Canine concern

Dear Editor,

I am a responsible pet owner. By that, I mean that I have a male dog that is neutered, is current on his shots and is fairly well trained.

We are lucky to have a fenced yard with ample running room for him. I believe he is a happy dog.

With that said, I want to address an issue I have. For the last couple of months, I have had a "visitor" in my yard.

At first glance, I thought it was my dog, because it was of similar color, shape and size. However, my dog was in my house. I went out to shoo the dog away and it leapt over the fence and ran down the alley. This unwelcome visitor has since then become a regular trespasser. He comes mostly in the evenings, I suppose, when he's let out to do his "business."

The problem is, he's not the only dog that I have seen running loose.

My concern is this: What if the next dog it "visits" is not as friendly? What if it gets in a not-so-nice person's yard? What if it is startled by a child and bites out of fear?

What if, while running away, it gets hit by a car?

These should be every pet owner's concern. I know that if I couldn't provide a safe and secure home for my dog, then maybe I shouldn't have one.

Concerned about our canine friends.

Julie Richardson,

McCook