Dog park letter contained misconceptions

Oct, 21-2009 2:04 pm

To the editor:

This is in response to a letter in The Current regarding the Margate City Dog Park.

There are several misconceptions in the letter and we feel it is necessary to make residents aware of the facts.

There have been many comments around the community about Kira’s love of dogs and how nice it would be to name the dog park in her memory. However, the dog park committee never received a request from her parents asking to name the park in their daughter’s memory, so the committee decided to name it the Margate City Dog Park. For the past three weeks we have been informing residents of ways they may purchase a bench, tree, bush or a walkway brick in memory or in honor of someone special. Therefore, for the writer to indicate that supporters of the park lack compassion is certainly not true.

The writer accuses park proponents of painting opponents as “dog haters.” If that were true then why would the committee have members on it who are opposed to the park? Simple answer: because we believe everyone has a right to contribute to the success of the park with their individual ideas and commitment, which they have done.

Finally, it is disturbing for the writer to attack the character of residents who favor the construction of the dog park, saying they are putting pets above people. People who favor and work tirelessly to better the life of man’s best friend also work tirelessly on behalf of projects for human beings. Dog lovers possess a compassionate heart, as do others who may not own a dog but believe the dog park is a worthwhile project.

Why not stop by and see the dog park at 400 N. Argyle Ave., which will have a grand opening 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. Margate now joins many cities in New Jersey who offer this opportunity for dog owners and friends to have a fenced-in place where their dogs may have fun and socialize without endangering or annoying people, property or wildlife.

Karen Markman

Anne Pancoast

Rosey Wynn

Margate