This letter is in response to a letter in the March 23 Thousand Oaks Acorn. I agree with Marilee Ullmann on how much the citizens of the Conejo Valley are doing without because of the dog park. I can't speak for anyone else, only myself. As a member of the focus group for Conejo Recreation and Park District that planned the dog park, I feel qualified to speak on this matter.

Here are all the things that I am doing without:

I am doing without dogs running up and around my horse on the trail, freaking both of us out.

I am doing without wondering if my horse is going to dump me because of the actions of the loose dogs.

I am doing without wondering if my horse will get bit or kill the dog that is harassing him.

I am doing without wondering who is violating the leash law, which is a state law, not a local one.

And last but not least, I can really do without cleaning dog poo from my horse's feet when I return from my trail ride in the Conejo Creek Equestrian Park.

So yes, Marilee, you are right.

I am doing without and am I ever glad. Barbara Kloster Thousand Oaks