DOGS: Leash the beasts

A letter to the bike riding couple with their off-leash dog on the trail at Lake Coeur d’Alene on Saturday, April 2. I truly hope this couple reads this, but maybe it’s a lesson for all dog owners.

Your off-leash dog came up behind my leashed dog and surprised both of us. My dog became protective as well as scared. You apologized which I appreciate but you need to know my dog was just getting better with a back leg strain. When he jumped at your dog he finished off his leg and after a visit to the vet, it is torn and sprained. He now will start aquatic therapy as well as meds.

First and foremost there is a leash law in Kootenai County. Second, are you remotely aware of the speed of the cars driving along there? If your off-leash dog got distracted by anything he risks the high possibility of being killed by a vehicle.

Please dog owners, we all know how sweet our dogs are and that all of us should love seeing your dog but actually, we just want to be able to walk our own pet, peacefully. I hope something like this never happens to you.

DIANE COOK

Hayden