Dogs are my favourite pet. That’s a fact.
That being said, I believe that dogs have their place and that place is at home or in a dog park or a vacant field where they can run and bark and carry on in such a manner as not to bother folks who might not be in love with Lassie or The Littlest Hobo.
I realize dogs play a very important role in modern households and I have no argument when Fido is treated as well as or better than some human members of the family. It is none of my business and I will stay out of the dog houses of the nation.
On the other hand, I have yet to be convinced that dogs enjoy festivals and music concerts or being on leashes in huge crowds or walking on hot pavement or sidewalks. Dogs of my experience seem to love resting in the shade or running through a water sprinkler or swimming in the pond — or chasing sticks or catching frisbees, again in a field or a backyard away from the confusing crowds.
And away from strange dogs that might or might not be barking and sniffing in appreciation. Are those bared teeth and growls really signs of goodwill and the equivalent of a human handshake?
All of this preamble brings me to the notice of motion that a city councillor made at a recent council meeting. This councillor wants the signs in Crescent Park to come down — the signs that prohibit dogs and bicycles in the city’s downtown jewel of greenery, flowers, shrubs, cenotaph, walkways, concerts, art functions, festivals and other events designed for human pleasure.
He says walking and cycling provide community benefits. Yes, walking does, and so does cycling, but not when the cyclists put walkers in jeopardy. And that already happens in Crescent Park as seniors meander on the walkways and enjoy going to the library and art museum or to concerts. They must be conscious of instances of illegal cyclists and be nimble enough to get away from collisions.
Cycling is a healthy pastime, and bravo to all cyclists who get their exercise on bike paths designed especially for them.
Leashed dog walking is also a healthy exercise, but it is prohibited by bylaw in school yards, playgrounds and public parks, possibly because of the doggie behaviours that arise in such environs, not to mention the dog fights plus the barking directed at the ducks that live in Crescent Park.
At the risk of sounding like a curmudgeon, I reiterate that I love dogs and if Sophia, Sam, Levi, Cleveland or Bentley want to visit us, they are most welcome. But unfamiliar dogs, even on leashes, are just a bit uncertain.
One such dog took a bite out of my nephew’s rear end a few years ago and nephew and Housemate spent the evening at the hospital awaiting examination of the bite and resultant shots.
And on a recent holiday, as I sat on a ledge with dozens of other people, I was cuddled on both sides by dog owners and their leashed dogs — dogs who took an instant dislike to each other and snarled and growled and strained at their leashes to get in a nip or two. My ice cream was also a subject of interest.
The owners were not the least bit concerned at my discomfort and simply told their pets to “quit barking.” Neither canine listened.
So, please city council, keep dogs, leashed or otherwise, and cyclists out of Crescent Park. Taxpayers have paid for dog parks and cycling paths for a reason. Enjoy them to the fullest. Ditto for the rest of us in Crescent Park.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
