Imagine my disappointment when I arrived at the West Tisbury Farmers’ Market on June 28.
Imagine my shock and disappointment when I arrived at the West Tisbury Farmers’ Market on Wednesday, June 28. My mom attached my leash to the picket fence at the side of the market and walked away. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It seems that she too was shocked when she saw a brand-new, most unwelcome sign that read “No dogs allowed.” I barked in righteous indignation at such heartlessness. I started going to that market when I was a pup nine years ago. I loved meeting other dogs and greeting humans who bent down to say a friendly word. Mom was very happy to see me so happy. Neither she nor I ever saw dogs misbehaving. But if an occasional one did sneak a pastry off a table, is that the end of the world? Mom tells me that she if she can’t find produce elsewhere, she will still come to the market but she’ll spend as little time as possible. We sadly miss the joyful old days. Please vendors, reverse your hard-hearted ban.
Ann Lees (on behalf of Chloe the mini-dachsund)
Chilmark
Comments
I am new to Martha's Vineyard
Joseph Sieber for Connor (mini schnauzer) KatamaI am new to Martha's Vineyard as I am a Mini Schnauzer that was adopted from Houston. I had always heard that Martha's Vineyard was a dog friendly Island. I was surprised to learn that my people are not welcome at the Farmer's Market if they bring me! They are very sad that we won't be able to go to the Farmer's Market this summer. I'm not sure why I'm not welcome. Please reconsider.
I have been coming to the
Jillian Collis EdgartownI have been coming to the Vineyard for 35 years. When my family originally visited the Island 1982 we enjoyed bringing our dogs with us almost everywhere. Dogs are very much a part of families and bringing these extended family members on vacation is part of being a dog owner. I treasured the Vineyard's relaxed and warm attitude, which I felt fit with the Island's welcoming culture.
But over the years the places I can go with my dog has shrunk considerably. At my town beach, Lambert's Cove there is practically an anti-dog police force making me feel very uncomfortable and I spend my time on the beach constantly watching the clock to avoid being reprimanded.
The anti-dog sentiment now includes the Saturday Farmers' Market. Unbelievable. One more restriction for dog owners. The market was allways a very lovely morning meeting place: chatting with other dog owners and their families and children. We loved it and so did our dogs. Now I don't think I will bother to go anymore, I will go elsewhere for my vegetables.
To me the whole essence of the Vineyard is being spoiled and it is a very sad thing. It is time to switch directions and recognize that the Vineyard is headed in the wrong direction. It should return to being the warm, welcoming community It has previously been for families and that should their canine members.
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