On Friday, March 27, I headed home from work and grabbed my mail, quickly scanning a local newspaper that was in my mailbox. Sure enough, there was once again, another letter regarding dogs on Willard Beach. I remain amazed that a simple issue of people being able to walk with their dogs on a local beach during very specific designated times, has raised such havoc. The letter in this paper was written by a gentleman who, in the second line of his letter states that he hasn’t been able to walk on Willard Beach for more than 10 years. He continues to comment on people overestimating the number of dogs on voice control, seeing a lot of dog poop, and rumors from other people about their experiences with dogs. I found this letter confusing as to what area he was writing about if he hasn’t walked on Willard for more than 10 years?

Putting the paper aside, I leashed my dog and headed for Willard. Upon arriving I saw that the beach was quite busy. The sun was still up, it was a Friday afternoon, and the temperatures were warm. The beach was active with people, children and dogs. I actually stopped and counted 31 people of which 11 were children and young adults, and 12 dogs. I experienced people greeting one another, dogs chasing balls and romping with each other, and I noted that all dog owners picked up after their pets. Simply put, the community was out enjoying a community beach with their family members. 

I understand that dogs on Willard is a hot topic, and that we are all entitled to our own opinions. Putting personal feelings aside, if one reviews the facts presented by the task force, dog owners do pick up after their pets, along with human trash left on the beach (stated by the animal control officer who wrote to the city councilors that he has joined us on the beach, and has watched us from afar) there is not a concern of high bacteria, nor are there police reports of dogs fights, or dog related injuries. Further more, if you go to Willard on a hot summer day, you will see it packed full of families! They are not staying away from Willard because the dogs have been able to run and play on the beach a couple of hours at the beginning of the day. Again, the community is enjoying and sharing community space.

In closing, I invite you to take a walk on Willard Beach. I am confident that you will receive a friendly greeting from others, will note that people with dogs are most attentive to controlling and picking up after their pets, and hope that you will find that Willard is a special community space that all can enjoy and care for.

Mary Fowler

South Portland