caligurl wrote "my dogs are sweethearts.. but i still NEVER EVER EVER let them run free.. why??? cuz i LOVE them too much!"

me too, I love my mutt, she's always leashed outside. It's safer for the dog, if she got into something (poison, street, fight) and got hurt I'd feel so bad.

Sunday on a group ride we were on a multiuse trail, came around a turn, up a little whoopdeedoo, gal in front of me had to emergency brake (and thus so did I) to avoid an off-leash cocker spaniel. I was as polite as I could manage but I gathered I came off a tad miffed, told her she needed to put that dog on leash (dog was 20 feet away from the owner, not under voice comand, ran right in front of the rider). I pointed out the physics of cyclist at 13-18 mph hitting doggie. Dog was not hostile, just ran right up in front of the bike. Owner apologized said "well my dog is usualy..." I don't know what the dog is "usualy" and said I didn't care what she usualy is, right now she's in danger. Told her for the safety of the dog and others she needs to leash the dog. She did.

If her dog needs off leash exercise she's got plenty of options nearby.