Unleashed dogs

Dear Editor:

RE: Trail etiquette, Jan. 16.

I agree with the writer, and would add that walkers with unleashed dogs should be banned too.

I no longer walk the trail. My small dog and I have been charged by one too many unleashed dogs. It is clearly posted that dogs are to be leashed on the trail and Fergus does have a leash-free park, but I guess that isn’t good enough.

The last straw was the day we were accosted twice on the same walk. Once by a large puppy that I was assured was “friendly” and another that was leashed when the owners passed but released after they thought they were a “safe” distance away. It broke and gave chase. The only thing that saved us is I heard the dog coming up behind us.

My once happy, confident dog is now afraid to walk the trail.

It has been suggested to me that I walk my dog on a less traveled part of the trail. Why? Shouldn’t we be allowed to feel safe on any part of the trail, just the same as anyone else, no matter the size of the dog, be it 10 pounds or 100?

I will add, as a dog owner I would be embarrassed to be on that trail when the snow melts in the spring. It will be disgusting.

Joanne Mac Donald,
Fergus