Dog as Family too

More and more, you see how people's idea of family extends to their pets. like this article about how 3 dogs were left a home and money to take care of themselves. I think it's great to see how people care more for their pets every day. The love and devotion that pets give to their family should be returned.

Have a happy new year.

holiday jack

holiday jack, originally uploaded by phaird.

I know it's been a while since I added anything but it's that crazy time of year so I haven't been to the park in a while. There was a few new dog owners today too. It's great how much word of mouth brings people out.

I hope everyone remembers their pets this holiday.

Dogs as family

Progressive Insurance has been promoting pet insurance for drivers. It is included with their collision insurance which is a really great way of including your pet as a family member. The more this kind of inclusion into the whole family process, the easier it will be for pet owners. A supply and demand issue. The more pets are included into insurance, the easier it is to keep our family pet safe and healthy.

About the Acton town meeting

Dec 4 was the meeting to "discuss dog control concerns at Great Hill Soccer Field". I'm happy to say that it was a very productive meeting with the Recreation Commission and those representing the side of those who can't speak from them selves were out in force.

The concerns were the basic things that all places where dogs and people meet are. Poop and safety. Those who use the field for soccer and those who use the field for their dogs both have equal concerns about the other. It became clear that the Recreation Commission were trying very hard to make everyone happy. I think the commission did a very good job of listening to everyones concerns and keeping a good perspective of how the field is used by everyone.

What made me very excited was that the town of Acton would consider creating a independent dog park. The idea is just that; an idea, but just knowing that they would consider bringing it up and ask the community about things that make for a good dog park is a huge step forward in a State that is pretty low on dog friendly places.

I really hope this leads to some very constructive conversations on how to support not only the dog community but the entire community that loves out door spaces.

Winter is coming

nanka with winter coat, originally uploaded by phaird.

There was a real energy at the park this week. All the dogs were really going crazy. It may be that they knew that the first snow was about to fall in a few hours or the chill in the air just made them want to run but something was up. Some were thriving off of the energy while others were staying close to home (the parent). Even my dog Toby was looking for me the whole day. He would run off then run back and jump up on me to let me know we were okay.

It is a beautiful moment when humans and animals can feel that energy. Even those people I talked with said they could feel the energy the dogs were giving off. Much like wanting to know what our dogs are thinking, this was a moment where we got a little peak.

Acton park town meeting

I wanted to give a heads up to users of the Acton park Great Hill. This is the soccer field behind the South Acton Fire Station. A notice was posted to "discuss dog control concerns". I contacted the park to ask if you had to be an Acton resident and she said "NO". Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. I will be there and I hope that if we could get 20 percent of the Sunday group to show up we would have a very busy room. Please make the time to express how important the use of this field is.

I have to say that of all the parks I've been to in the last 6 months, this park is the nicest. The people are very consistent and the majority of people pick up and look after their dogs.

You can email the Acton Recreation department for further info at rc@acton-ma.gov.

dog park community

sheltie, originally uploaded by phaird.

I'm wondering what non-dog owners think about dog parks. My first impression about bringing my dog, Toby, to the park was to let him get some exercise. What I've come to learn with coming on a schedule to the park is that dogs have friends. They show up and get so excited when they see dogs they know. The run and play, bark and wrestle. Some prefer seeing their favorite humans (usually the ones with treats in their pockets). Others just wonder around and watch. They join into races and then head back to their owners as a safe zone. Everyone, dogs and humans always get a kick out of the park though. For me it's a highlight of my week.