Beware of the Dogs

Dear Editor:

I hope this email finds you well! I have been a happy resident of Rockaway for the past five years. I am grateful for your publication and look forward to it every week, so thank you for that!

I wanted to bring an issue up that I’ve never seen addressed. I don’t know how else to get the word out but here goes. Last week, I was attacked by three different dogs on two different days! Quite a coincidence I know, but it was terrifying to say the least. The first attack was around 8 p.m. at night and the dog came running out of his backyard. The next day, I parked my car, and two dogs came running at me with the intention to bite. I was not bitten in either case BUT I was very scared. The owners, I’m sorry to say, did not apologize. They simply called the dogs back (and of course when a dog is in attack mode, they could care less who is screaming at them) and seemed to act like it was my fault for walking along. I was so stunned I didn’t even speak up.  Another incident happened last year on the beach, I was quietly laying on the sand with my eyes closed and a dog came running up to me and started barking in my ear, I nearly had a heart attack.

I just want to get the word out to pet owners. I know they love their pets like family, and I understand that, but it should not take precedence over the safety and quality of life of the people that live here. I posted some signs on Beach 128th asking pet owners to please do the right thing, but I’m sure this happens a lot in our community, and I’m concerned for children and the elderly (not that I’m a spring chicken, but I’m not 80 years old yet). It could be devastating if a dog came running out and bit a child or startled an elderly person who then falls and breaks a hip or leg. I appreciate you helping to get the word out!

            Diana Prano