An open letter to a coward:

Last Friday, Aug. 25, at 5:25 p.m. you took something from us that can’t be replaced. I was  walking my dog facing traffic and was just ready to finish up in front of our house at 577 Race Rd. I heard your loud engine as you approached from behind but perceived no threat as your side of the road was clear and we were well away from your lane. The next thing I know I felt a rush of wind and saw my dog flying through the air, theleash hanging loosely in my hand. I looked up and all I saw was a gold colored full-size pick up accelerating southbound on Race in the northbound lanes. Amazingly enough it looked like you had a dog in the truck bed. My dog was killed instantly and you left my wife and I with nothing but our grief.

I want you to know what you took from us. His name was Jasper, he was a beautifully sweet 8-year-old chocolate brown cocker spaniel. He loved to go for his walks or his runs on the beach. He chased blue herons with a passion.  Whenever we were out on a walk our friends always knew it was us because they would see Jasper. He had a stuffed duck toy that was his pride and joy.

Anytime anyone would come by he immediately went to get his duck to show it off. All we are left with now are his memories and his duck.

I would like to think that you would at least show some sense of remorse but I truly don’t expect it. I hope that you will at least see this letter or that a friend of yours will see this letter and tell you. I have looked back at where it happened and you were going so fast you couldn’t negotiate the curve at Tasman and lost it. By hitting Jasper you may have avoided hitting me because you were certainly close enough. My wife and I will always feel that Jasper gave his life for me.

As the grief wears off we will be left with happy memories of our “little boy.” I hope that you will be left with guilt from what you did.

Bruce and Margot Bottolfson

Coupeville