Re: 'FLC toughens up on unleashed dogs' [Village News 11/11/10]

I too was upset and saddened by the negative and hostile tone regarding unleashed dogs.

For 20 years I cared for my profoundly handicapped mother 24/7. For about an hour most days I walked and hiked in the beautiful Santa Margarita river areas with my dog(s). It was a beautiful and almost sacred time.

I took such pleasure in observing nature and watching my dog(s) running around freely and splashing in the water. It was an hour of peaceful respite and helped me keep emotionally balanced during this difficult time.

Now I feel like a criminal if I let my dog(s) off leash, and the pleasure is gone. Leash law requirements for the backcountry are arbitrary and authoritarian. Often I never run into anyone else while I am there. In the 20 years that I have lived here, I have not seen a serious conflict involving dogs. I am aware that this can happen and the errant dog and owner can be punished, but to punish all dogs and owners for the misbehavior of one is, in my opinion, wrong.

Dorothy Kleffel