I’m writing to remind folks that their dogs need to be on leashes at all times whenever hiking on Land Trust trails. Holding an unattached leash in your hands does not count. Insisting that your dog is under voice command does not give you a free ticket. Claiming that your dog is “friendly” and won’t harm anyone is unacceptable. Forgetting your leash doesn’t win any points as there are extra leashes hanging from the entry signs to the preserves.

I’ve heard all these excuses from dog owners as I walk the trails in my volunteer role as a trail steward. Acting like the rules don’t apply to you and your dog is self-serving, and, frankly, arrogant.

These lands have been set aside as nature preserves and not dog parks. If you need to exercise your dog, go to Sunrise Ridge where they have an established area for dogs to run free, plus dog poop bags and a garbage can.

When hiking the Land Trust trails, please pick up after your leashed dog and deposit at home in your garbage can.

— Sue Trevathan