A recent letter by Eric LeVine decrying the lack of respect for our very sensible leash law in the parks, just about says it all for my wife and me. We have been walking and jogging the island park trails since long before they were parks, and we value these parks as one of our island treasures.

Someone enjoying these parks should never ever have to consider a confrontation with a free running dog, much less a defensive dog owner.

We are folks who are somewhere in the woods at least three to four days a week. We think free running dogs now outnumber those on the leash in all our parks. Many dog owners think that they are beating the system by carrying the leash around their neck, arm or waist, with the idea to snap it on Fido if someone comes along.

That never happens but must make them feel a little more righteous, if not silly.

Let’s get real! Your pooch will love and remember his great day in the woods just as much if on the leash as off.

Do not bring your dog to the woods or parks if you can’t stand restraining them on a leash.

We are among those people who dogs have tripped by running under their feet or nosed in the crotch or snapped at while passing in a jog.

Who did we acquire these fine parks for? The wildlife and people who appreciate the experience, or for “The Run of the Dogs?”

Fred and Willie Grimm

Olympic Terrace