Dolphins Spotted In Long Island Sound

Experts say more dolphins are visiting Long Island Sound this summer. They say they've recorded a pod of at least 100 bottlenose dolphins in the Sound. Joseph Schnierlein of the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk says dolphins are often spotted in the Sound, but nobody's seen this many there since the 1950s.

Kim Durham of the Riverhead Foundation on Long Island says the coastal bottlenose dolphin is more commonly seen off the coast of New Jersey and farther south. She says the Long Island Sound dolphins should do well as long as they're not bothered by humans.

Boaters should be aware of their presence, and yield their boats until they pass. Some theories as to why they are here may be due to the positive environmental changes to the water quality in the sound. The Dolphins, also are feeding on the fauna which may be bountiful enough to keep them around.

Bloggers are posting videos of their dolphin encounters all over youtube and like blog sites Curious people can find some great videos of these encounters just by doing a simple video search.

Dogs Vs. Horses at Eisenhower Park

Eisenhower Park in Milford is about the only really great place to take my dog for a hike, and on the North side of the park there even is a small "off-leash" fenced in area.

Lately the Horses and their riders have been at odds with dogs that are "off-leash." Some dog owners have been threatened with fines and some dogs have been allegedly hospitalized as a result of horses viciously kicking them.

Some stories I heard speak of a harmless punt of a dog by horse, and others more severe, including broken bones, internal injury and in some cases death. Recently I asked if anyone could share their personal opinion of this menace and offer any of their thoughts regarding the "horse vs. dog" issue. The most interesting response I heard was as follows.

"The place it's big enough for both. Talk to the major and he may be able to come with something that you can agree on...Like drawing a line for horses and another for the dogs . We all need boundaries, even horses and dogs...Thank God for people like me that are so intelligent...!"

This was a great suggestion, I love the idea of drawing a line and I also love the idea of an "off leash" area but my dog Bella likes to swim and there is no water in the fenced in area. I feel like her day is that much more fulfilling when she takes a dip in the river and shakes off on the grass.

Inevitably I think horses and Dogs will always be at odds, and for good reason Horses get spooked by them, riders also get nervous the dogs will be harmed by their horses kicking or worse themselves, as riders, thrown. Thankfully I have not learned of any real horror stories involving riders being injured because of dogs but I accept that their is a risk. For this reason I trained my dog to come when I call her and when I sense danger leash her until the horse passes.

If anyone insists on letting their dog loose I would stress to please respectfully leash your dog if you see a horse approaching, all it takes in one bad accident and strict enforcement against dog owners will commence. Dogs and horses can get along if we practice common sense and avoid potential hazards.

A Very Busy Week in Milford

This was a week packed with activities and today I would like to express my thanks to all those volunteers who organized the Housatonic River cleanup on the 3Rd. of May. I would also like to mention the Bass fishing contest (also this weekend) that was full of family fun and the great Quality of Life programs I love to hear about, and lastly something I would like to write a little more about the "Respect" program that is expected to "kick off" this month behind the Milford library. This great event has been the topic of many newspaper stories.

These news stories, i.e. the CT Post story, invoked something in me that I would like to share about the authors description of our towns "Respect" program. But before that I would also like to mention that I appreciated my step daughter being enlightened with the motivational speaker who spoke to the student body, she found the experience very positive and uplifting. She liked the fun manner in which issues like "bullying" were addressed. My thanks to all those who made that event possible.

On the other hand, what I was somewhat concerned about, was the article in the CT Post that spoke of this program in the context of division between the ideology of some intolerant Christian Churches, and went so far as to use the word "Homophobes." The article also mentioned a body of growing support for gay teens.

The reason I mention this is because I felt the Post article dicotomized and divided a very honorable event into opposing factions, and then without directly saying so left a "good guy", "bad guy" feeling. To be perfectly clear about why I bring this up, I personally do not "respect" or support divisive school politics nor do I support the social engineering of our children. I believe that kids should be free to decide for themselves about how they wish to think and also they should feel comfortable enough to speak out without fear reprisal. Parents should encourage free thinking, as part of raising their kids.

Personally I do not judge anybody based on their religious views, creed, or personal life preferences, I have my own irrelevant opinion about life and publicly the pursuit of happiness of all individuals, whatever that may be, is what I support. I also support freedom of religion, and the right to express our thoughts as we see fit. So no one gets lost here and to summarize the bottom line I will quote (Matthew 5:43-47 )

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?

FYI I am not very religious, but this is one of my favorite quotes.