More Voices in the Dog Conversation
On May 31, Sam Pratt published an email exchange between a Hudson resident who valued the right to walk with her dog in the cemetery and the mayor. Then last Wednesday and Thursday, there was the great flap that ensued when someone shared with a larger audience the frustrated rant of a dog rights advocate made to a closed group on Facebook. In the meantime, a couple of letters to the editor on the subject dogs and the prohibitions against them have appeared in the Register-Star: "Leave dogs alone," published on May 28, and "Welcome dogs," published on June 7. They make interesting reading, and since it seems they may have been written by some of the very people whose sensibilities the mayor is committed to defending, one wonders what his response to these folks might be.
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Anything an elected official writes to a constituent is public information. There is no such thing as a 'closed group'. Hallenback showed his true unreasonable self.
ReplyDeleteSpringers and Labs in full frolic, North dock in November will never be the same...
ReplyDeleteThis city/state doesn't sell land for public use, they just render it useless...
Not everybody picks up after their dog. Someone comes along in their nice open-toed shoes to visit the cemetery, steps in the poop, and voila! we have a problem. All because of a few people not being considerate. If it were my shoe, I'd want the dogs kept out too!
ReplyDeleteDear Unknown (nice name) the chances of stepping in deer poop or goose poop or getting a tick bite are far far greater than stepping in dog poop in our beautiful cemetery, if you are crazy enough to wear "nice open-toed shoes"
ReplyDeleteSusan Lynn Troy shared this comment about footwear and the cemetery:
DeleteSince absolute respect and tolerance for diversity of lifestyles is so regularly touted, I want to respond to the comment about what footwear is appropriate when visiting loved ones at the cemetery. Open toed shoes and other dress shoes are often the norm when attending Mass in good weather. So, immediately after attending Mass, I shouldn't have to change shoes on my way to the cemetery to accommodate others.
And a reply from Windle:
DeleteThank you, Susan. I'm all for diversity. In fact these gams were made for a pair of sling backs.
I think we agree there should be no law regarding footwear at the cemetery. Before the ban on dogs, and I visit Hudson's beautiful cemetery often, dog poop was not nearly as prevalent as other animal poop. Also, chicken bones and fast food bags and well, all I'm saying is be careful out there.
I was the author of one of the letters, and have received no comment from any elected official regarding the letter. I have had people stop me and say they agree with the letter though. I remain firm in my opinion that there is no good reason to keep dogs out of the cemetery. If the city wishes to impose fines on dogs off leash or owners that don't pick up after their pets, I am in favor of that. I have also emailed elected officials and have only heard back from one, Bart Delaney, who was very polite and is in favor of a dog park. My point is dog parks are not for everyone - or every dog. My question is also what is the legal status of the rule of no dogs. I am terribly disappointed in this situation, and in the officials who have imposed this. I just don’t understand why as I have seen dogs in the cemetery, and never a problem. It is also unfair: the rule book that started this also states "no bicycles" however, that sign is not posted, and I often saw children with bicycles. It also says “no perennials” yet I see many. I have attempted to walk a few other places, one outside of Hudson where the neighbors were shooting rifles, legally, I was told, but it made me and my dog extremely nervous. I am at a loss at this time. I would like to see a group arrange a meeting with elected officials to discuss more; I would be happy to speak at such. my email is ntshook@hotmail.com.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with nshook and will shoot him/her an email with all the information I have about the situation. I am also disappointed. Not only at the no dogs "rule" but how I have been treated. I was able to get a copy of this "rule" book and it does say "no bicycles, shrubs, plants, wooden objects, nothing behind stones etc." Can they pick and choose which "rule" to enforce? This book is from the 1940's and clearly outdated. I also have altered my running route but many areas are simply not safe for walkers/runners.
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