"Two-dog limit receives little public reaction" needs some clarification from a dog owner's point of view. It is not lack of interest that few Albany dog owners write the mayor or comment online. It is the fear of becoming a target and losing longtime companions.

The two people who were not Albany residents testified because we are part of the dog community and we support other responsible dog owners. As out-of-towners we participate in opportunities for our dogs in Albany: dog training classes, veterinary care and dog events such as agility and obedience trials and Linn County and Chintimini Kennel Club dog shows.

It is not the number of dogs but the owner that is the issue, coupled with lack of funds for dog ordinance enforcement. Albany has good nuisance and noise ordinances as well as an ordinance to license all dogs. Good neighbor education and enforcement do work. Calgary's public education program and removal of licensing barriers including dog limits resulted in more than 90 percent of dogs licensed. Can you imagine the income for Linn County's pound and the city of Albany animal control if that happened?

Mayor Konopa did not consider dog owners to be stakeholders for the task force. What a shame. Albany has missed an opportunity to increase licensing substantially and start an effective education program.

The responsible dog owners in Albany have the interest, community spirit and expertise to offer the city their help.

Susan Pisias, Corvallis