PLATFORM : Who’s the Animal?

My daughter and I own a dog. Our dog is a vital component in our lives. Like most animal owners, we are responsible for our pet. We make sure that our dog is always on a leash when we take him for a walk and we always clean up after him. If he starts to bark--as dogs tend to do--we do everything possible to keep him quiet.

If we choose to add another pet to our household, I am told that the homeowners’ association would frown upon this. I have invested a lot of money in my home. An added pet to my household would be a thoughtful process. But the association has taken it upon themselves to regulate our personal lives. Give me a break!

There are some people in my complex who don’t have pets but are consistently rude and noisy. They have loud parties and I have had many sleepless nights because of their noise. Just who are the animals, and are the wrong ones being restricted?