I am writing to the owner of the boxer who lives near the entrance to Gooseberry Park in south Moorhead and to all other dog owners who let their dogs run free.
You are endangering your pets. I am not talking about the danger from cars but the danger from citizens like me who have to defend themselves. I'm pretty sure your dog is a friendly, nice animal. However, I don't know your dog. As I was taking my morning run recently, coming down Fourth Street I saw your boxer on the corner of 22nd Avenue. As I approached the corner, I was uneasy.
Your dog ran out into the street barking and nipping at my heels. I tried in vain several times to wave it off. It chased me all the way down past Third Street. Luckily for your pet, it broke off just in time.
You see, when a dog comes tearing at me barking and biting I consider that aggressive action. Maybe they were playing, but how could I know? I was just a fraction of a second away from stopping and kicking your dog to defend myself.
How sad that your disregard for your pet nearly resulted in its injury or maybe even death. I would feel terrible if I had to do that, but I will not let myself be bitten by your pet.
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I faced a similar situation on the bike trail in Moorhead earlier this fall.
In that instance, the owner was sitting blindly on a park bench talking on a cell phone, ignoring the situation. Only when I started shouting at the dog did they respond with a feeble attempt to call their animal back.
Please, dog owners, don't let your pets run free. And if you are out walking them on the public trails, put them on a leash. I love animals and I would feel very bad if I had to harm your pet in my defense.
Greg Cook, Fargo, Letter: Control your dogs to keep them safe 20080118
