Letter to the Editor

[Tulsa-Dan]

In today's Tulsa Daily World (http://www.tulsaworld.com) there was an article about dogs being off leash in the parks. A columnist, Jay Cronley, was complaining about it and his article really made me angry. I wrote him and the editor a response to his article and I am re-printing it here for you all to read. I don't know if you can read the article in the paper without membership to Tulsaworld.com, but essentially it said big dogs scare him because they are trying to attack and bite him, he doesn't like dog poop and dogs should not be allowed in our parks off leash.

I begged to differ. I hope that you will agree with me.

Mr. Cronley:

It is obvious that you are not a dog lover and that you do not know much about dogs in general. Otherwise, you would not be making the uneducated statements you made in your column of August 28. First off, let me correct your misinformed notion that small dogs are more harmless than big dogs. Small dogs, particularly toy breeds and terriers, are statistically far more prone to being aggressive both to people and other dogs than are large breed dogs such as boxers, weimeraners, dobermans, great danes, etc. Had you done any research whatsoever before spouting off, you would have uncovered this fact. Most dog bites are from smaller dogs. Check with the ASPCA or the AKC.

Dogs are social animals. The do not exist well in isolation. They are pack animals, which exist in groups and rely upon the other members of the pack for their food, safety, survival, learning and companionship. Dogs need to be socialized with other dogs and with people and children beginning at the age of 7 weeks. From 7 to 16 weeks is the prime bonding and socialization period for dogs where they learn to play properly with other dogs and to not be afraid of people and noises and surroundings. It is essential for the well behaved dog to be socialized. Fear is why dogs attack other dogs and people. If we keep our dogs away from other dogs and people, jerking them away from others in the park, they learn to be afraid of other dogs and people and that fear causes the problem. MORE proper socialization is the remedy. A lot of people think dogs are like plants and you can just put them in the back yard, feed and water them occasionally and they'll grow by themselves. I'm sorry, it doesn't work that way. They absolutely need interaction with other dogs and with people to be well behaved and happy, healthy dogs.

Since Tulsa has not seen fit to open any official dog parks where educated, caring dog owners may socialize their dogs and take them to play and exercise with other dogs, nor have they designated any "off leash" hours in the existing parks where dogs and their owners may spend some quality time together, we have no choice but to use the existing facilities and hope that we don't get caught. Were there such facilities or consideration for dogs and their responsible owners, I can assure you from past experiences in other dog parks in other cities, the owners make sure that the grounds are picked up and kept clean. They don't want their dogs playing in poop any more than you want your children having to dodge piles of it in the playground. Frankly, I see more beer cans, soft drink cups and food wrappings in our parks than I see doggie doo. Why not complain about how much "people trash" is strewn around our parks as well? Or is that somehow more acceptable to you than dog poop? What about squirrel poop? Rabbit poop? Bird droppings? Shall we cut down all the trees so the birds and squirrels will stay out and won't poop in our parks? All living beings poop. You might consider some professional help to assist you in dealing with your poop phobia.

I would have hoped that you would begin some sort of campaign to have the city of Tulsa open a designated dog park or to designate official "off leash" hours in some existing parks, as a way of making both sides of this issue happier. By just complaining, you are doing nothing to contribute to a solution; you are merely a continuing part of the problem. Why not use your pulpit for some good instead of self pity.

I agree with you that a lot of Tulsans do not pick up after their dogs. It would also help if instead of just complaining, you use your column to call for "pooper scooper" laws in Tulsa. Most major cities have such and Tulsa should be no exception. I personally take poop bags with me whenever I am out with my dogs and pick up after them and deposit the waste properly. I see many other responsible dog owners doing the same thing. We should all be so conscientious, but I'm afraid you are correct in that most people think it is someone else's job to pick up after their dogs. A pooper scoop law would be an excellent way to encourage people to be responsible pet owners and neighbors. How about picking a cause and going with it instead of just whining.

As Tulsa continues to grow and more and more people are living in apartments, off leash hours and dog parks will become increasingly important for our residents who own pets. I am an apartment dweller and I don't have a yard where my dogs can get their much needed exercise. I have no choice but to take them to parks and let them exercise when there is an opportunity to do so. And, if you own active, sporting breed, hunting breed, terrier breeds or one of the other non-sporting breeds (as many Tulsans seem to own), a walk around the block is not nearly enough exercise for maintaining a dog's good health. All dogs need the space to run and fully exercise their muscles and bones. We all complain about animal abuse but, not allowing a dog to exercise and be healthy or to deny it socialization with other dogs is just as abusive as beating your dog with a stick or tying it to a tree and starving it to death. The result is the same; a dog who is afraid and aggressive and lives constantly in a "fight or flight" state of mind. This is the same way pit bull terriers are "trained" to be killers. Teaching them to fear and thus causing them to become aggressive. By not allowing our dogs proper socialization, we are essentially doing the same thing.

For many, our pets are our "children" and we love and care for them as you do your "skin" children. We want the best for our dogs and want them to be healthy and happy so that we can continue to share the joy which they bring to our lives. We've watched recently the story of the prairie dogs and how much care has been taken by all involved to see that these animals are protected and have a safe and healthy environment in which to thrive. Why should we care less about our dogs? Dogs have a right to fresh air, exercise and doggie companionship, just as we have the right to enjoy our lives to the fullest. Can't you see the hypocracy there?

If you are going to complain about a situation, try to offer some positive suggestions on how to alleviate the problem rather than blaming dogs and their owners without any research or education on the subject. Your opinions will receive much more respect that way.

Sincerely,
(sig.)

Thanks for listening and letting me get this off my chest.

[Boomer'sPapa]

Dan,

Great reply...although I haven't yet checked to see if I can read the Tulsa paper online. I have come to believe that the smaller dogs (read that not boxers) are much more of a nuisance than larger ones....heck, I've only heard Boomer bark 10 times in the 25 days I've had him, and all instances were near some of the yip-yap little dogs on the motel grounds.

Cheers,

[joanna]

You go Dan!

I have had similar problems here, we took Maggie to a park to see my daughters soccer game and a park employee told me I had to leave because dogs aren't allowed in the parks in that city.
I said where else would I bring a dog? to the mall? She didn't like my comment and I had to take Mags home(even though she was on a 6ft lead).
Thankfully a little further west in another suburb there is a dog park.

I hope they print your response.

[Tulsa-Dan]

Originally posted by Cubby
Well Done Dan! (and grammatically perfect, I believe )

Thanks Cub!! I also was careful to refrain from calling this guy a dirt farmer or pig farmer. What restraint!!!

[Sasha's Mom]

You might consider some professional help to assist you in dealing with your poop phobia.

ROFL . . . Well stated - hope it knocks some sense into him and that they print your response!

Here in South Florida we're fortunate to have several dog parks in the general vacinity (and am happy to see that more are popping up in the local neighborhoods too). Prior to the opening of these parks, we too faced the same situation. Most of the local parks in our development and neighborhood will not allow the dogs off-leash (and some do not allow them at all). That is still the case, but we now have option of taking them to the dog parks, which is a big relief!

I hope your letter makes a difference!

Susan

[JazznChase]

Dan-great job.....I love the letter! Keep us updated on what happens!

[diego's heart]

I hope your reply is printed as well, because I would think it'd get people to *think* about the issue, how they feel about dogs and help you guys get a dog park. You might even consider contacting your local news station to get more attention on the subject. Regardless, I like your statements about dog socialization needs, the poop factor was superb!, and advising the editor in a respectful way to offer positive suggestion/solutions vs. complaining - right on Dan!

Lisa

[Tucker's_mom]

I was unable to read the original letter that you are responding too, but from your letter I gather that the original's author is a narrow minded (to use your words) dirt farmer!! I agree that if he had done even a little bit of research before spouting off, he might not have come across as such an idiot.

Your letter is very eloquent and like everyone else I sincerely hope that they print it!!

By the way, I wholeheartedly agree with Sasha's mom, the poop-phobia part is hilarious!!

Good luck on your dog park campaign!!

[Aimee]

Two thumbs up Dan. I am so glad you responded..so many of us always have good intentions but never carry them through. I will be waiting for the outcome

[Dodgn_AK]

Well said Dan. It is sad how many folks out there are so misinformed. I especially like the comment about the "poop phobia". I hope it is printed. And I hope the gentlemen who wrote it is embarrassed. Perhaps it will inspire other dog owners to voice their opinions. Keep us posted!