Dogblog note: Another sure sign of summertime is letters to the editor about dogs in our opinion section.

Here's a selection of three that have been published lately. All of them bring up viable points about dog ownership.

If you feel like replying, you can either reply here, on the Dog Blog, or click on the headline and go to the Letters to the Editor roundup where it was published originally. If you reply there, the author is more likely to see a reply.

Owners can abide by the law without having their dog on leash

Our puppy, Marlin, is 6 months old and growing every day. He likes to lie underneath our spruces in the front yard. Today, a young man walking down our street spooked Marlin to "woof." My husband was also in the front yard monitoring our dogs, when the man yelled, "Curb your dogs!" At this point, both our dogs are barking, and the man yells, "There is a leash law, I will shoot your dogs if they attack me!" My disabled husband stands up and says, "Bring it on." Now, blood flowing, I "Google" leash laws.

The Anchorage leash law states that one must have control of one's dog by visual, verbal, harness, or by hand signals in any public area. We are responsible dog owners and feel angry when anyone threatens our family. Especially when we discipline our dogs better than most children I know.

But if you are not a dog owner, I feel for you, because to err is human, and to forgive -- canine.

-- Linda Lew

Anchorage

Runner wants dogs leashed
In response to Linda Lew's letter on 5/31/12, I would have to say that I disagree. I go on runs around my neighborhood on a regular basis, and it's frustrating and annoying when an unleashed dog comes running out toward me. I have no idea if it just wants to be friendly or if it wants to gnaw my leg off. It can be scary, especially if I'm dealing with a larger dog. Oftentimes, owners aren't around do deal with the problem, or when they are around, they do a poor job of dealing with the problem. This only adds to the fear factor.

My suggestion to dog owners would be to keep an eye on their dogs, and when they are outside, keep them on a leash. Runners and bikers everywhere will thank you when dogs aren't coming up to them on a regular basis.

-- Dakota Jones

Anchorage

Dogs and driving don't mix
I have found it increasingly funny that there has been as much ballyhoo over cellphone usage while driving versus virtually none about the large truck/car driving masses that insist on having their dropkick dogs sitting in their laps peering over the steering wheel.

If this isn't a driving hazard equal to cellphone usage I don't know what is. Please, someone tell these idiotic drivers that having a live animal in your lap while driving is not safe! Might as well smoke a cigarette, eat a sandwich, shave your face, put on your makeup, and read this wonderful paper while driving.

-- Matthew Tocchini

Seward