Free-running dogs
Hey, Coach! I want to start by saying that I am an animal lover , which is why I do not have any. I know the care that should be involved and the responsibility. I live in Lemont Furnace, and many of my neighbors seem to think that it is OK for their dogs to be left out all night barking, and to be left to run free through the neighborhood. They do not knock on my door to clean up my trash every week (that the dogs create), nor do they care if I have to drive my grandchildren to school because they are petrified of dogs. Not to mention, I often have infants with me as I walk to my door, as pit bulls
often come up behind me. I myself have been bitten three times in the past, and I do not want it to happen again, especially to my grandchildren. I respect their right to have animals, although I think it’s more of a privilege than a right, and I think that they should respect other people’s rights, as well+.the right to not have to pick up trash every week, the right to sleep and the right to not have to be scared to leave or enter your home. If you call anyone for help such as the ASPCA or the police, the animals are not around when they finally do come, which is hardly ever. Please print this so that maybe people in the area can see the error of their ways.
Any suggestions?
Signed+Tired and Scared
Dear Tired and Scared: The Coach feels bad that you and your family are experiencing safety issues. While animals typically are given a freer rein to roam in the country or less- traveled areas, certainly no one should be harassed by dogs in any setting, especially little kids. And when the words pit bull are mentioned, not to offend pit bull owners, but some of these dogs bring fear to many of us…and for good reason. You don’t mention anything about talking directly to the owners of the dogs. If you have a positive relationship with those neighbors, perhaps you may want to speak with them. Yes, some people will be upset at you and make you out to be the bad guy in this for even thinking about asking them to control their dog(s), so maybe you don’t feel this is a good option. Putting up a fence around the yard may help some, but that can be expensive, and that doesn’t help when you have to leave the yard, which is often. Perhaps taking pictures or having a video of the dogs endangering your family would be helpful to the police or ASPCA. Lastly, the Coach is surprised to hear you say that you have been bitten three times; assuming you meant in your neighborhood, it is a surprise that you have apparently not filed a report. Sure, you want to be a good neighbor, but the feeling here is that you may want to get a little more aggressive with regard to this situation because of the seriousness of it. If dogs go through your trash and make a mess, that’s one thing. But if dogs are harassing and biting people, that’s a very serious matter that needs addressed to resolution. Hopefully, you are able to move forward with the appropriate people in an attempt to ensure a safe environment for your family and others.
Hall of bame ballots
If you have not yet joined or re-upped and you would like to be a part of the voting process for the class of 2011 in the Fayette County Hall of Fame, you may get an application from our web site at www.fayettecountysportshalloffame.com
. Ballots will continue to be sent the next two Tuesdays after we receive someone’s membership dues. Please act now so you get to vote for your favorite sports heroes from yesteryear. Annual dues are only $10 a year ($5 for students), with life memberships available from $50-100 depending on one’s age.
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You can contact the Coach at askthecoach2003@yahoo.com.