I've had it with all the barking dogs in our neighborhood. My wife and I have been here one year and already we've brought up the dreaded m-word: moving. We can't take our puppy for a walk (no matter the hour) without causing an entire block to erupt in manic woofing. The biggest problem seems to be the folks who keep their dogs outside all day long. One neighbor's dogs bark at the slightest provocation. A car passing in the alley sets them off. The barking starts, from various nearby homes, at 8 a.m. and continues through the day--and night. Aside from ethical considerations, aren't there regulations that protect animals from brutal summer days, as well as homeowners from nuisance barking? Is Kenwood a subdivision of Pinellas Park? Is anyone else bothered by incessant barking?

By Brent

I love the cats & dogs in HK.

I was always a cat person, until my little dog came into my life 5 years ago. She has been a great ambassador for her species, and taught me a lot about how wonderful dogs can be. I love her a LOT and treasure her. When we are out walking, there are many other treasured dogs in houses and yards in Kenwood, and as comes naturally to them, they will bark as we pass by. Two seconds later, they are quiet again. If dogs walk past my house, my dog will bark at them. Two seconds later, she is quiet again.

I think the occasional sound of a dog or a few dogs barking in a nice neighborhood like ours, where people have pets who are cherished members of the family, is something that does not bother me at all. I love living in a neighborhood that has a large number of people who have animals as part of their families. Most of the pet caregivers in my neck of the woods are responsible, considerate ones and the occasional sound of a dog barking (or several) does not bother me nearly as much as some parents who allow their kids to scream through the streets and other people's yards, 24/7. But I digress. As long as a particular dog's barking doesn't go on for more than, say, five minutes at a clip, which 99.99999999999% of the time it does not, I think it is wonderful that we have so many feline and canine residents among us. Just another thing I love about Historic Kenwood.

99.9999%?? I wish.

Treasured animals, Edna? Would you chain your treasured pet outside, or just leave it out all day in 90-plus degree heat. You've proven your love for animals, and obviously you don't have the same problem in your area of the 'hood. Good for you. But your 99.99999% estimate doesn't apply to my section of Kenwood. Animal-loving posturing doesn't address this situation. I have two cats and a dog. I love my animals. And I empathize with all the barking beasts. But I don't appreciate the owners who have such little regard for their own pets--much less their neighbors.

By Brent

This is a tough one.

We had this problem starting with one of our neighbors. Before it got too bad, they moved. So, I know what your talking about. We never had to do anything. Have you called our codes officer, Betsy? How about the police or our CPO, Zak? The S.P.C.A may have some suggestions. I have heard from other neighbors, over time, that these are very hard problems to solve. I know of only one to ask now. I will and get back to you. Hopefully, she found some other answer rather than moving.

By Bill H.