La Conner Weekly News - Your independent hometown award-winning newspaper

I love waking up every day in this very special town wondering what the day will bring. My days begin at what is affectionately called “Dog Beach.” While walking here I feel my soul soar with the wildlife, water, surrounding fields and Mount Baker off in the distance. A little “piece of heaven.”

Recently half of this “piece of heaven” was taken away when property rights and lack of respect and kindness took hold.

I am told this property has been utilized by the public for more than 20 years – arguably creating a legal right to the public for continued use. The berry growers who own the property rescued a large dog whose tendency is to bark at and chase anything on her property or the property adjoining it. Some didn’t understand she was just doing what some dogs do. Others were mean to her.

Even before lawyers got involved a large steel beam was cemented into the ground and “private property/no trespassing” and “beware of dog” signs went up. Then the signs came down. Shortly after the lawyers got involved the signs went back up and the property owners’ dog was restricted to a leash and a “blackberry” fence blocked access.

People tried circumventing the “blackberry” fence to access the beach, believing they had a right to do so. The berry growers altered this point of access such that only a very healthy and agile dog could traverse it.

One would think there was a better way to handle this scenario. Respect, kindness, responsibility for one’s dogs. Instead, half of the little “piece of heaven” enjoyed by the public has been cut off by berry growers whose business has been supported by its community.

I still enjoy “dog beach” every day. My soul still soars with the wildlife and I am still in awe of my surroundings. But I am saddened every time I get near the big steel beam with those unwelcoming signs – and wishing everyone could just get along.

Mary Bly Accord

La Conner