I recommend the people of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) read the book A Dog’s Purpose. Apparently, they do not understand the companionship, emotional and physical support, and friendship dogs give people. My beautiful lab, Rosie, is now 14 years old. She spent more than half her life walking the trails of Turtle Creek. For every single person and dog who passed her, she had a tail wag, a smile, and a greeting of friendship. If the other dog or person was crabby, she wagged and went her own way. She has never even hurt a fly—instead her eyes watch them as they buzz. Live and let live.

Rosie is not uncharacteristic and I am sorry for the sheltered people in TNC who do not know the unconditional love and friendship dogs provide, never mind the therapy, comfort, and life-saving actions they provided a million times a day. All they want is us and yes, a safe walk through a leafy path in the woods and maybe a swim in the cove, a ball to catch and a playmate to run with. In the scheme of things, that’s not so much to give back for all they do for us.

I’m sorry for the dear people of TNC as they are missing so much in their lives. Rosie can’t walk now, but we enjoyed just sitting there and greeting everyone. Now, we will find another place to “meet and greet.”

I hope TNC enjoys Turtle Creek without the dogs and the happy dog people.

Kathy DelMonico

Old Saybrook