Saturday, May 7, 2011

DOG PARK WAR, part I

Early on, during our adventures in nearby Ironwood Park, the humans there were most upset: someone identified as a city animal control officer was there on a Sunday (and apparently being quite angry about working on that day).  He reminded those therethat the signs in the park plainly say that all dogs must be leashed and, after the first warning, there was the possibility of a ticket with a $155 fine for having a dog off leash.
The owners pointed out to me that this was one of the few areas where a dog could be off leash.  They also energetically pointed out that when the dogs are there, the children are not. 
Oh, the injustice.  Oh, the unfairness.
I volunteered to call our local council representative and point out the necessity of a dog park.  The others cheered, offered to help create and sign a petition, etc.  A day or so later one woman even announced that there would be a doggie/human Sunday brunch at her home so more strategy could be planned.
While we waited for the council member to call back, for days anyone seeing an un-initiated dog walker heading towards the park, would issue a warning about the pet patrol person possibly being in the vicinity. 
A friend told me the name of the best and most easily reached of our council leaders. 
We were motivated, we were energetic, and we would not be stopped.   We would be as purposeful and demanding as the protesters in Egypt’s Tahrir Square in 2011, when they toppled Mubarek.
We were fighting for doggie democracy!!

"Things that upset a terrier may pass virtually unnoticed by a Great Dane." --Smiley Blanton

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