Re: “Off-leash dogs: Keep children safe and healthy” (Feb. 1, Northwest Voices):
I am a lifelong dog owner and parent of two kids who are now adults. I understand the need for safe (and dog poop-free) places for our kids in our parks.
As a dog owner, I also realize Seattle is growing, yard space is shrinking or disappearing and exercising your dog is difficult. There are off-leash parks scattered around the city, but many are small, crowded, lacking in adequate parking, devoid of a large open space, etc. Not every dog owner lives within a reasonable distance of a good open off-leash area like Magnuson Park.
For those citizens (rightfully) complaining about unleashed dogs in neighborhood parks, I suggest you join forces with Citizens for Off-Leash Areas (seattlecola.info) to promote functional, well-located spaces for off leash dog activity.
There is still enough room in our city for nice parks and off-leash spaces for our canine family members to socialize and exercise. It may help if we advocate for that together.
Kathy Scrivner, Seattle
