anastasia:  You bring up a good point about dogs in the part (or wherever they might be).  I think it starts with responsible pet ownership.  When I took my dog anywhere, she was on her leash.  I knew that I could command most situations but  she was faster than I and there was no sense in taking a chance of letting her roam free while we walked together.  But when we got to an open field, I'd let her run.  As long as there were no other dogs or little kids to distract her. 

My daughter was in California visiting relatives and her 3 year old was attacked by a dog.  The dog was on a leash but it just went nuts and charged my grandaughter (this was a few weeks ago).   My son in law came unglued on the owner.   They had to call the police over it.  But then there are other dogs that are well trained and they'd never do that sort of thing. 

We've got an interesting situation in our neighborhood within the last two weeks.  There's this big brown dog (not sure what kind but maybe part lab?) and it just showed up.  It lays in the middle of the street and just hangs out.  All the time!  (we lived in a culdesac where there are three culdesacs and the dog lays on the main entrance road)  Someone must be feeding it otherwise why does it stay?  I'd go make friends with it but am afraid it will "adopt" me.  lol.  I think I'll bring it a treat later though. ;)