Re: C.W. Holford's letter of Nov. 26.
I am a dog owner, and I walk my dog, Sneakers, at Cedar Creek off-leash park.
I'm not sure what good can come from such derogatory words other than to let you think that you have told dog owners off. The bad part about your tirade is that you encourage polarization on the topic, which doesn't help people or dogs.
Dogs are a part of Kelowna's many communities. It is to the benefit of all citizens that dogs can exercise by running freely in designated areas. A dog owner cannot give a dog on a leash this kind of necessary exercise and may have to drive to an off-leash dog park.
You are correct in stating that dog owners should find an off-leash park and run their dogs there. Owners should lobby for more dog parks and not whine about having so few good off-leash parks.
Your concern that you are paying for doggie doo bags is not correct. I have been walking at Cedar Creek for four years, and have never seen a city dog pooh bag.
There are people who bring bags and stuff them in the holders because not all dog owners are responsible.
Not all of any group is responsible, but we do not zero into that sad segment of Kelowna citizens to prove that we are responsible. A second point about supplying dog doo bags could mean that more people pick up after their dog.
Along the same line, I do not use all services provided by the city. I am sure you take advantage of some services that I do not, as I am sure the reverse is true.
We cannot cherry pick the services for which we pay taxes. Services for dog owners should be as reasonable as they are for any other segment of Kelowna citizens.
We cannot coexist when either side is sniping. The goal is to bring understanding to the situation.
Terry Taylor,
Kelowna