Advice for all local pet owners

I am writing in response to Dodi Rubenstein's story in your Nov. 8 "Critter Corner" regarding the loss of her dog, Oliver.

I want to preface this letter by extending my utmost sympathy to the Rubenstein family on their loss. As a longtime pet owner, I know how devastating it is to lose an animal to old age or illness, let alone to a situation that could have been prevented.

That being said, I am finding it difficult to fathom after all the editorials, letters from many residents and articles by professionals on this subject how anyone could leave a small animal alone and unattended at night or anytime for that matter.

The Acorn has addressed many times that due to unusually dry surroundings, wild animals are coming closer to neighborhoods in search of food and water for themselves and their families. It is not just at dawn and dusk any longer.

It is truly beyond belief that she wants to petition the City Council for legislation to protect us from wildlife. No, Mrs. Rubenstein, it is our responsibility, not the city's, to keep our children and pets safe and out of harm's way. They are trusting and counting on us to do just that.
J.C. VanBuren
Agoura Hills

In reference to the letter in Critter Corner, "Owner hopes loss of pet brings change" (Nov. 8). I am sorry for the loss of your dog, Oliver. My animals are treasured members of the family and I understand your pain and commiserate with you.

However, I must ask why you would leave Oliver, a small, innocent animal, in your backyard unattended and exposed to the elements when he should have been inside his home where he would have been safe?

The wildlife in Westlake Village and the Ventura areas were here long before we humans moved in and they were usurped. One of the reasons many people do live here is to enjoy the serenity of this environment, which includes wildlife.

If measures are made to distance these animals from our neighborhoods, what will go next: dogs, cats or parakeets? Anything can be dangerous if not properly husbanded.

It may be that living in a walled compound, surrounded by miles of secure concrete, is a better life choice for those who don't care for nature and the animals that reside in it.
Julie Newsome
Westlake Village

This is a letter responding to the story "Owner hopes loss of pet brings change" (Acorn, Nov. 8)

I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your dog, Oliver, to a coyote. Your story is not the first that I have read in The Acorn and I'm sure it won't be the last.

We live in an area surrounded by coyotes and other wildlife, which is the reason we should not allow our young kids and pets to be left outside alone, especially in the early mornings and evenings, without adult supervision. I know you don't live directly next to a hillside, but years ago your home was where the wildlife roamed.

As long as we take away more and more of the wildlife's home and fires keep pushing wildlife closer to our homes searching for food and water, we need to protect our young kids and pets.

I go walking all over the different neighborhoods and I see coyotes walking right past me in residential areas that don't butt hillsides. Because of this, I no longer leave my 50-pound dog outside alone unless I can see her, especially in the morning and evenings.

I know it's upsetting that we can't even allow our young children to play in their own backyards alone, but this is the choice we made by moving out here. It's beautiful to look around and see the surrounding mountains, but along with this beauty comes the dangers of wildlife.

There is nothing our government can really do to prevent wildlife from coming down the hills to our areas. It is our responsibility to keep an eye on and protect our young kids and pets since we chose to live in this area.
Ann Lalo
Westlake Village

Regarding "Owner hopes loss of pet brings change," (Acorn Nov. 8, Dodi Rubenstein).

So sorry to hear about Oliver. What a shame. People move to the country and do not keep their little dogs in the house. The coyotes were here long before us and have a right to be here.

Move back to the city or keep your animals in.
J. Sentence
Agoura Hills