I was saddened to read about the death of the 8-month-old Yorkie at the Barkyard. I was there that day, although not when the poor doggie died. My sympathies are with Minika Hall.

We recently started going to the Buffalo dog park. We drive 30 minutes to bring our two lively Springer Spaniels there. I have learned to stand to the side or risk being run into by a galloping pack of dogs. I have witnessed no violent or aggressive dogs. I did, however, see a man bring his two dachshunds in the large dog area. I was worried for those dogs because they are so close to the ground. I even dropped a hint to the owner, but he said they liked to be around the bigger dogs. If they had been killed, I am sure I would have wished I was more direct.

I hope this tragedy will encourage dog owners to visit the Web site to learn and follow the rules. What I hope does not happen is that city officials overreact, fearing a lawsuit, and close the park. As Hall so bravely put it, “I made a very bad decision that day.” I hope people learn from it.

Susan Attridge

Hamburg