Common sense, please, in the great dog debate

I was sad to read the recent anti-dog letters. My children grew up and were raised by many dogs over the years. The lessons they learned have made them compassionate, responsible adults who are kind to animals and people.

The pollution complained about is not coming from dogs but from the hundreds of geese and ducks, in Gyro Park in particular. It has become a smelly mucky mess that I would not let children play in.

Many places hire dogs to keep the geese moving along to keep them from polluting the parks, golf courses, playgrounds and destroying farmers’ crops.

We need to reach a balance so that there are places on the beach where dogs and their families are able to play leashfree.

There are places in parks were dogs should be leashed. Leashes on in playgrounds and picnic areas. People could chose to go where they are most comfortable.

Please, can we not find a balance that meets the needs of all of us?

I have paid well over $1,000 in dog tag tax over the 20 years I have lived in Saanich, but I feel my needs are not heard. I am in my 80th year, and to struggle over the logs to get to walk on the beach I must let my dog off leash.

It is the safest way for me not to risk a broken hip.

All I ask is for common sense to return to the dog issue.

Nancy Bain Saanich