Dear Editor,
I just attended the City of Richmond’s Halloween event at Minoru Park. I was dismayed by the number of people who brought their dogs (mostly puppies) to the event.
Once the fireworks started, I witnessed at least six dogs cowering while their owners tried to shield them. What is wrong with people?
I did speak with three owners who believed they were “desensitizing” their dogs. Please, people, do some research on how desensitization works. It involves tiny doses of the stressor, introduced in daily levels over a period of months. It’s not a “let’s terrify the dog for 15 minutes solid” once every six months.
The city needs to step up with an education campaign.
Or here’s a thought, why not let people know dogs are not allowed at events that are intrinsically designed to terrify creatures?
Sally Dube
RICHMOND
