I felt so sorry for the lady who was knocked over by a dog and injured (Have Your Say, October 2).

She is right in saying that not everyone wants strange dogs jumping up at them as you can never be sure of a dog’s temperament.

I was recently walking in a park when a big golden Labrador came bounding over to me. I froze and the owner, several hundred yards behind, called out, “he won’t hurt you”.

She was right, he didn’t, but he jumped up, leaving muddy paw prints on my trousers and dog slobber on my fleece. I had to go home and wash my clothes.

Last week I was sitting on the sand at Branksome Chine having my lunch when a spaniel puppy came bounding over kicking sand in my food.

Its owner was walking along the shore line talking with a friend, completely oblivious of what her dog was doing.

I get accused of not liking dogs.

I love dogs, it’s their thoughtless, inconsiderate owners I can’t abide.

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