Leashes are for the safety of dog, too

I am familiar with the location of the Route 31 open area now used as a dog park. Several years ago, I would drive past this spot and there was hardly a car in the parking lot.

Today, the lot, which holds maybe 20 cars, is always full. If dog owners load their dogs into their vehicles in such close proximity to Route 31 (perhaps 30 feet, depending upon where the vehicle is parked), wouldn't it be a good idea to have leashes on their dogs before approaching the parking lot?

It is actually a law in most cities and counties that for safety reasons dogs must be on leashes when off their own property. I would hate to hit a dog running into the road. I hope dog owners realize I would also be a victim.

I almost did hit a dog years ago, but the safety whistles mounted on my front bumper stopped the dog from running in front of the car.

I can still see the looks on the faces of the adult and three youngsters who were just out of reach of the dog and thought I was going to hit it.

Susan Hess

Elgin