LET'S TALK about dogs and how wonderful they are and how most of them should stay at home, where they belong.

Sorry, didn't mean to be abrupt. It's just that, lately, I've seen so many dogs being dragged around in public, and I think they would be so much happier elsewhere.

I regularly help my companion, Lou, who takes photos of sports teams. That regularly puts us at busy parks and venues for sporting events.

A few weeks ago, we were in the midst of the masses: parents and kids excitedly running to soccer or baseball games--or dragging their butts from the fields, heading to the next event.

Swarms of adults were pushing strollers, wielding walkers or toting coolers and snacks.

Many were leading dogs on leashes in the midst of this mayhem.

Two had stopped, with their owners, in a shaded grassy area, and that's when trouble started.

A big dog noticed a smaller, fluffy-looking dog across the way and started barking.

Then it bolted.

Before its owner could restrain it, the big dog bit the little one. Or maybe the little one nipped first, I don't know.

I heard more than I saw.

Humans were upset, and dogs were blamed. The big one was dragged to the parking lot, and I feared the poor fella would have to stay in a hot vehicle for doing what comes naturally to dogs--defending their turf.

Well-meaning pet owners bring their pooches out among the crowds--or let their kids handle the dogs--then the animals yank away and get in trouble.

Once, I saw the parents of three small children carrying all the necessary gear their youngsters needed. It was also their turn to provide snacks, so they were lugging juice boxes, chips and Cheetos.

And, trying to keep their large dog under control, which looked like a full-time job in itself.

Why do that? It can't be a good time for the dog, who's choked constantly because it's not used to the leash or trained enough to use it.

Before you think I'm the kind of person who likes cats, let me say that Lou and I have a yellow Lab named Rugger, and a beagle-hound mix called Buddy.

We love our "boys."