The dogs of Warwick

To the editor: Since my high school years, I have enjoyed hiking Warwick’s great outdoors. On any day you can find my lab, Jack, and I taking advantage of the many trails around town in rain, snow, sun, or sleet. Other than the occasional deer, chipmunk, or squirrel, it is rare that I run into human being other than a fellow dog walker. Recently, I have seen the police at Cascade Lake and the County Park enforcing leash laws due to “numerous complaints by the public and DPW.” I am unaware of the nature of the issues at hand, but it is unfortunate the complaints aren’t also about the trash, broken bottles, food wrappers, metal scraps, and sleeping bags left behind that us “dog owners” are usually picking up. What is most unfortunate is that I cannot spend a moment of peace in nature (in what was once my beloved middle of nowhere) with a sweet four-legged friend without wondering if an officer of the law is behind a tree to give me a summons and a court date. I stand by the fact that leash laws are not only useful but necessary and that owners must pick up after their pets. But are the bear complaining deep in the woods when Jack and I are passing by? With Warwick’s open spaces rapidly being encroached upon, I would appreciate if someone from the Town could let me know where dogs can remain unleashed on a hike and on a swim. They need to exercise, to socialize with other dogs and most of us do not have sizeable yards to facilitate this. I often wonder what is becoming of my hometown these days. Please don’t tell me it’s time to spend tax money or form private associations for the creation of a “dog park” in this locale! I look forward to hearing where us dog owners are now welcome in this neighborhood. Laure Ragans Warwick