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July 15, 2003

To run or not to run

To run or not to run… that has become the question as of late. It started out nice enough, a peaceful evening at the park, dogs romping with their canine friends, people enjoying the sunshine and one another’s company when I heard, leash them up. The warning was followed by a furious rush to the exit by a few people and their dogs. By the time I figured out what was going on the animal control person was gaining ground fast. It was at that moment I decided to stand my ground. And I’m glad I did.

The woman from animal control actually offered some invaluable insight into all this. Animal control is reacting to calls from the Parks and Recreation department about the dogs. They issued 77 warning’s last week and are stepping up their patrolling. They are on duty from 7:00 in the morning till 10:00 at night. The woman actually referred us to Shaggy Pines! We told her that she shouldn’t make that recommendation to us because we already pay to use the park by paying taxes and weren’t about to pay that kind of money.

To make a long story short we’re out 40 bucks but it was almost worth it to hear what’s going on from her. Hopefully the city will use our $40 for a bench at our new dog park with an inscription from Ella and Josie.

Hope to see everyone on Friday.

Posted by at July 15, 2003 10:53 PM

Comments

Your even-handedness is noble, Dottie. And you've written the story very nicely. Yes, we all know that the law is the law, but it nonetheless amazes me that the City chooses to devote such time and energy to pursue our group of well-mannered pooches and their almost equally well-mannered owners. There are so many cases of dog abuse including so many dogs wandering the streets without being under proper control that it would make much more sense for the City to devote its efforts to those who really need it. I'm hot about this!

Posted by: Dave at July 16, 2003 01:36 PM

Right on Dave! My question to Animal Control is why aren't you helping out animals that really need your help? Dottie and I just picked up a stray dog this weekend that was wandering the streets. Surely there are lots of animals and owners that deserve Animal Control's attention and tickets more than our group!

Posted by: Gwen at July 16, 2003 03:03 PM

woof woof woof woof woof woof (are we getting together somewhere safe to run and play?) woof woof woof woof (keep your replies in "dog" so the Officers won't hound us) woof woof woof (nice pun eh) bark bark

Posted by: Max at July 16, 2003 03:46 PM

Yeah - Is there some place safe for us to go or do we just have to take our chances? Please let me know so I can get Kynisha some much needed exercise...

Posted by: cheri at July 16, 2003 04:43 PM

I am very disappointed.I was under the impression that responsible dog owners with well behaved dogs shouldn't worry about a ticket.Remember the city commissioners meeting in the beginning of the year? "As a side note, the leash law was discussed and approved by the city commissioners. Mayor Logie insisted that the ordinance will not directly affect responsible dog owners exercising their dogs and that the ordinance may be reviewed or revised at a later time."It was my understanding that if you exercise your dog off leash (and under voice control),an officer will ask you to put the dog on its leash and inform you it is illegal instead of issuing a ticket right away.I thought they were here to help and not make enemies.

Posted by: Judy at July 16, 2003 06:24 PM

I remember Mayor Logie saying those things too. At our meeting on Friday we need to decide what's the best way to address the Mayor about what's happening, especially after he stated in front of a packed room that they would not seek out and ticket people who were exercising their dogs off leash.

Posted by: dottie at July 16, 2003 09:10 PM

How can you "dog" on Shaggy Pines? I am shocked that responsible dog owners would put down an establishment that encourages dog owners to mingle while their dogs socialize. Isn't that what you are all about? I was a loyal Cambridge Park attender and stopped going because I knew they were cracking down, so I stepped up and decided to pay for my dog to hang out...I'm sure none of you have even checked it out. Do you realize that there are private dog parks like Shaggy Pines all over this country. My parents belong to one in Florida. What's so wrong with it? Think of it this way...that 40 bucks you're out because someone decided to give you a ticket you could've spent on one months use at Shaggy Pines. I know most of you personally and I love what you are trying to do for this city, but I am ashamed at the group putting down a dog park just because you have to pay for it.

Posted by: missy at August 13, 2003 03:10 PM

No one is “dogging” Shaggy Pines. They offer a great service…to the members that can afford it. My issue with the reference to Shaggy Pines was that it was inappropriate for a city official to recommend a private, for-profit park as an alternative. As citizens who invest in our local parks already through our taxes, we feel it is our right to have a small portion of existing parks devoted to exercising and socializing our dogs without having to pay extra for it.

Several of us are “stepping up” and getting even more involved in working with the city toward the eventuality of an off-leash dog area. We feel this is the best approach for us in response to what happened, than throwing our hands up in the air and joining a private, membership driven dog park.

There’s nothing “wrong” with paying for the services a private dog park has to offer, if that’s what you want to do. For me personally it’s not. That’s my own opinion (individual opinions are still encouraged on this site) and it was formed through research and conversation with many people here in GR and nationally. We want our parks to be all-inclusive and everyone to have the opportunity to participate.

Posted by: dottie at August 14, 2003 02:13 PM

I drive all the way from Lansing, MI to go to Shaggy Pines. Yes, Lansing is working on the same public dog park project that you are all working for. The thing is, is that Shaggy Pines offers the comfort of knowing that the animals out there are temperment tested, all vaccinations are up to date, and the wonderful women that run it GENUINELY care about dogs. Yes, it is for profit, but that is not their main motive. Truely offering a heaven on earth for the dogs is what they have accomplished. Yes, the price may be high for some, but isn't knowing that your dog has 20 acres of fenced in property, a wonderful pond in the summer, activities, tasty home made natural dog treats, the chance to run free OFF leash and all in a sage environment worth it?????? It sure is for me!

Posted by: j.b. at January 4, 2004 10:12 PM