By COREY J. HOLMES

I want to begin by saying that I like dogs.

I've had several throughout my life, mostly strays that stayed, though I dabbled a bit in Airedales, showing myself to be less than shrewd in the canine field. They both lived long (for Airedales) happy lives, but I am now of the opinion that anyone who tries to citify a dog that was bred for grizzly and cougar hunting in the wilds for months on end is getting what they ask for.

I am highly in favor of designated dog parks, places where dogs may run off-leash, much like we have places called playgrounds where children are free to wreak havoc ang get skinned knees. Some people like to hike, some like to walk their dogs, some like to raise toddlers. How people get their recreation is immaterial to me. Whatever floats your boat, as long as you do it responsibly and clean up afterward.

Which brings me to my point. Dogs, like children, need constant adult supervision. All dogs must be leashed (some children admittedly should be) in public areas that are not designated leash-free. The law and anyone with a dog-attack story says so. However, just as some parents allow their adolescents to play with and carry guns, some dog-owners allow their dogs to run free.

"But it's not the same at all! My dog is friendly! He never bites! He'd never attack anyone! He always stays right with me!"

Anyone who says these things is either lying or gravely underestimating their dog. There are perfectly behaved dogs, just as there are no perfectly behaved children. Some are easier to get along with, some are even great company. But someday, somewhere, every living creature has, or is capable of having a meltdown. "He's never done this before!" is the leading cry of a parent or dog-owner with an unruly charge.

Many is the time I have driven to the beach or children's playground only to find someone letting their dogs play freely, and illegally, in the water or run around the swings (usually relieving themselves on anything vertical, including, once, an undersupervised two-year-old eating a bagel).

"But how is he supposed to get exercise? He's a big dog and needs a lot of room. No one's ever out this time of the morning!," they say, ignoring the fact that I am, indeed, out. "You try having five dogs in the city!" they say.

No, thanks.

If you don't have room, if you can't run the requisite 15 miles a day to keep your dog fit and healthy, if you can't get to a leash-free area from where you live, you shouldn't have the dog.

I've tried going by the book and calling animal control (they never show up). I've tried gently suggesting that a dog be leashed (which gets me dirty looks and snide comments). I've tried blunt statements (once, and I got out of there, pronto).

My solution is to never go out without my dog repeller. It's this little device that emits a sonic burst that stuns dogs. And does it work. Reaction ranges from stiff-legged paralysis to rapid tail-hiding retreat. I don't like the idea that I am causing a possibly harmless creature pain, but the fact is that if I see a dog racing uncontrolled towards my kid, there's not much in this world that would stop me from doing so.

I'm not for declaring open season on dogs. A few more laws covering ownership with regards to criminal conduct and liability would help. Several more animal control officers would be nice. Some really fantastic off-leash areas would be great. The dog lobby in Seattle is hardly toothless, but I'll help by writing letters if need be. We can all live happily and at peace with each other if we just control our less-responsible charges. "Good fences (and strong leashes) make good neighbors."

Corey J. Holmes lives in Lake City and likes dogs. Really.