Stop petting stranger's dogs - great article that should be read.

Stop petting stranger's dogs

Good Canine Citizens

Please, if you choose to use the larger Colonel Sam Smith park remember we must share the area with everyone, man and animals alike. That means making sure that your beloved pet does not jump on, chase or attack any other species in the park, nesting birds included. Bad behaviour is bad behaviour.  And if individuals do not ensure their dog behaves in public, then people talk of banning dogs in public places. We never like to hear that.

To reiterate what Mary Lou Leiher said;
 “We advocate for making sure your dog is a good canine citizen, which doesn’t include killing small animals in the park.”

The comments are based on this article in the Toronto Star on August 12, 2013.
Star Article about dogs at Sam Smith Park

Winter and Dark Nights

 I recently recieved this letter from a local resident, that I would like to share with you.
"We take our dog often to the park at Sam Smith, but now we get home too late and it is very dark.  During the summer I heard talk of indoor dog park in this area?"

After a quick search I did find info on an indoor venue located near Dixie and Dundas - but it was is paid venue. They also have a smaller facility in Port Credit. 

I think it would be nice if the Sam Smith park had lights- and I believe some of the Mississauga ones do. Jack Darling states it has lights so maybe it is a good choice until we can get lights in Sam Smith. Check out http://www.leashfreemississauga.com/  


In the mean time- I suggest that we contact our local councillor to ask about lights- as well as the promised trees and other features promised long ago.

Stay warm and safe this winter- and enjoy the dog play 
M 

Do you know this man?

Recently there was a tragic incident at the Colonel Sam Smith dog park. We ask if you know the owner or dog to report it to the police: 22 Division- Officer Purvis 416-808-2222

On July 15th around 8 or 9 pm a young woman entered the fenced dog run with her small 6lb Morkie. Upon entry, an uncollared greyhound dog, unprovoked, attacked the small dog. The young woman managed to separate the two dogs but the owner of the greyhound left as the woman called the Vet ER for aid, with no regard for the injured animal and the grieving owner. The seriously injured dog was taken by the young woman and a kind passerby to the local vet hospital where the dog unfortunately died of his injuries.

We are asking if anyone knows of a white male, mid 30's, with dirty blonde hair and stocky build who drives an older model (2002-04) burgundy Audi and has a tan greyhound with a scar on the back- to contact the police.  

22 Division- Officer Purvis, 416-808-2222

Or you can email me directly and I will forward the information. 

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.