I am writing concerning proper etiquette when people are in public areas with their pets.

I am a dog owner. I spend time in and enjoy the public places around my neighborhood with my dog, as I see many of my neighbors do. I love and care for my pet and consider her a member of the family. I am sure that many others feel the same about their dogs.

That said, my neighborhood is also the neighborhood for others and I am happy to share the sidewalks, parks and green areas around my house. But I have no interest in working on other people’s pets’ socialization skills, or cleaning up after them when they use my lawn as a bathroom.

People should keep their animals restrained on a leash when they walk them, and maintain control over them. A person may have the least aggressive dog in the world, but I cannot guarantee that my dog will appreciate an unknown animal running up to them uninvited and unannounced.

Those people who allow their children to walk a dog unsupervised should make sure the child can control the dog.

If a dog is aggressive to other dogs, people should consider a muzzle for such dogs when in public.

And lastly, people can show some respect for their neighborhoods and other public areas by cleaning up after their dogs.

Joshua Nagine, Lewiston