Re: [RC] Fwd: [RC] ? dogs in camp - Barbara McCrary
I have had numerous talks with riders about
their dogs, often before they arrive at our camp. When I used to have a
rule of "no dogs", people would call me and ask why, because they had nowhere to
leave their dogs and therefore they couldn't come to our ride. Trying to
be fair to as many as possible, I give this serious thought, and that's when we
set up "Dogtown City Limits". We post signs directing riders who will be
camping with their dogs to a certain area. Fortunately, our camp is
geographically arranged with several semi-detached areas, so we direct
dog-campers to the two areas farthest from the main activity area. So far,
people have respected this arrangement, as we do give them an option rather than
say they can't come to our ride. We try to keep it light and humorous,
thus "Dogtown City Limits". What goes on in Dogtown, between the canine
residents, is far enough away from the main activity area that it is out of my
sight and out of my control and responsibility. If people with dogs are
camping where they are supposed to, if their dogs get into a fight, that's their
responsibility. Ride managers have enough to do making sure
everything is organized for the event; they shouldn't have to deal with dog
behavior, too.
I just don't understand what makes a
ration, thinking adult :) honestly believe that it is equisitely fair and
right to infringe on others' rights to have a modicum of privacy and space.
Sheesh - how about I should send a few badly behaved toddlers to their
house to drive THEM nuttier than they already are? Whatever happened to cmmon
courtesy and sense? And YES, a few well placed DQs might go a long way toward
ending this nonsense. When the RULES say NO DGOS - whot do people think that
means? Everyone but them cuz theirs is SOOOO cute?? Or because Fido has SOOO
much fun? Given a choice, I would prefer the PEOPLE have the fun, along with
their horses, and an EQUINE EVENT. Take the dogs to the Kennel club shows. You
don't see people showing up there with their horses and turning them loose.
Loving animals must never take the place of caring about and respecting other
people.
