The following e-mail came into Wheel Life from RVer Al Gilson regarding camping with dogs.

"I read your (Wheel Life) column on Saturday (June 24, 2006 -- "Nothing beats ruffing it" ) with interest, hoping that you would really key in on the real problems of Rving with dogs, but you missed it again. You wrote your column with the thought that everyone has a dog and wants to camp next to someone who is RVing with their dog.

The problem with RVing with dogs is that not all RVers have dogs or want to meet or listen to your dog. Sadly, most RVers with dogs don't have a clue about the impact that their beloved pet is having on their neighbor RVers.

Does your dog bark non-stop while you're out sightseeing, boating, hiking, or visiting other friends in the campground? Does your dog bark when another dog-lover camper is walking by with their dog? Does your dog bark when he/she hears another dog bark for the above two reasons?
Sometimes, the campground becomes a chorus of dogs barking for whatever reason dogs bark.

Then there are dog lovers who believe that their dog has a right to wander free at the campground or on the beach-no matter what the rules are. There is nothing less entertaining than sitting on the beach and having a couple of unleashed dogs snarling at each other, kicking up the sand, and shaking the lake and off their fur into my face, sandwich, or beverage. Then, when the dog owner realizes that their beloved pooch is being a nuisance (if they realize it), there is the human chorus of "FIDO...FIDO...FIDO...COME HERE!"

The Meltzers also missed the kennel with their "10 Commandments" for RVing with dogs. Number one should be: "Thou shalt not impose your dog on others."

Please don't get me wrong, I love a well-behaved, well-trained canine, in the full control of their owners and not imposing on other Rvers."

Thanks -- Al Gilson