Teona Pipiya Johnson writes:
This weekend, our dog was hit by a car when he ran out of Winslow Park. My 10-year-old son Alex — a 5th grader at Kings Highway Elementary School — wants to share a letter with the Westport community, in an effort to save other dogs.
If you have recommendations on what we can do to make this park safer for dogs, please let us know.
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Dear Westport:
On Saturday I was volunteering at the library with my mom. After our shift ended we were looking for books, when we got a call from my dad. He said my dog got hit by a car. We rushed to get out of there.
A little while later we got a call from my dad again, saying my dog died. I was so sad, and so were my dad and mom.
The Johnsons, and their dog.
The reason he died is because he was running out of Winslow Park. There was this perfectly high stone wall … and a literal 5-foot gap. He ran and ran. When he came to the road he stopped for a split second and ran. And when he was in the middle of the road he got hit by a car. He got hit in the head and died immediately. The good thing is that he had no pain.
We have been grieving ever since he died. April 30, 2022 is the WORST DAY EVER. We cried and cried.
My point is that we should close off that big gap in Winslow Park. Some dogs died before my dog the same way, and I want to prevent that from happening to other dogs in the future.
My dog was only 3 years old. His name was Winnie the Pooh.
RIP Winnie The Pooh. We love you so much. You will forever be in our hearts, and will be with us in spirit. Love you so much Winnie.
Winnie the Pooh.