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On a Tight Leash
"Jackie" jumps to retrieve a ball while waiting for the elevator in the hall with Jessica Larsen at Clarendon Condominiums in Arlington, Va.
(Nikki Kahn -- The Washington Post)
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"I just love animals, and I think it adds character to a building," said Debi Gasper, who lives at the downtown building where the woman confronted the dog owner at the planter. "The pets are so cute."
For dog owners in condos, nearby parks provide a refuge from the limited space at home, but those come with their own rules, as well. Some municipalities, including Montgomery, Prince George's and Fairfax counties, have designated dog parks, where pooches can run free without a leash.
In the District, there is only one legal dog park, in Adams Morgan, which means that in other parks police sometimes ticket owners who let their dogs run off leash.
District officials, pet owners and pet-free residents have been grappling with regulations that would allow creation of more dog parks. In the meantime, some pet owners let their dogs run free but only when children are not around. Others have been less discriminating.
"Many of us take dogs to the parks and let them run in the morning," said Sally Greenberg, a homeowner and dog lover who has been a vocal advocate for dog parks for homeowners and condo owners. "From time to time, police show up and fine people."
"The socializing of dogs is very important for dogs and people," she added. "I get together with some people that I've met through the dog parks. There have been some gatherings of dog owners to socialize and have parties with animals."
Sometimes, the conflicts go beyond residents -- at least the two-legged kind.
In Arlington, Chris Larsen, who praises the pet-friendly life at Clarendon 1021, said that not long ago, a schnauzer in his building bit his 50-pound black Labrador-springer mix, Jackie.
"We're not the litigious type," he said. "But we're not fans of those people."
Some buildings, like the Broadmoor, a cooperative on Connecticut Avenue in Cleveland Park, have figured out a way to eliminate pet-related issues with a very simple policy. "Absolutely no pets," said Broadmoor general manager Sarah Boswell.
And frankly, that would just be fine with the woman who owns that condo near 10th and L streets where she confronted the dog owner.
"It's a great building," she said. "There's a lot of camaraderie. We have parties. This is something that causes issues. If I ever buy again, I will never buy in a building that allows pets."
Staff researcher Richard Drezen contributed to this report.
