Vote yes, or no, or undecided.

[KathieI]

I voted yes, but with restrictions about leashing, length of leash, and perhaps location. Don't know who would enforce this but would hope that considerate owners would follow rules. Just like smoking is only allowed outside the square, maybe the dogs should be allowed there also. Just a thought.

[Army Guy]

Although not a resident yet, and a dog Lover, I voted No. I did this because no matter how well trained a dog is lots of people, movement, etc can influence a dog and they will react different. Now let me say that I think they could be allowed during the day but not at night.

Army Guy

[redwitch]

Part of the charm of the squares for me is the dogs (and the occasional kitty in a stroller). Yes, there are risks but I do believe the vast majority of dog owners are very responsible of their pets and their behavior in public. Sadly, it is the 1% that have created the need for polls such as this.]

An aggressive dog should not be brought into ANY public area. Dogs should relieve themselves at home prior to visiting a public area such as the squares. Unless completely hand/voice trained, there is no excuse for a dog to be off of a leash in public. (I once had an Old English that was never on a lead. However, he never once left my side without permission once trained no matter what the temptation or provocation.) If your dog is shy and you're trying to introduce him into society (think a rescue dog), a very short visit to a relatively uncrowded square could probably be a good experience.

People who want to pet the dogs should do so responsibly as well. You don't just walk up to a dog and start petting. Obviously, the owner should be asked if it is okay to pet. So should the dog. Let it sniff your hand, hear your voice.

I really am getting tired of a government/society trying to protect me from myself. Not everything has to be regulated because a very few abuse the situation. Banning dogs because of an incident or two or even three or more is, to my mind, another instance of taking joy away for many because of some.

Okay, off my bandwagon.

[MSNPA]

I voted yes since I love seeing the dogs on the squares, however I must admit I have seen some dogs that look very unhappy and I know they would rather be home. Owners need to be responsible and make the right decisions for their particular dog.

[Campbell soup]

I voted no.... I love dogs. However, over the years I have seen even the most well behave dogs snap and bite when they are confused or frighten. What a shame it would be if one of our little kids or grandkids would get a scar for life on their face from one of these startled animals / pets.

Unfortunately, I did see this happen many years a go. My son (who was 3yrs old at the time) was petting our neighbor’s small poodle that was the friendliest and smartest dog I have ever met. For no apparent reason the dog snap / bit my son on the lip. The bite actually pierced my sons lip quite deeply. Rushed him to the hospital and he received two stitches. This was 30 years ago and he still has a small scar on his mouth. The neighbors felt horrible and were in shock that their little dog could do that much damage to a child’s face.

Of course, this is a very rare incident, however, it does happen…..so please be careful with your pets.

[tucson]

I voted NO, because while most of the ppl who live in The Villages have small dogs who've been "trained" we also have alot of ppl who visit the squares from outside The Villages who might not be as careful w/their dogs,etc. I've been chased by a German Sheppard, Doberman Pincher and my husband was chased by a pit bull when walking our "tame" little dog, think about it........ We have to use wisdom here.

[Frangyomory]

Next thing we will hear is do we want children in the squares!!! The pets are fine in the squares if their owners keep them under control. This is a fun place to live and we don't need a pet restriction. Please.....

[ejp52]

I just hope the dog owners are ready to accept the legal consequences that will most likely accompany any biting of adults,children and grandchildren.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by redwitch

Part of the charm of the squares for me is the dogs (and the occasional kitty in a stroller). An aggressive dog should not be brought into ANY public area. People who want to pet the dogs should do so responsibly as well.

I really am getting tired of a government/society trying to protect me from myself. Not everything has to be regulated because a very few abuse the situation. Banning dogs because of an incident or two or even three or more is, to my mind, another instance of taking joy away for many because of some.

Good post Dee.

[handieman]

Dee makes a good point
Our little dog loves the SQ and has become the conversation piece of many new freindships
Handie

[SteveZ]

Properly handled pets in the Town Square - yes!
People who get drunk and disorderly - no!

Perhaps the next thing to review is whether people with canes should be allowed in the town squares. After all, a couple of drinks and cane-swinging could become a serious problem. (yawn)

Where will it end?

Yeah, we can "govern" ourselves all the way to never leaving the driveway, and we will be safe (unless space junk falls from the sky and hits the roof).

Now, I'm scared to look up.....

[clyd709]

Originally Posted by KathieI

I voted yes, but with restrictions about leashing, length of leash, and perhaps location. Don't know who would enforce this but would hope that considerate owners would follow rules. Just like smoking is only allowed outside the square, maybe the dogs should be allowed there also. Just a thought.

Kahie. I agree with you . As Pet Lover there has to be some Restrictions and I feel Responsible Pet Owners Handle their Pets in a Responsible Manner but only takes a few to spoil it for everyone. The Violators should be handled on an Individual basis because they should not be penalized for the few people who break the rules. The reason I voted undecided was because I feel if some restrictions were in place as i have stated there would be no reason whatsoever to Ban Pets in The Town Squares. Pets are part of the Family and are a great gift to us all. ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFULL ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL ALL THING WISE AND WONDERFULL THE LORD GOD MADE THEM ALL.

[tankdvr1950]

interesting results so far...but i believe the poll is flawed as it does not simultaneously determine if the voter is a pet owner or not

my sense....poll should have said

yes & i am a pet owner

yes & i don't own a pet

no & i am a pet owner

no & i dont own a pet

undecided


will be interesting to watch the results as more people weigh in

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Good post Dee.

I might have tried but I couldn't have said it better. I don't have a dog but I do so love them. Our kitty's may be getting a stroller the next time down.