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July 23, 2003
Something to Say?
We are currently in the process of creating a blanket letter as a group that you can download from this site and send to Mayor Logie, the Parks & Recreation Department and Animal Control. Until then, we encourage you to contact these officials personally, as a citizen of Grand Rapids and/or Kent County, via e-mail, traditional mail or fax.
Mayor John H. Logie
Grand Rapids City Hall
300 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2206
E-mail: mayor@ci.grand-rapids.mi.us
Parks & Recreation Department
Attn: Jay Steffen
201 Market Avenue S.W.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Fax: 616.456.4567
E-mail: jsteffen@ci.grand-rapids.mi.us
Kent County Animal Control
711 Ball Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Fax: 616.336.2425
Posted by Gwen at July 23, 2003 10:08 AM
Comments
I think that it would be a wonderful idea for dogs to have a place, even 2, to be able to be off leash. What i am finding about this whole situation is that when animal control came to the park everyone ran to leash their dogs. If this was a dog park why did they do that? I don't feel that i should have to pay $300.00 for my dog to be able to run free. That is rediculous! Yet, i can not help but wonder what these people were thinking when they got a dog. I recently purchased a house and one of my main concerns where how large the yard was. Knowing that it is against the law to have your dog off leash off your property why would one not think of this? Everyone is upset that they received a citation but it was only $20.00. I would encourage everyone that does want a dog park to fight for it. It is a wonderful idea. I do not feel we should take our fustration out on animal control for they are only upholding the law. We are the only ones that will be able to change the law.
Posted by: Tracie at July 23, 2003 05:47 PM
Tracie -- Obviously you are not a dog owner, otherwise you would know that just because you have a backyard, large or small, doesn't mean that your dog will be social or get enough exercise. Having a backyard is only a part of successfully raising and caring for a dog. Would you just leave your dog out in the back? What about chaining your dog up in your backyard? Those are sure ways to make your dog aggressive and I hope that Animal Control would come knocking at your door.
Posted by: Christine at July 24, 2003 01:31 PM
Christine, I would like to commend you on your response. I think your point on socialization is key! Let me say something else...I am one of those people who pays for my pup to be at the dog park, and I thank God everyday that I can do that. We rescued him and his socialization was less than spectacular. He is getting better, thanks, in part, to an official dog park. I was warned that "they", whoever they might be, were watching and waiting to nab people at Cambridge, and I stopped attending. If you are looking for a place to let your dog run free while waiting for a public park to be opened, why not try the private one??? Is your dog worth it? Mine is. Also, I can't wait to have a public dog park opened up so my pup can meet different friends!!! I love the dog park group and I can't wait for the day they open up the first official public dog park in Grand Rapids...it will be a step in the right direction!
Posted by: Missy at August 13, 2003 03:02 PM