Living in Fairfax County, Virgina is not easy for a dog. Yes, there are all sorts of "Dog Parks", but is not the same as running on an open field or through the woods.
My dog Lady and her friends like to chase each other or fetch balls or just roll around in the grass and then it happens, the Animal Control Officer ends all the fun by handing out tickets.
We have been meeting at this national park for quite some time and the park police told us that a certain area of the park would be off leash and how we loved it. We would meet and have our dogs play and we would be very mindful in cleaning up after our playful, lovely dogs. It was so great to have Lady run and play so hard that she would sleep for an hour or so after we got back home.
Lately the rules have changed - unannounced! Officer Leitner has handed out tickets like candy on a parade and there are only a few of us who have been spared so far.
Those who went to court had their charges dismissed but for the officer that seems to mean to be even more aggressive in visiting our park -not only in his big Animal Control Van but on bike, on foot, bringing a colleague. He catches dog owners every time and the result of all of this harassment? Very few dogs go for walks there anymore.
Do you have the same problem in your part of the country?
If you want to get to know pet owners in your neighborhood check out PetWatchClub.com.