Inadvertently you found the major “pet” peeve of most classic car owners/car show participants: Dogs (Whidbey News-Times, Aug. 12). I own three classic cars and I am very unhappy with dog owners who bring their dogs to a car show to mix it up with my multi-thousand dollar paint jobs, even more unhappy than I am about kids with bicycles!

I do not go to the show in Oak Harbor because the problem is so bad and access to the area is so uncontrolled.

I have a keen interest in keeping my cars in good condition. I do not need my expensive wheels and wide whitewalls peed on, I worked hard to clean them. I do not need my paint scratched while dogs are fighting for territory or the owner is not paying attention when Fifi or Brutus takes a hard left in front of my car and drags his leash across my fender.

Do you dog people have something of high value that I can scratch for you? Ninety-five percent of show participants wish your dog was at home where it belongs.

To expand, everywhere I go dog owners seem to think dogs are a good idea. I go to Choochokam in Langley — dogs. The Coupeville Arts and Crafts Fair — dogs. The Anacortes Arts Fair — dogs. It never ends.

People, leave your darn dogs home when you are going to a crowded venue. The funny thing is most dog owners do not seem to understand that the rest of us do not adore your dog! I do not think your dog is cute when he licks my hand or my grandchild’s face; I know just what the dog was licking three minutes ago. I do not need to see toddlers and my grandchild knocked over and trampled by your dogs or bitten. I am not amused when my foot or my grandchild finds one of your dog’s “piles.” I do not need to hear your dog’s incessant barking (this one is for the lady who brought her golden retriever to the July 4 fireworks at City Park and he went absolutely nuts for the whole show and all of us had to listen to the dog barking and you yelling at the dog. You weren’t even thoughtful enough to leave so we could enjoy the show).

I have asked dog owners why their dog is at a car show. “He needs stimulation,” was the reply. Please, dog owners, stimulate your dogs elsewhere!

Fred Darvill

Coupeville