As the postman’s motto reads, “Neither rain, nor sleet, nor gloom of night will keep me from my appointed rounds.” On Saturday, Nov. 21, an overcast sky that threatened (but did not deliver) a chilly rain didn’t keep a goodly number of people to bring Rover on his own rounds either at the opening of the Uptown Dog Park, the latest of the number of canine recreation venues that have been popping up like dots on a Dalmatian in our dog-lovin’ town. Eager participants and their leash-straining companions arrived at Scherer Park earlier than the advertised 10 a.m. event time to enjoy hot dogs (meat and veggie) cooked by the fire department and dog treats donated by the Uptown Animal Hospital, browse the booths and play around as they waited for 8th District Councilmember Rae Gabelich to cut the ribbon.
“We all understand what the need is,” Gabelich said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
During a February meeting held to discuss creating a “Bixby renaissance” and chaired by Gabelich, a dog park was one of several things that residents requested. The Uptown Dog Park was established in a section of Scherer Park; it is surrounded by the wave-design fence that is being used in a number of Long Beach projects. The fenced area is located near picnic areas and a parking lot. The entry gate, as with the two other dog parks in Lincoln Park and K-9 Corners on Pacific Avenue and Ninth Street, has a holding area for entering and exiting dogs to prevent escape. Unlike the other two parks, there are separate play areas, one for small dogs and one for large dogs (medium-size canines are, we imagine, selected at the human companion’s discretion). It makes one remindful of lower- and upper-elementary-grade recess.
After a prepared speech by Long Beach Animal Care Services manager John Keisler (and a glib impromptu address by Keisler’s small son, Benjamin) Councilmember Gabelich cut the ribbon and the fun began. Dogs romped and enjoyed themselves as if there were no tomorrow (actually, dogs do live in the present). Clean-up bags provided by the Uptown Animal Hospital helped to put Gabelich’s message of responsibility into practice, and people were using them.
“Everyone here is so responsible,” said Kim Peterson of Mrs. Doolittle’s Pet Sitting. Peterson said that even though she was wearing sandals, she didn’t feel that she needed to look down.
It’s become customary for the Pet Post to snap a photo of the responsible Councilmember demonstrating responsibility. In an instance of déjà poo, Councilmember Gabelich shows that she’s quick on the pickup.
Dog parks are fast becoming a Long Beach brand and, as with visits with children to “human parks,” it must be remembered that a visit to the dog park should not replace the daily walk or primary exercise. It is a good idea to walk your pooch first for the amount of time you both usually take then visit the park. Again, as with children, dog parks are a good way for sociable dogs to play and be clubby with one another as the “parents” gather and socialize as well. Dogs should be supervised at all times and, of course, cleanup is mandatory.
“It’s very important to take ownership of the park,” Gabelich said, adding that she encouraged residents to volunteer to keep the park clean and to become members of the Dog Park Advisory Committee.
After the Dog Park Advisory Committee is established, committee members will more firmly establish park rules, and we want to put in a cautionary note about children. Although many kids are pretty responsible and can look after the dogs very well, parents need to be aware that it could be difficult to watch a younger child and dog at the same time. For this reason, many dog parks do not allow children inside. We feel that children need to be educated about how manage dogs (and themselves) in a dog park, and certainly to ask an owner’s permission before they touch a dog they haven’t formally met.
At the Uptown Dog Park, it’s no walk in the park—it’s a romp.
Some just like groovin’. “I’m so glad this is here,” said Maxine Titus. “We used to have to go all the way to Second Street.”
Uptown Dog Park will be open from 5 am to dusk. If you’re interested in volunteering for the park’s Dog Park Advisory Committee, call the office of Councilwoman Rae Gabelich at (562) 570-6685.
Check the bottom of this post for more photos from the dog park grand opening!
Pet Projects
Whether Naughty or Nice, They’re on Our Lists
During the holidays, remember the pets who aren’t as lucky as yours. Add any one of the charities we’ve mentioned in “All I Want for Christmas” to your holiday list: ACS’s Wish List; Friends of Long Beach Animals Cat Comfort Campaign; a Food Donation Partnership sponsored by Food Finders, Friends of Long Beach Animals and Mayor Bob Foster; and Community Action Team’s Santa Paws. Click on the link above for information.
City Municipal Code Change is One More Step to Making Long Beach “the Safest City for People and Animals”
Approximately 1,500 initial barking complaints will be handled more quickly and effectively in 2010 with recent changes to the Long Beach Municipal Code, Title 6: Animal Laws. Beginning with the new fiscal year, Animal Care Services (ACS) will begin enforcing violations of the municipal code with the administrative citation process.
A step-by-step guide to the complaint process for common issues of off-leash, defecation and barking is available online. Evidence of a violation is still critical; residents are encouraged to begin documenting violations as soon as they are aware of them. With adequate evidence and an affidavit signed by witnesses to the violation, an administrative citation may be issued for common violations without the presence of an officer.
“Neighborhoods are safer when we have the tools to respond and enforce the laws quickly,” said Ronald R. Arias, Health and Human Services department head. “The administrative citation process is an example of progressive thinking in the City of Long Beach.”
The new approach expedites response times, reduces costs for processing complaints and eliminates fees paid to the courts for criminal citations. All fines collected support further enforcement activities at ACS.
More information about the new complaint process is available online at this link.
Virtually Pets: Online Adoption
This is Dannie, a female tortie-and-white domestic shorthair about 8 years old. She would love to grace your household. She’s been at the shelter since Nov 11, 2009. Ask for ID#A391122.
Of course, if you want a matched pair, there’s Sammie, another 8-year-old DSH female cat about the same age as Dannie. Sammie and Dannie—nice ring to it! Ask for ID#A391125.
Chase is a cutie-personality petit poodle with tan and white coloring. The shelter staff thinks he’s about 6 years old. Just right for a lightweight lapdog! Ask for ID#A391276.
Below are additional photos from last week’s dog park grand opening!
