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I’m just a little bit pissed off about Sarah Godfrey’s article on dog parks (“Doggie Treats,” 2/21). I’m sure she got plenty of hate mail already, but I just can’t help but say a few things.

First of all, it’s clear that the only real point of the article was that the author hates dogs. Fine. I don’t see why anyone would care, but it’s her prerogative. However, I resent the implication that all dog owners are weird, neurotic freaks who treat their dogs like infants. Obviously, I have dogs—two large, energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise. I also have a 5-year-old kid. She’s the one who wears the cute little sweaters and gets cradled when she cries. My dogs are treated well. They live in the house. I feed them, give them water, walk them, and pet them. I don’t really care if these facts make me annoying to Sarah Godfrey. If she wishes people like me would stay away from Washington, that’s her business.

On the question of whether the city needs dog parks, my vote is yes, please. When my 80-pound puppy gets a chance to run and play with other dogs, he is much less annoying in the house. He hardly eats any shoes on those days. He is also less likely to scratch my newly refinished hardwood floors. For these reasons, I often drive him to the new Wheaton dog park to let him run off some of his energy. It’s only a matter of practicality for dog people like me. And I actually would be more likely to choose a home close to a dog park. Call me crazy.

If you don’t like dog parks, Sarah Godfrey, don’t go to them. In fact, let’s just avoid each other altogether.

Takoma Park, Md.