http://blog.southportlandsentry.comQuick Bloghttp://blog.southportlandsentry.com/2008/06/27/letters-beachgoers-must-learn-to-share-june-27-2008.aspx#comment-1161514Ron Palmquist2008-07-01T08:12:16Zhttp://blog.southportlandsentry.com/2008/06/27/rockwell-revisited-june-27-2008.aspx#comment-1161507Ron Palmquist2008-07-01T08:11:50Zhttp://blog.southportlandsentry.com/2008/06/27/rockwell-revisited-june-27-2008.aspx#comment-1161498Ron Palmquist2008-07-01T08:11:30Zhttp://blog.southportlandsentry.com/2008/06/27/weekly-interview-miss-teen-maine-uses-reign-to-spread-awareness-about-marfan-syndrome-june-27-2008.aspx#comment-1159156Eve2008-06-30T11:42:40Zhttp://blog.southportlandsentry.com/2008/06/27/weekly-interview-miss-teen-maine-uses-reign-to-spread-awareness-about-marfan-syndrome-june-27-2008.aspx#comment-1159032Audrey2008-06-30T11:42:24Zhttp://blog.southportlandsentry.com/2008/06/27/dog-owner-takes-a-bite-out-of-councils-willard-beach-vote-june-27-2008.aspx#comment-1158138
1. Only bring dogs to the park that are healthy, spayed or neutered, licensed with tags and microchips. Make sure your dog is current on all vaccinations and flea control. Don't bring puppies that are under 16 weeks old.
2. Don't forget to bring plenty of water, keep your dog hydrated and happy!
3. Clean up after your dog. Don't let your dog dig or destroy the landscape.
Most important, keep a watchful eye on your dog. Look out for aggressive play and keep your dog safe and happy with his dog park excursion.

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies." !!]]>RG PetComm2008-06-30T09:54:40Zhttp://blog.southportlandsentry.com/2008/06/27/weekly-interview-miss-teen-maine-uses-reign-to-spread-awareness-about-marfan-syndrome-june-27-2008.aspx#comment-1153253
a fellow Marf]]>Bob Hobson2008-06-27T13:34:58Zhttp://blog.southportlandsentry.com/2008/06/27/dog-owner-takes-a-bite-out-of-councils-willard-beach-vote-june-27-2008.aspx#comment-1152848Carl Rich2008-06-27T13:34:21Zhttp://blog.southportlandsentry.com/2008/06/23/council-roundup-officials-limit-beach-time-for-dogs-june-20-2008.aspx#comment-1144101
I am sorry your daughter got knocked over by a dog on the beach. I truly am. The owner should have had the dog under control. I apologize for the owner of that dog.

You state that all dogs are in a 'pack mentality' and I do not agree with that statement anymore than all children are unruly. Yes, some dog owners should not have dogs. Some parents should not have children. That does not make what happened to your daughter okay, it is just reality.

It is unnecessary for you to avoid visiting Willard Beach. The beach is closed to dogs at this time of year after 9AM. Dogs are allowed on the beach from 6AM to 9AM only. If you want to visit the beach before 9AM, there is I learned last Monday that there is a beach at the end of Adams Street, right near Willard Beach. The Councilor said that it is very nice. There are other small beaches where you can enjoy a morning walk before school as well. There is a nice small one on Front Street.

Sometimes I am not in the mood to be at the beach when there are lots of unruly children running across my blanket or towel, screaming and kicking sand at me. I avoid it on those days even though it is a beautiful day to sit by the ocean. Sometimes I am more relaxed and can endure the mayhem. I am never in the mood to be on the beach when there are young adults drinking and having sex on the beach. I truly avoid those times even though the moon may be full, the night warm and the beach would be a wonderful place to visit. We all share the beach at different times. The key word is SHARE. You state that there should be one park in South Portland where dogs are not allowed. You have it! Willard Beach after 9AM from May 1st until September 30th!

You also state that when salmonella is found in a few tomatoes, we remove all tomatoes? Every grocery store I have visited in the last 2 months since this was founded, still has tomatoes. It is our choice to buy or not to buy. It is your choice to go to the beach with dogs, with kids, with young adults. We have a choice!

Again, I am sorry about the experience your daughter had. I hope she recovers and does not incur any long lasting fears from this experience. Like falling off a horse, probably the best medicine would be to visit the beach again and let her see that this is not an every day occurrence.]]>Judith Cunningham2008-06-24T09:14:54Zhttp://blog.southportlandsentry.com/2008/06/13/council-roundup-talk-of-growls-grunts-and-greening-june-13-2008.aspx#comment-1135264Nancy Delle Femine2008-06-23T15:35:24Z