2009.05.21
Leash cutting today at Roanoke Dog Park
The leashes come off today at the Roanoke Dog Park, a fenced-in, 1-acre playground for pooches in Highland Park in the Old Southwest neighborhood.
The official opening is 5:30 p.m., but from what I understand there are already pups frolicking in the park now.
A friend sent me an e-mail last night saying that at least one pooch was running through the park dragging his leash that was still attached to his collar.
While it's understandable that a pet parent may want to leave the lead on the dog to make it easier to catch the playful pooch when it is time to leave, this is not a good idea. The loose leash can get tangled around a bench or one of the hydrants. It can also look like a toy to another dog and cause an unwanted scuffle.
So, while you do need the leash to get in and out of the park, make sure to unclasp once you are inside the fence. The park is not that big; you will be able to round up your pup when the time comes.
OK, I am off my soapbox now. See you at the opening tonight.
I want to bring my 2 year old Pit bull Tater, but i am scared he will jump that 4 foot fence and be gone like the wind. I have 6 1/2 acres of land but i have seen him leap the fence without touching it, maybe with other dogs there he wouldn't do that, and i have not found a cure for this because once he realized he could jump it that was the end of playing around the house.
Comment by Mike T — May 21, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
I am looking forward to visiting the new dog park. I was at an event at the private dog park in town, and have to say I will never, ever go back. There was a dog wash fundraiser, with several rescue groups attending. During the event, there was an unfortunate accident (and I hope everything turned out well).
The owner of the dog park had every right to be upset. However, she seemed to be placing blame on the recue group volunteers there, and the responsiblity was hers, not anyone elses. Instead of bringing people together to help solve the problem and taking control of the problem, she threw accusations at people, cried, and was very rude to the volunteers.
Many people went out of their way to try and help, and she never even thanked anyone.
Comment by Annon — May 24, 2009 @ 5:09 pm
As an attendee of the fundraiser alluded to above and an individual who participated in helping the owner of the dog park resolve this accident, I was very disappointed to see a comment from someone else who was none other than an observer. Those of us who helped were thanked, many times over.
It was very disappointing to witness a visitor be complacent to the regulations/standards that are in place for the protection of the dogs. The reality is that anyone choosing to use a dog park space must be respectful of the rules and regulations. I saw no blame being placed, but instead saw fast action being taken to resolve the "unfortunate accident".
If I were the owner of the dog park, I too would have been upset. As a dog owner I would expect nothing less from someone who cares for my pets, as that's how I would know they are committed to their business and its clients' interest. I will continue to be a solid supporter of this business, despite an attempt by the anonymous comment to disparage the business.
Comment by Kelly — May 28, 2009 @ 10:58 pm
I have to agree with Kelly. We take one of our dogs to Six Wags twice a week for day care and spend a few Saturday mornings a year letting all of our dogs run. We have never had anything but a great experiences with the entire staff at Six Wags!
Comment by Phil Nelson — May 29, 2009 @ 11:37 am