Dogs Love To Be Walked In Our Parks
Donna Klein, Dan Alaimo and Mark Schulte monitor clean up stations and enjoy the park with their best friends.
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What a great day in Lakewood it was, as the leashed dog walking pilot in Lakewood Park and Kaufman Park began on April 10th. The citizens support committee was there with their dogs inspecting the clean up stations, ensuring that they were stuffed with pick up bags and talking to residents. There were plenty of happy and orderly dog walkers that came out as well, with leashes attached and bags in their pockets. Joggers were using the path along with dog walkers and cyclists and everyone was pleased with the look and feel of a new dog friendly Lakewood. Visitors from out of state and neighboring cities were also enjoying the park with their dogs, commenting that now they would not hesitate to consider buying a home in Lakewood or establishing their business here.
The committee would like to thank those council persons who voted for the pilot program, were positive in their comments and actions, and supported the committee’s efforts over the past year to make Lakewood a more family friendly community including Kevin Butler, Tom Bullock, Nickie Antonio, Brian Powers and Monique Smith. Sincere gratitude also goes out to Joe Beno, Director of Public Works, and his staff who worked with the committee to place clean up stations, signage and map out safety concerns. Special mention and thanks also goes to Dru Siley, Assistant Director of Planning & Development, who championed the inclusion of value added programs like the leased dog walking pilot and citizen support efforts as an integral part of an effective and sustainable Lakewood Parks Master Plan.
Several dog walkers even chased away the flock of geese that were defecating on the lakefront outfield grass. Even on leash the dogs chased the geese into flight and did not allow them to return while the dogs were in the park. Walking on the outfield grass was very difficult given the numerous large piles of goose poop, but hopefully these piles will lessen as leashed dogs continue to walk the park with their masters. The citizens support committee also plans to conduct several educational seminars and park cleanups, encouraging fellow Lakewood citizens to join the effort to keep our parks clean and vibrant.
Proper etiquette is the key to continuing the expansion of our park usage. To that end the Citizens Committee In Support Of Leashed Dog Walking in Lakewood Parks offers the following suggestions for dog walkers:
On Leash
• Your dog should always be on leash outside of the dog’s place of residence. Please remember that walking your dog means personally walking your dog on a leash. Do not simply “send your dog out” to do their business, which inevitably ends up on your neighbors’ property for them to clean up. While you may not mind the piles in your yard, your neighbors should not have to worry about it in theirs.
Jump Or Approach
• Your dog should be taught and controlled never to jump on or approach anyone without permission. Have an excited dog? Keep in mind that not everyone may be as much of a dog lover as you are. Don’t assume that every man, woman and child wishes to pet your pooch. Some people are afraid of dogs, or may not be in the mood to be jumped on. Be sure to gauge their interest and get their permission before approaching. The same holds true for approaching other dogs.
Be Respectful
• Above all respect the rights of other persons and pets around you when walking your pet in a neighborhood. It is not courteous to allow your dog to walk on people’s front lawns, or urinate on their mailboxes or landscaping. Instead, a more appropriate way to handle your pet is to walk in the street or on the sidewalk and to restrict your pet to the strip of grass that’s between the sidewalk and street, staying clear of people’s plantings and posts.
Pick Up
• Dog walkers must carry waste bags to pick up dog waste and place it in an appropriate container. Dog walkers, please, don’t even leave your house without a plastic bag for picking up after your pet! And don’t forget to use it! Be a considerate dog walker and carry extra bags to pick up waste and litter along your walk or to have one ready to give to a fellow dog walker who may need one.
Under Control
• Keep your dog under your full control. Your dog must be under control at all times in all places by someone who is strong and responsible enough to maintain proper control of your dog.
Follow Local Ordinances
• Dog owners must be aware of and obey local ordinances. By working together to be responsible pet owners, we can help keep our neighborhoods and parks enjoyable for all.
Coming up in future articles will be suggestions for non dog walkers.
Happy and Healthy Walking!