Unneutered Animals

For the record, unneutered animals are not allowed in the dog park. It is part of the city policy. If you notice an increase of these dogs and they are causing trouble you may want to call bylaw enforcement and have them come out –especially if there is a particular time that it is occurring. Another tactic is to mention to the owner, before there are issues, that the park is restricted to fixed animals,it makes it clear the park has rules before problems arise. Essentially the onus is on everyone- as park users- to keep the area safe.

Below is an excerpt of a letter that I recently received about the issue that highlights our concerns.

"We love the park, it's only 10 mins drive away from our house. Ever since this summer started, we have been going there early evenings around 8pm during the week. Our dog made many friends there, however, over the past couple of weeks or so we have noticed there are more and more unfixed dogs at the park. They pick fights and run around mounting other dogs. These are adult dogs, not puppies. We have been trying to avoid those dogs every time we were there, eg. we went to the opposite end from them, but the experience this evening was very frustrating and I decided to write this email to you.

This 18 month old Doberman Pitcher (uncastrated) kept coming after our young neutered dog, trying to dominate him, and our dog then fought back, and it kept escalating to a nasty level. The worse part was the owners being very irresponsible, they didn't call the dog over or do anything to get their dog off my dog, and I had to break up fights  many times.  We were at the opposite end, and the dog still kept coming at him. For the entire time at the park, I had to keep an eye on that dog, and every time it came near, I firmly corrected the dog and asked him to go away. This should not be my job, people who bring their dogs to the park should monitor their dogs!! It was a very frustrating night. I know my dog, he is always tense with unneutered dogs coming at him which is very normal. When I asked the owners of that Doberman why he is not fixed, they told me he is a show dog, which to me means he will NEVER be fixed.

Here is my question, should there be a rule against unfixed adult dogs in the park? It is very unfair for other dogs especially when there are some irresponsible owners involved. They bring so much negative energy to the park, and now I get nervous going to the park. If this keeps happening, someone will get hurt one day. " 

Signed: A nervous dog owner 

Grass.....

Well, just so you know I too was dismayed at the lenght of the grass surrounding the dog park, as well as the length inside the fence too. I had asked again several weeks back about having it cut, but was bumped to another staff member.

I decided to wait a little while to see if something would happen, and when I had finally decided to give up- lo and behold the grass was cut. That isn't to say I don't think it still looks dishevelled and abandoned but at least I can see the balls when Frida doesn't bring them back.

I am still waiting to hear about other park items like a notice board or wood chips for the wet days. Hopefully they call me before I finally give up and start call up the chain to get a reaction.

I would like to remind everyone about cigarette butts. Please do not throw them onto the very dry, long grass outside the fencing- I am afraid it will catch. And please do not drop them in the park- some of our furry friends don't have enough sense to not eat them.

Till next time,
  Enjoy the heat!

Spring is Here!

It is so nice to see the warm, wonderful weather back again for the season. Frida has sure enjoyed getting back out to the park and visiting with all her doggie friends. We hope everyone is having a great time and has managed to visit the park at least once in the last while.

I would like to say a hearty thanks to the folks who have been putting out mulch to keep down the mud, all at their own expense. I have asked the City about helping out, but so far I've had no response. Maybe Councillor Grimes can help us there?  hint, hint

Also on the wish list is a notice board. It has also been asked for, and again no word as yet. I would like to hear from the park-goers if they could be interested in contributing to a few amenities like a board and an umbrella. And how much are you willing to donate. Maybe we could even get corporate sponsors? Send me a message or make a comment to let me know.

As the snow has cleared, there have also been a few Timmie's Cups and other garbage left behind. I would like to remind everyone that we need to pickup after both ourselves and our dogs. As well, I would ask any smokers to wet your butts and dispose of them in the bins if possible. We all need to help keep the area safe and clean.

Have a safe and happy summer, and see you at the park.