I just finished reading the article “Councilman’s dog bites city worker,” and I just had to respond. How do I explain to my little dog the unfair treatment that she is receiving? Every day as she leaves the house for her walk, my husband dutifully puts on her leash and harness, and she is restricted from the kind of fun that other Island dogs are apparently enjoying. This seems discriminatory to me and to her. Please help me find the words to explain this unfair treatment. Mr. Cero, could you please talk to my dog and calm her down? Could you perhaps swing by on your next excursion and pick her up? She is very aggressive, so I would suggest that perhaps you not sit in your car and talk on your phone during the “play date.”

All kidding aside, Councilman Cero should know the laws of Mercer Island, and probably is well aware of our leash law. Unfortunately, there are those who think this law applies to everyone except them. Voice control of your pet is not enough. Keep them leashed (it’s the law), unless they are in an approved off-leash area (there is one on the Island). Remember, you are completely liable if your off-leash dog approaches another person or a leashed animal and causes damage.

Karen Franke