While driving on Alpine Road, October last year, a terrified dog ran from the Webb Ranch pumpkin patch into the busy afternoon traffic. I could not bear the thought of someone's pet being killed and stopped on the center median. After many attempts I was able to catch him. A female dog had also been caught at the Ranch's employee housing.
I waited with the dogs, expecting a devastated family and sobbing children. No one came. I learned that this was not the first incident of dogs being "abandoned" there. The Peninsula Humane Society took the dogs to the shelter where they remained unclaimed.
Unwanted pets that had been dumped – maybe? I contacted Ranch management to express my concern. Management said that they allow dogs on their property but do not monitor the situation.
These events seem to offer the perfect opportunity for discarding unwanted pets, or the possibility of an unleashed dog running into the road causing a serious accident.
A "No Dogs Permitted" sign could be a simple solution.
On that October afternoon, excited children chose pumpkins and pets were dumped. It disgusts me knowing that cruel and inhumane people live amongst us!
Earlier this year, I contacted the Humane Society. Both chihuahuas had been adopted by loving families.
Happy Halloween.
> Julie Scott, Stowe Court, Menlo Park
