Hello, my fellow Carmel Valley residents,
As the Music Man once said, “We got trouble, my friend. Right here in River City.”
A few evenings ago, while walking in the local greenbelt, I was knocked down and injured by a 100-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback that was off-leash. As a petite woman weighing about the same as the dog, the impact left me with injuries, including whiplash. Witnesses, including the dog’s owner, saw the incident.
While I lay stunned on the ground, shaken both physically and emotionally, the owner dismissed my injuries, attributing them to my “thin skin,” without offering any apology — especially not for allowing the dog to be off-leash.
The sense of entitlement was astonishing. Fortunately, my kind neighbor Debbie drove me home and helped clean and bandage my wounds.
The next day, I visited my chiropractor for further evaluation. I will need ongoing wellness care and adjustments, and I’m also consulting an orthopedic group for my arm, hand, knee, and neck. My chiropractor has started a file on my injuries, and we documented the incident.
There is a leash law posted in all parks. Retractable leashes, which can extend beyond 6 feet, do not keep pets under proper control. Legally, leashes must be no longer than 6 feet. These retractable leashes effectively take a dog off-leash, compromising the safety of both people and dogs.
I filed a formal complaint with the Humane Society at 619-299-7012 ext. 1. Julie, who took my call, assured me they would process the complaint.
Animal Control can’t patrol every park, so it’s up to us, the residents, to speak up when dog owners let their pets roam off-leash. The excuse “my dog is friendly” is not a justification. Everyone has the right to feel safe in our local parks and greenbelts.
This letter is a public service message for you, your dog, and your neighbors.
Barbara L. Summer
Carmel Valley
