I am writing in response to Sam Birenbaum’s letter to the editor regarding dogs in Malibu. I am a 14-month-old beagle named Daphne who has lived my entire life as a resident of Malibu. Whether dogs should be allowed on any Malibu beach at any time is at issue. In order to satisfy the needs of differing residents’ views, including mine, my owner’s, and Mr. Birenbaum’s, my owner and I believe that our law should either not discriminate against dogs and their owners and allow them to enjoy all Malibu beaches, or there should be the creation of a place where dogs can enjoy the beach with their owners.
I know many dogs, myself among them, that neither endanger children or others, leave feces or pee on the beach, chase birds or seals, disturb the peace with loud persistent barking, use the beach as an outhouse, trample through gardens, leave their owner’s leash, engage in territorial chases or promiscuous sniffing or humping in public, nor kick sand in anyone’s face.
I would argue that the majority of humans view dogs as loyal, loving, dedicated, caring companions who love children and their owners, and these humans enjoy their canines sharing the outdoors with them. As a dog, I have never forgotten what my human owner taught me as a puppy — “A dog is a man’s best friend.”
I am quite certain that Mr. Birenbaum perceives that all dogs engage in the behaviors he describes, and, as a result, Mr. Birenbaum proudly waves the flag for a call to legalized segregation of our Malibu beaches by the sheriff’s department.
To make all canines and their owners suffer by not being allowed to enjoy companionship and play at the beach together based on the acts of a select few dogs and their owners is sanctioning prejudice. Laws which legally persecute all members of any group, without regard to their individual behaviors, are wrong.
I, too, have lain on my back, watching the sky and taking in fresh nourishment of the sight, sound and smell of waves in quiet contemplation. I, too, enjoy being at the beach with my owner tossing a ball back and forth, and jaunting into the surf with delight or watching you stretching before surfing.
Further, by making no recommendation for creation of a place in Malibu where dogs can enjoy the beach with their owners, Mr. Birenbaum is a proponent for the ideology “separate and unequal.” Mr. Birenbaum seems to attempt to present himself as “tolerant” and “fair-minded.” However, it would seem that both his actions and his words indicate he is neither.
As all great students of world civil rights have studied, there are always laws on the books that are unjust. A just law looks out for the rights of all concerned.
I hope you will see me at the beach happily wagging my tail and making children that I love and you smile.
We all can learn something from watching Mr. Birenbaum’s behavior and learn greater tolerance, patience, and to express kindness to our fellow man and to respect all living creatures. Even to me. A dog.
Daphne