Dog Terrorism on Ventura Beachfront

* What on earth is Ventura coming to?

Packs of dogs are allowed to run loose on the beach day and night. I’ve tried to be understanding as I walk, eyes down, lest I step in what has been left behind.

But I lost all patience on a quiet Sunday at 7 a.m., when a huge dog burst into my patio and terrorized both me and my cat. When the rather indifferent owners of the dog caught up with it, in my patio, they said it was my fault for leaving the patio gate open.

How remorseful were they? The dog was back in 15 minutes.

At 81 years of age, I was far too shaken to enjoy my coffee or finish reading the morning paper. I’m still looking for my cat and don’t know if it’s wounded.

My question? Who’s minding the beach we claim to cherish? Does anybody really care?

MARIA C. MAGINNIS

Ventura