Dogs. We love them. I do. I can watch dogs (and nowadays dog videos on Facebook) for hours. They are fascinating animals. One day, when I stop traveling, I will own a dog again. I had one for nine years and she was one of the family. Most likely I will own one next time in Gouna.
But dogs can also be a pain. I feel that El Gouna is being affected by this phenomenon: Some dogs are spoiling life as it should be. Here is what I mean:
The Barking Dog: the most common pain to those with sensitive ears. This dog barks all night and keeps you fuming in bed, ruining your sleep (and the following day). Some owners will shut their dog on the roof or tie him in the garden. What does a dog do in this situation but bark and yelp continuously! The other variant is the stray dog that has infiltrated El Gouna. Alone or with a pack, they will bark to establish territory.
The Coffee Shop Barking Dog: You go to an outdoor cafe, trying to engage in conversation except that one or more tables have brought dogs along. Conversation is constantly interrupted by a cacophony of loud barking.
Dubieland: While we applaud the wonderful idea of having kennels in El Gouna and I hear dogs love going there, unfortunately the hour long barking sessions is disturbing, to say the least, to residents of Sabina and areas downwind.
The Invasive Dog: Some dogs on the loose, in a pack of three, one with a collar have managed over several days in Phase 4 to roam gardens, sitting on garden furniture and ripping up cushions leaving gardens strewn.
The call is therefore for El Gouna management and owners to address this problem. Just as parents are responsible for their children's behaviour in public spaces. Dog owners and town management must work at respecting other people's desire for peace and tranquility.
Let's maintain El Gouna as the paradise it is.
