilderness

deserve to be cleaned up. The irresponsible few are making things bad

for the responsible dog owners.

My dog was bitten at Dog Park a few months ago. My dog was not the

aggressor but rather squealed and cried when another dog bit her

twice. I was incensed that this dog owner brought a temperamental,

unpredictable animal to dog park. I also had to break them up, and I

never received an apology from the owner. This is the case of a bad

dog owner, not a bad dog.

Let’s hope that Village Green Park and Lang Park remain open for

dogs. We need the space to walk and play with our four-legged

friends, without having to steer around cars and neighborhoods with

no sidewalks.

So I urge dog owners, clean up after your pet, escort your pet on

walks, do not set them lose in the wilderness to make messes that you

will never find. And most important, respect other people’s feelings

toward dogs. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, especially

children. This is a town with many wonderful dogs. Now let’s make it

a town with many responsible dog owners.

* PEGGY WOLFF is a Laguna Beach resident.