I love walking in the Natural Area at Two Rivers Park. I have enjoyed it the more than 20 years that I have lived near there.

The area is clearly posted "No dogs off leashes." Three times recently, women walking multiple dogs off leash have approached me as I walked on the trail. Once, two cute little dogs repeatedly leapt aggressively at me. Twice, three dogs surrounded me. In each case one of them bit me. Perhaps each could be called a nip as it did not break the skin.

In all three cases the women apologized and made excuses for their dogs. When I reminded them, somewhat emphatically, that they were supposed to have their dogs on a leash, they agreed and immediately produced leashes and leashed their dogs.

In all three cases, my walk in the woods was spoiled. Perhaps theirs was, too. I am not a dog lover, but I'm certainly not a dog hater. My sons have dogs and we take them to the park, let them run, swim and enjoy the wild areas. However, my sons seem able to control their dogs and keep them away from strangers.

I wish I could say the same for everyone!

Robert Emmingham, Kennewick