Here’s an interesting one from the pet board on Brooklynian about someone taking offense at dogs in some water at Brower Park in Crown Heights. Here it is:
I had a strange experience in Brower park today and am wondering if I’m too much of a “Dog Mom” to see the big picture- please tell me what you think:
We have two dogs, both big. Both VERY well trained, calm, and bathed (Johnson’s baby shampoo,) and brushed regularly. They are closer to being our children than pets. Now, as summer progresses, they are getting very hot just like the rest of us and eigher my husband or I will walk them to the park to sit in the shade and cool down in the sprinkler (usually every day). The kids LOVE watching them in the water and the dogs LOVE the attention.
Now today I had a HORRIFIED mom who YELLED at me to get the dogs out of the water that her kids play in. I was taken aback, because the ONLY negative reaction we’ve ever gotten has been from parents afraid of dogs. (p.s. our guys would NEVER EVER releave themselves in the water and would throw themselves into traffic before they’d hurt a kid) I tried to explain to her that my dogs were loved housepets and as clean as any child, and that she had much more to worry about from a human child with feces/urine in his/her diaper than from the dirt on the dogs feet.
She continued to yell, and being the jackass I am I let myself feed right into it, put on my “offended” face and we yelled at each other like a couple of idiots while the dogs stood around looking embarrassed.
Bottom line: we dont have access to a pool or outdoor water source. The puppy (90 lbs) has had heat stroke twice before (his breed is prone) and NEEDS to be kept cool. I COULD put them in the tub, but it’s a long, wet, messy process and the park is steps away. I think the parks are for everyone to enjoy, and not every dog (as I’m sure you all know,) is a filthy junk yard attack dog.
[Photo courtesy of the Bridge & Tunnel Club]
10 responses so far ↓
1 gina // Aug 1, 2008 at 11:05 am
yeah, our friends had a dog who they thought would never hurt a kid. Then the dog killed a kid. Just saying, it pays to play it safe.
2 rick // Aug 1, 2008 at 11:11 am
I think the dog people are taking over as I have been to many bars on 5th ave where dogs are welcomed inside, also food establishments. Now I know you love your dog but I don’t want dog hairs in the food I’m going to eat or the drinks I’m going to drink. Leave the dog home and stay home with them.
3 Christina Wilkinson // Aug 1, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Dogs are not allowed in children’s playgrounds by order of the NYC Parks Dept:
“No dogs allowed: Dogs are not permitted in these areas at any time. These areas include playgrounds, zoos, swimming pools/facilities, bathing areas/beaches, fountains, ballfields, or on basketball/handball/tennis courts.”
4 don't believe it or not // Aug 1, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Dog Beach! It’s a schlep but it’s worth it.
5 NYCdog // Aug 1, 2008 at 1:19 pm
NYCdog (New York Council of Dog Owner Groups) battled and won the right for dogs to be off-leash at limited times and in limited places in many NYC Parks.
We won because most of the owners of the 1.4 million dogs in NYC are responsible and respectful of others. We know that sharing precious parkland is necessary.
That said, the rules clearly state that dogs are NEVER allowed in children’s playgrounds, including those with sprinklers.
I recently lost my beloved 110 lb Akita named Bella Abdog. Akitas prefer the cold; summer heat and humidity was stressful on her. So I always carried multiple bottles of water, walked her early day and after sunset to mitigate the impact of summer heat. If we passed homeowners watering their lawns or cleaning sidewalks, I politely asked if I could use their hoses to spray Bella (no one every objected).
But, we never went into children’s playgrounds or under children’s sprinklers. This simply is not permitted and can result in a large fine and even arrest since adults without accompanying children are not allowed in playgrounds.
NYCdog is an umbrella organization. You should consider joining or forming your local group centered around your local park. Each of our groups works to involve dog owners with local parks whether they have a fenced dog park or off-leash rights. You might be able to get a pet friendly water fountain installed (for drinking, not bathing).
Meanwhile, here is the City’s official site on dogs in parks: http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/f…..cilities/af_dog_runs.html
Finally, please remember that if dog owners violate rules, those who oppose off-leash or hate dogs are empowered. Many of those people are petty, spiteful individuals who spend inordinate hours attacking city dog owners by spreading their lies, distortions, and propaganda. They have already picked-up on this question and have posted it in numerous locations as “evidence” of the selfishness of dog owners.
Thank you
Bob Marino
president
NYCdog.org
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Also see http://www.NYCoffleash.com
NYCdog is an umbrella organization of dog owner groups from throughout NYC’s five boroughs. Our groups now total over 50 with approximately 50,000 members
6 Anonymous // Aug 1, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Bob,
Thanks for your great post. As both a parent and a dog owner, I’ve often felt conflicted when I see dogs romping around in the playgrounds with spray fountains. Glad to finally have all the facts. What about dogs off-lease when not in a city-own park? In my neighborhood, people are constantly letting their dogs freely roam the streets and its unnerving.
Mare O’Neill
7 rosweed // Aug 1, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I also live close to Brower Park and use it when I can’t take my dog to Prospect Park. It’s nice that there’s a park within two blocks of my house. But I have also had confrontations with people in the park about my dog. They’re mostly of the, “you white people and your damn dogs are taking over our park”, “that leash is too long and it’s illegal” and “you better clean up your dog’s shit” variety. The last one happens while she’s taking a dump. I always clean up after my dog. I carry a roll of biodegradable bags that I knot and put into a trash bin. I noticed that there’s a little metal basket attached to a pole near the water fountain you speak of where people can leave empty bags for others to use. Nice touch. My only comment is that people are probably reacting more to the gentrification of the area than to the specifics of what they’re saying. I just smile, don’t say anything and walk away.
8 Boxers // Aug 1, 2008 at 10:09 pm
With me, i NEVER impose my dog on anyone. Though i agree the woman probably overreacted, the lady with the dogs should not of had her two dogs playing there.
9 NYCdog // Aug 1, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Mare
Thank you for your kind words.
Dogs are never allowed off-leash while on the street. Not only is it illegal, but it’s dangerous for dogs and simply rude.
I knew my Akita was gentle but strangers on the street did not. And what if a child was spooked and ran into the street? Simply common sense and courtesy should guide us all.
If you continuously have problems in your area, please call 311. If enough complaints are logged, there should be action.
Before Bella died, one of my greatest joys was introducing her to little children in the neighborhood. As these children grew, they’d often wave or come over to say hello to Bella. Many children (and parents) who had been afraid of dogs discovered the joys of pet ownership. Had Bella been off-leash, my neighbors might have been too frightened to have approached. Sometimes leashing makes sense on every level.
Mare, if dogs are romping in the children’s playgrounds, please ask Parks (via 311) to post proper signs if they are not already there. And if your problem continues, let NYCdog know and we will do what we can to help.
And may I also suggest that you and other area dog owners join or create a dog group centered around your local parks. Together we can accomplish much for both canines and humans.
Bob
10 NYCdog // Aug 2, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Just so everyone can see how the rabid anti off-leashers have tried to distort this post, please visit: http://credo-ny.blogspot.com/ See how the owner of this website has lied, distorted, and selectively edited the truth (while denying people the ability to respond since he won’t post comments that treat him as he treats others). THIS is what dog owners have to contend with daily- a fetid, old man who would not know the truth if it bite him in the ass (he’d blame it on dogs anyway).
I happened to Google his claims today after someone at the FIDO celebration told me of it (I do not really bother checking his site often as they are the rantings of an isolated reactionary who is as influential as a drop of rain hitting the ocean and as respected as, well, GWBush).
The search turned up this site: http://credo-ny2.blogspot.com/ Apparently someone has decided to respond to the Credo lies and distortions. Bravo whomever you are! And thank you.
The Fido 10th anniversary celebration was wonderful. State Senator Adams and Borough President Markowitz each spoke and offered their support to NYCdog in our efforts to make licensing and vaccinations easier so more people will comply and to expand the number of dog owner groups throughout Brooklyn.
Despite the threat of rain and the many people away on vacation, hundreds of people showed up at the Long Meadow with their dogs in peaceful, respectful sharing of the park. At 9 am, people leashed up, cleaned up, and left the fields pristine for other users. THIS is the way responsible New Yorkers act, and we are proud to say that most dog owners are responsible.
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