Walk softly and 
carry a big stick

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To the Editor,

Being a dog owner has always been a very rewarding experience for me. From the time I was 11 years old to my present age of 62, I have had a “man’s best friend.”

My dogs have always had a fenced yard for exercise and potty breaks. They have always been members of the family, treated with love and respect. They were never chained to trees or dog houses. Never left to wear a path in the yard. My dogs are always welcome inside of my home. The one I have now needs a walk of several blocks every day. I have always carried bags to pick up his excrement.

The problem I see, getting greater every day, is that more and more dogs are in Princeton. I wouldn’t have a problem with that except for the fact that people don’t bother to put their dogs on a chain. Instead, they let them run loose. When I walk my dog, it is becoming harder and harder to find an area where there isn’t a dog running at us or after us.

Six weeks ago, I was walking my dog by a school when one of the two dogs tied out in front of a house broke loose and attacked my dog. I was knocked to the ground. I kept screaming for someone to get the dog, which, I believe, was mostly pit bull. It was latched onto my dog’s tail, and we couldn’t get away. After much screaming, a women came to get the dog. I had just gotten better after a fall on the ice and 20 chiropractic treatments. Now I was sore and hurt, both physically and emotionally.

I did call the police, and they in turn put the incident in the hands of the dog catcher. I was called twice to see how we were. It took two days of ice packs and sports cream to get me to where I could finally take my dog to the vet. Yes, I was cleaning the wound and medicating it. It turned out my dog needed wound treatment, amoxicillin, ointment and pain killers to the tune of $61.45.

Today, not far from my home, a dog ran at us again. Same dog ran at us last Wednesday. The owner was out today. I said, “You need to get your dog on a chain.” He said, “Yeah, yeah, just keep walking.”

I tried a different route last Tuesday, and a black boxer ran up to us. I think it wanted to be friends, but now I don’t trust anyone’s dogs. My dog is overly cautious now.

I have warned everyone I know not to walk their dogs by the school anymore. Many of these dogs are very small, they wouldn’t have a chance if this were to happen by “accident” again.

There are many good dog owners, many are older and less sure of themselves. They still like to walk their dogs.

The dog catcher said to call when I know a dog is loose. I’d have to spend half of every week calling.

People who have pets have to step up and be more responsible. Pets look to their owners for everything. They are a lot of work. If you’re too overextended to care for your pets, don’t get them in the first place. Don’t put them in harm’s way or allow them to harm others.

When treated right, dogs respond with kindness and an eagerness to please you. They give unconditional love.

When left chained, they become despondent or downright mean and aggressive. This is why I now “walk softly and carry a big stick!”

Marsha Notschaele

Princeton