DOGS: Unleashed fury

I was saddened and quite frankly enraged to read about William Yeager, the Sandpoint resident who was deprived of a guide dog due to his neighbors’ unrestrained dogs. What is it about North Idaho dog owners who seem to think they have the right to ignore leash laws?

Both my husband and I have been dog owners and we love the outdoors. Nowhere else have I been accosted by dogs off leash as many times as I have since I have lived in North Idaho. Last week we were walking through our neighborhood when an off leash German shepherd came running at me and jumped on me. When I called to the owner to come get his dog, he repeatedly yelled at us that if we didn’t like it, we should get out of his neighborhood and walk somewhere else. Really? How about you keep your unleashed dog in your own yard or let him run around in the dog park?

People, not everyone wants to encounter your dog as they are trying to go about their business of walking, jogging, bike riding, etc. We have leash laws for a reason — to protect people and pets alike. I really hope Mr. Yeager gets some justice; it would be nice if Sandpoint enforces its leash laws and Guide Dogs for the Blind reconsiders their offer to provide him with a service dog. And thank you to responsible dog owners who leash their dogs!

REBECCA WHITE

Coeur d’Alene