Regarding the article in the June 21, Squamish Chief, [“ Where to let the dogs out?”] about potential off-leash dog parks in Squamish, I am concerned about the comment made by Squamish resident, Ken Mackenzie. In the article he states that he was “attacked by an off-leash “rescue dog” and was also, “threatened by packs of dogs that were not leashed.” Based on these unfortunate encounters, he suggests that his extreme approach would be to “ban them entirely.” I am assuming he meant from off-leash parks and not from Squamish altogether, but either way, this makes no sense! First of all, what is the definition of a “rescue dog”? Is it a dog that has been adopted from the SPCA? Is it a dog that has been adopted from a rescue organization? Is it a mixed-breed dog? There are purebred “rescues” too. How could one possibly define what qualifies as a “rescue dog”?
Whatever the definition, I am sure that 90% per cent of dogs in the “rescue dog” category are happily living with families in Squamish. From my personal experience with two “rescue dogs” that I adopted (one from Bella Bella and one stray from Squamish Valley), they are the sweetest, most loving and especially grateful dogs you could ever meet, and I am sure that most “rescue dog” owners would agree. All dogs are capable of attacking under the right circumstances. What happened to Mr. Mackenzie is certainly upsetting, but he should be blaming the owners for not keeping their dogs under control, not the dogs. In my opinion, the suggestion to ban a so called “category” of dogs from a dog park is absurd; responsible dog ownership is the answer.
-S. Molby
Squamish, BC
