Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I’ll always be debated when I voice my opinion about bicycle safety. My feelings about jogger and pedestrian courtesy can also be subject to discussion. I will always bend a little when I talk about what the proper term is … sauce or gravy. There are a lot of battles that I will never win but I try to pick them. A lot of subjects are open to rebuttal but the following feelings are not. This time It’s cut and dry.

On Saturday, July 13, I met my family at ArtBeat. At around 12:30 the temperature was in the high 80’s, plus some offensive humidity. Small children were getting a bit cranky, the crowds were thickening and walking was arm to arm. So why in God’s Holy name would anyone bring a dog to Davis Square under these conditions (excluding necessary service animals)?

In quotes are comments by other concerned people:

“So many pets there today. It looked like they were about to pass out at any minute. Not cool.” “What is the matter with people. Leave your pets home and let people enjoy a nice day. Some people just don’t really care about their animals! Idiots!”

“All these people with dogs at ArtBeat should be made to walk barefoot with fur coats on. Some people shouldn’t have pets. Hot asphalt on a summer day can burn the skin off a dog’s feet in minutes.”

And one more: “Same as the jerks that take them to the fireworks!”

Somerville is so quick to issue parking fines, snow shoveling fines etc., etc., etc. Why don’t they fine those who bring their poor dogs to ArtBeat and other events held in sweltering heat? Once again, priorities in the wrong places! Bikes! Detours! Traffic! Taxes! Please! Take care of the poor animals. It’s summer and it’s hot.

I don’t care if you wear earbuds while biking, jogging, walking or driving. I don’t care if you walk blindly into a crosswalk. I couldn’t care less that you hog the road and don’t obey traffic laws while cycling. I do however care greatly about the safety and proper care of helpless animals.

Bless the beasts and the children. Oh, and by the way, the red stuff you put on pasta, sausages and meatballs is called sauce.