I took my family for a walk at Horth Hill on Saturday afternoon. It warrants a message to all dog owners.

Arriving at the parking lot we were greeted by a young dog that jumped all over us, somewhat scaring the children, as he licked at their faces. Before we even started we were covered in muddy paw prints! The owner never even offered an apology.

On our return from the viewpoint we were enjoying the falling leaves when a large muzzled dog came bounding down the trail towards us, barrelling over my frightened six-year-old, who was beyond reach, and continuing to the three of us. Another dog came running over the crest of the hill and the two swarmed us, excitedly circling amongst our legs, pushing against my eight-year-old, who was terrified and in tears! (It took a moment to realize they were not attacking!)

An older man arrived to the mayhem of circling dogs, crying children, and shouting parents trying to gather the dogs. He came into the fray saying, “Don’t worry, they are friendly!” Our response was screaming at him to get his dogs under control and leashed. Clearly we saw the situation very differently!

Parks that require dogs be leashed, are parks where people have priority over dogs, where people go to enjoy nature, family activities, or just the moment of the day. People should be able to feel relatively free from attack or harassment by uncontrolled dogs. If you want your dogs to run free, then take them to off-leash areas.

My simple point in this letter is to all dog owners: not everyone enjoys your dogs as much as you. Keep them on leash.

Frank Gee,

Sidney