What is this photo missing? A happy dog running joyfully around. However, that would make the dog and the dog's person outlaws. As dogs are only allowed off-leash in fenced off-leash parks in Brisbane (except for one place on the other side of the city next to a creek). Plenty of dogs do break the law here. In Sydney, where Tim's parents live, it is different. Most parks have times when dogs are allowed off-leash. There is a great big park where dogs are allowed off-leash. We can walk 6 kilometres there off-leash. An energetic dog like me needs a wide open space to run and chase the ball. When dogs are always behind fences, it makes people, particularly children, scared of dogs. It is better if they learn to interact and co-exist with us.
However, it is not a simple issue. When Tim was about 12, he was bitten by a German Shepherd while running in a park. The person only said, "he doesn't normally do that," and kept walking. When it is against the law to walk your dog without a lead, the person and dog probably tend to be more responsible when they do flout the law.
Also, the dog parks are very social places. Tim, Mandy and I have lots of friends there. There is a man who can't work due to a bad back. He took his neighbour's dog down when they were on holiday. He loved it because he met so many people and continues to bring the dog down even though her owners have returned. Some people say they prefer it this way (fenced dog parks) as it is more social.
When Tim and Mandy were discussing having a place by the creek off-leash, Tim said, "they could get rid of the bike paths." He then laughed at himself as he is a keen cyclists and believes strongly in bike paths. How quickly our allegiances can change! Sometimes, it is very easy to see things from our perspective and difficult to see them from others. I think dogs should be allowed off-lead in all parks but I am a dog so I would say that.
Life is great when you are running free.
