(Photo by Barry Gray.)
I like to walk around the paths and there are dogs running loose and ahead of their owners. These animals are larger dogs (huskies, collies, German shepherds, etc.), they are naturally trying to protect the owners. With the growling and barking it is quite disturbing.
We were over on the Abbott Street trail snowshoeing last year and a dog was off leash, and the lady was upset with her dog when it wouldn’t listen to her commands. I was the last of four of us and the dog was really upset with me even though I didn’t look directly at him. I can tell you that with the dog biting at the back of my heels still attached to my snow shoes, a bit nervous was not the right choice of words.
I did not want to be taken down while I couldn’t defend myself in the two feet of snow off of the beaten down snow walkway. So now I carry a dog spray for these occasions. I do not want to harm an animal, but I will not be hurt by one either. I would advise others to do the same for these loose animals until people learn to leash their dogs, or enforcement does their job.
A lady that I know has had similar experiences and reported them to the authorities a number of times with nothing being done. Her husband is really upset about these issues as she goes running alone early in the morning.
As a 71-year-old senior I enjoy these walkways as a form of relaxation and freedom that is disappearing somewhat. Being from Nova Scotia I am no stranger to the outdoors and animals but you have to be alert to these things that can go wrong in a hurry.
Bill Theriault Sr.
Stittsville