To Meagan Riordan and family, I am very, very sorry to read of your loss, I am sure it was a horrible ordeal for your family. However, living where we choose to live we need to accept the fact that there can be a threat to ourselves, children and pets by the many different species of forest animals in our area. Coyotes, bears, fox, moose – any one of these animals can pose a threat and become aggressive if threatened. Many of these animals will feel threatened by a dog, running at it, barking etc. and so become defensive of their own safety.

I have a dog myself and he is never outside without his harness and leash. This is for his safety, my safety and the safety of the wildlife (which are not required to be leashed). I have had more threats to my pet by unleashed dogs on the trails and sidewalks than from any wildlife. Please remember that we live in the wilderness and that comes with wildlife, we need to respect the power and drive for survival that all these animals have. Every day in the Summit we read of “lost” pets; these are pets that are allowed to run free and then disappear, so is it really fair to the pet that the owner “takes for granted the wildlife” and thinks this can never happen to them. Unfortunately our pets pay the price. There are dog parks if you want your pets to be able to “run free,” otherwise there are leash laws and these should also be respected and obeyed. Again, my heart goes out for the loss you have suffered, I hope by sharing your ordeal another pets life will be saved.