On a recent day there are dogs off leash in Willow Park. One owner playing fetch with dog. One owner allowing her dog to run with a third dog. There was a couple with their two young children playing on the playground. I could clearly see they were not comfortable. I parked my car and got out. As I entered the park, the large white dog ran by me to get his ball. Two owners then saw me and immediately leashed their dogs and left. The third dog walked off, I assume because they have been asked before not to let their animals run amok, especially when there are other people in the park.
I walked to the end of the park in hopes of finding the stray dog, which had defecated in the park, to no avail. One dog was playing fetch and chasing bubbles. The owner of another dog with the walked up the lane heading east from the park. I asked the man and woman how they felt about the dogs running loose in the park. The gentleman did not speak. The woman stated they were visitors and were “shocked” that dogs run free, especially in a kids’ park. They were not allowing the children off the play apparatus due to the dogs. As I was about to return to my vehicle, the gentleman put his hands together in a gesture to thank me. On June 18, the same white dog was at large in the park; this time the man was teaching three children how to correctly use the ball thrower. The lady was enjoying a coffee and some laughs. This is now the third time. When the gentleman saw me, he immediately leashed his dog. I would like to hear how he explains that one to the next generation. Same people every time. This problem is epidemic. It is not only the fact the dogs are unleashed. I have seen many irresponsible dog owners whom I say nothing to. So many disrespectful ones.
If there are people in the park or people come to the park, leash your dog. If asked to leash or hold your dog, at least have the decency to do so. But I can see how that is difficult when you don’t even carry a leash. The owners even know they are doing wrong, yet it is always the same response. Well, not true. Some of their responses may be repeated. Most are most offensive, as they would be when spoken by a guilty person. You may feel your dog is OK. It is still an animal. Many times we have had to turn around because of the stress our dog would go through when the unleashed dogs approached. I would like to know if they are OK with all dogs roaming free? If so… biggest, baddest dog wins?
Rick Malicki
Squamish
