Bainbridge Island is East Berlin for dogs | LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Published 11:14 am Saturday, November 7, 2015
To the editor:
I talk to my dog. I am not embarrassed to admit that I do it frequently.
Based on recent island developments, I thought a sit down face-to-face with Coop, my 100-pound black lab, was in order.
I faced the difficult task of explaining to him that it is a civil infraction for a dog to swim on Bainbridge Island. He and I both know when I throw a stick for him to retrieve he is not sufficiently near me to be under my direct control nor obedient to my commands. He can’t be. I have a better arm than that, and he’s focused on the stick and nothing but the stick so help me lab. Therefore, I am in violation of law and subject to a fine.
He looked at me with his 360 degrees of saltwater eyes and seemed to say “You’re kidding, right?” I said “Nope.” As we talked, Coop took a break to chase a squirrel through the woods. I thought I heard the squirrel laugh over the prospect of any dog catching a wild critter on this island. The squirrel seemed to be saying those who think differently need to get out more.
Then I showed Coop the plastic pool I had purchased for his beloved swimming within the municipal code. He looked at me and seemed to ask “What is this, Capitol Hill or something?” I said “Nope, you’re not that lucky Coop. Capitol Hill dogs can swim off-leash at a 9-acre waterfront area in Magnuson Park.” I explained to him that, notwithstanding the fact Bainbridge is surrounded by saltwater, he was unfortunately resigned by legislation to live in water-dog East Berlin.
He asked me what had happened. I explained that I thought many people had moved here thinking this island is better than other environments. Coop said “So, what’s wrong with that.” I told him “Nothing.” I had done the same thing nearly 40 years ago. But, I explained to him that it appears that when many of these people left their prior locations for Bainbridge, they packed their suitcases and brought all their baggage with them.
I told him I thought sometimes the island legislates and regulates to the loudest voice while leaving common sense at the door. He said, “That’s sad.” I said “Yep.” He said he would feel better if he could swim for a stick. So I filled the plastic pool.
TOM HAYWARD
Battle Point
