Dogs need protection, too
Dear Independent,
I am writing in response to the letter regarding York needing a leash law, Nov. 16, "Time for new leash law?" I could not be more in favor of this! Since moving to York with my family, I have had nothing but trouble while attempting to walk my leashed dogs.
The first incident occurred while walking my leashed dachshund and golden retrievers. Two loose dogs, who I later learned had been allowed to run the neighborhood freely for years, came charging out of their yard toward us. There was absolutely no voice control by the owner, no matter how much he tried to command them to stop. For the first time ever, I saw my then five-year-old golden became fiercely protective of us as he fought the dogs off from the middle of the street.
After having this happen again about a week later, I started noticing my once calm, well-mannered golden retriever becoming increasingly agitated whenever a strange dog appeared as we walked on leash. A behaviorist was called in. She said he had developed a condition called leash aggression. What I learned was that leash aggression is often irreversible and usually caused by situations similar to what we had just been through with the loose dogs. Combine that with the fact that I was not properly trained to see the signs and respond correctly, the condition only worsened. First, in that kind of fear-based situation, I held the leash too tightly, which the behaviorist told me dog trainers do to actually encourage aggression! As a natural reaction, I also held my breath - yet another aggression-training technique.
My golden's personality while out walking has been forever changed as a result of irresponsible dog owners who think they have their loose dogs under voice control. We can no longer go hiking like we used to on a regular basis, nor can I even attempt to take him to the beach out of fear that a strange dog will approach us off-leash. Well-meaning people do not understand that my dog will defend the pack (his family), and any puppy or dog could be traumatized forever if my dog were to come in contact with theirs under these circumstances. Ironically, what I usually hear as someone's dog is bounding toward us at a fast rate of speed is, "Oh, he doesn't bite!" Well, what they soon find out is that mine would, if I didn't have control!
What I've also learned is that, for the most part, there is no such thing as off-leash voice control, which the town of York uses as an exemption to the leash law. Dogs are very much like children. Their instinctive behavior often overrides learned behavior if and when an overly tempting opportunity arises. And in the case of many dogs, a passing dog and human is just that; too tempting of an opportunity to resist. I have seen neighbor after neighbor, even those with dogs in containment systems (underground electric fences), call their dogs only to have them ignore their humans and run toward us anyway. What usually ends up happening is that my leashed dog goes right into protection mode. The offending neighbor finally gets control, then walks away, dragging their unleashed one, all the while behaving as if we were the ones who had done something wrong.
I have every right to walk the streets provided my pets are leashed and picked up after, which they always are.
For those who feel their dogs should run freely, besides the dangers listed above, please try to remember that it may not necessarily be your dog who isn't happy about an impromptu face-to-face greeting, but the dog and family who your dog is bounding toward. When you think about it in human terms, would you want a stranger running up to you at a high rate of speed and entering your private space while you are out and about with your family? More than likely, you or someone in your party would become extremely agitated and protective of those you love, which is exactly what my golden now is.
If people were to fence their dogs and only allow them out while on leash or in a fenced yard that is monitored closely at all times, they would not only be showing a respectable amount of consideration toward others, but there would be far less pet-related problems here in York.
Thank you.
Jeannie Fazio
York
Why celebrate diversity?
Dear Independent,
I've been reading your online paper from afar for more than a couple of years. I always enjoy the Letters to the Editor section because it gives me a feel for Americans on the other side of the continent. The recent flap over the use of your public library brings up a question that I think all of us Americans should ask ourselves: What is there to celebrate about diversity?
Is there some inherent good in being different? Is there some noble franchise that deserves special recognition simply because one thing is different than another? Frankly, I don't get it. It seems to me that if we want to celebrate things, we should celebrate the good things in this world.
How about we celebrate Hard Work, or Virtue, or Honesty, or Truth, or Righteousness? What about Integrity and Good Character? Those are things that require effort and sacrifice. Wouldn't it be a good thing if we recognized and got back to the ideals that have freed the human spirit and rained untold good upon the face of this planet; namely the American Spirit that people all over the earth yearn to unleash?
To say that green is worth celebrating simply because it is not red seems ridiculous on the face of it. I guess that as we Slouch Towards Gomorrah we will pass through Babel first.
Those are just some thoughts from Anchorage, Alaska. Good luck to you in this debate, and wish the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning Educational Program luck. And I pray that one day they will be comfortable enough with themselves that they will lose the urge to tell you how normal they are.
Joel Adams
Anchorage, Alaska
Don't blame the new guys
Dear Independent,
Last week my wife and I had a wonderful dinner at the recently opened restaurant, Blue Sky, in York Beach. We thought to ourselves, "With all the talk about revitalizing York Beach, this appears to be a great beginning." Both the exterior and interior renovations to the old Pop's Shell Shack building, though not complete, are very well done and the restaurant's food and service were excellent.
Talking with friends we bumped into there, we heard that the restaurant, however, would not be open for lunch. They can only serve from 3 p.m. on to closing. Now, not allowing a restaurant an opportunity to maximize their revenues is certainly a recipe for disaster. Inadequate "parking" was said to be the issue! Come on... it's York Beach... the middle of November... parking an issue? Yes, maybe three months of the year parking can be an issue. But I say those who want to find nice a restaurant like Blue Sky or Union Bluff, let them fight it out for parking like we have done for many years with those looking for fries, T-shirts, souvenirs and marijuana bongs.
Parking has always been and will always be an issue in peak summer vacation times. This is "Vacationland" isn't it? Don't take out the lack of overall planning on the "new guys in town" that are trying to make a positive difference. Isn't the objective of revitalization to attract more people to the area? I respectfully suggest we collectively get our heads out of the sand... Short Sands that is.
Brian Andrews
York
Bagel Basket brings cheer
Dear Independent,
As we enjoy the holiday season, let us pause to give a cheer to all the lovely sparkling ladies who brighten the mornings at York's coffee pot: The Bagel Basket.
As our faltering fingers splash and mix and stir and then draw to our lips God's gift to cold and drowsy Yorkers, the first hot cup of coffee of the morning, let us thank them for all they do - seven days a week - to brew the java and toast the bagels that start our days!
Merry Christmas and God's Blessing on each and every one of you! Strength to your arms!
Warren LeMon
York
Wildcat Card is perfect gift
Dear Independent,
York Wildcat cards for 2008 are now on sale at York House of Pizza, Ocean National Bank, Town Hall and our schools. The card offers discounts at many local businesses and helps support the efforts of Yorkwise which provides chemical-free activities for York High School students with Project Graduation as its largest event.
Please consider supporting Yorkwise with the purchase of a $5 wildcat card.
The Wildcat Card is the perfect holiday gift that keeps on giving. The card provides discounts at Anthony's, Auto Spa, Bagel Basket, Berger's Bike shop, Dunkin Donuts, Eldredge Lumber, KFC, Lobster Cove, Norma's, Rick's, Ruby's, The Stolen Menu Cafe, Subway, Village Scoop, York House of Pizza, York Hospital and Yummies.
Yorkwise is also starting to prepare for their 2008 auction. Yorkwise accepts items in good to excellent condition such as antique furniture, paintings, and collectibles. Items can be delivered to York High School. Yorkwise does not accept used tools, electronics or clothing.
By donating your items in this calendar year, you can receive a tax deduction for a very worthwhile local charity.
Yorkwise
York High School
Festival of Trees a success
Dear Independent,
I want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helped with this year's Moquin Family's Festival of Trees. It was a great success! We raised $700 to help children in foster care in York County, and everyone who attended had a wonderful time. We're already planning next year's Festival of Trees!
A special thank you to my son, Orion Moquin; I couldn't have done it without you!
Thanks to the St. Aspinquid Masonic Lodge for the use of their hall. I'd also like to thank the many businesses, groups, organizations and individuals who participated this year: Jack, CC & Grace Cameron, Amy & Lily Beal, Mary Shipp, April Calcina, Al and Ginny Butterworth, Jean Quinn, Lisa Ramus, Donna McKinnon, Maureen Brydon, York's Wild Kingdom, Rick Mace Lost & Found Antiques, York House of Pizza, Town Clerk's Office "Clerkettes," Alicia Marquis/Coastal Ridge Elementary School Kids' Cabinet and second, third and fourth grades, The Meat House, York Corner True Value, The Yarn Shop at York Village Marketplace and Mary Shipp, The Model Train Shop at York Village Marketplace and Michael Shipp, Allie Hayford and the Blue Ocean Society, the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce, BNI-Business Network International, Kristin Tully and The Elemen-Treehouse of York, Anthony's Food Shop, Autumn Hampshire of Autumn Designs, Joanie Monteith of Goodie Gem Drops, Brownie Troop 257, Un-Schooling Club-A LA CARTE, Sohier Park Gift Shop, Rick's All Season Restaurant and York Community Service Association Thrift Shop.
I hope I didn't forget anyone!
Sincerely,
Janalee Moquin
York
Fighting the flu
Dear Independent,
It is now that time of year - the coughing, sneezing, sniffling, fever season. I do not mean to sound like a Vicks® NyQuil commercial, but the seasonal cold is something we need to take seriously. Every year, millions of people are infected with the flu throughout the nation. Here in Maine, we generally begin seeing symptoms of the flu in December. So while we prepare for the cold winter weather, there are also a few steps we can take to prepare and protect ourselves and family against the threat of the flu.
Getting a flu shot would be the first step to fighting the flu. The flu shot is the best way to protect an individual from the cold. According to the federal Center for Disease Control, the following groups of people are strongly encouraged to get a flu shot: children from six months to four years old, anyone over fifty years old, residents of nursing homes, children and adults with certain chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and healthcare personnel. Contact your primary provider to arrange for a flu shot. You can also search in the newspapers and online for local clinics. A handy website that locates flu shot clinics can be found at http://www.findaflushot.com/ or at http://www.flucliniclocator.org/.
It is important to understand that the flu is transmitted through the air by sneezing, coughing, or even speaking. Work and school can become a popular spot for germs and the flu. It is essential that we practice a few healthy habits to prevent the spread of germs: Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; Clean your hands as often as possible, and practice good health habits by getting a good night sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious foods. If one is already sick, stay home, get rest and get better. This will help build up the immune system to fight the flu and it will also isolate the cold from spreading to others.
Some commons symptoms of the flu are a fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, upset stomach and lack of energy.
For more information about the flu, go to the Maine Flu website at http://www.maineflu.gov/. At the site, resources are available for individuals and families, healthcare and local officials and businesses. There are also news updates about the flu and an option to submit questions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is another great resource for education and advice to fight the flu. It can be found online at www.cdc.gov/flu.
Sen. Peter Bowman
Maine District 1
