#Letter: Navigating ethical dilemmas of dog ownership

Ballito resident Colleen McKee writes:

In response to Dagmar Roets (‘Animal lover defends car companion’, Letters, March 25) I agree that some dogs fear being left alone at home.

We also have a rescue dog and don’t leave her alone at home unless it is an emergency.

I am pleased to read that you are obviously an animal lover as I am. I was not referring to just popping into the supermarket to get some groceries, I was talking about a recent case where someone going to a restaurant saw the dog, and after an hour this dog was still in the car. It was reported and search and rescue was called out.

If your rescue dog has a serious anxiety condition isn’t leaving your dog in the car also a form of abandonment? The vets all have calming chewing delights for stressed animals.

The shopping centre next to the Junction allows dogs to come into the grocery shop.

Leaving your dog for hours is not on and that is what my point was. This does not apply to someone like yourself.

We take our dog to the beach on a regular basis and then up to the doggie coffee shop where they have water bowls and poop bags.

My letter was not meant to upset a person like yourself who makes sure your rescue is happy and very well cared for.

But there are people who do the opposite and that was my concern.

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