Dear Editor:
Re: Pet Owners Feel Rental Market Squeeze, March 9 front-page story.
As the proud pet parent of a 14-year-old dog, I am truly alarmed and upset by the comments made by Mr. Huniak regarding pet owners who rent, and when one considers how hard it is to find affordable rental accommodation his attitude is downright scary: “After a tenant with a dog or cat vacates a suite, it invariably means replacing the carpets and more repairs,” as well as damage that inherently results from having pets in apartments.” I find this statement preposterous and want some factual information.
For example, do all carpets from a house or condo where a dog previously lived have to be torn out? Condos are sometimes not much bigger than an apartment so why would there be so much more damage in a rental apartment then in a self-owned condo?
I also object to his remarks regarding how dogs may negatively affect other residents and carry fleas. Pets do not bring in bed bugs, silver fish or mice and rats. The issues that arise in rental buildings with annoying human behaviour can occur in any multi-family type of dwelling.
There are huge advantages for the pet owner and everyone else where a properly trained dog lives. These include:
Security – There is no better way of ensuring the safety of a dwelling than the barking of a dog.
Creating friendships – I believe that nearly everyone I know in my neighbourhood is because I have been out walking Louie. Dogs break down all the human barriers such as age, sex, race; everyone wants to be friendly even if it is just to your dog.
Exercise and health – A dog is the best form of exercise there is because it does not matter how sick or tired you may be, that little creature still has to go out at least twice a day no matter what.
Mental health – Has anyone ever done a study to find out how much a pet dog may reduce stress related illness or harm reduction among many other related issues? A dog is the only animal that loves unconditionally no matter how the rest of the world may treat you.
Sue Lakes Cook
North Vancouver
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