DFA Committee

Proposed Fred Anderson Park – an update!

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Apr 102013
 

[Archived from Proposed Fred Anderson Dog Park 16thwabashdogpark.blogspot.com]

We’ve gotten an update about the design of Fred Anderson Park from Michael Lange, the project manager at the Chicago Park District.

The design drawings are almost complete, and we are privileged to be able share the latest with you.  The overall design is very similar to what we’ve presented previously. But as they say, the devil is in the details!  Here are some highlights:

  • The small dog area has been expanded a bit. Good news for all the ‘small fluffies’ in the neighborhood! (a.)
  • There is now one entrance gate, at the southwest corner, shared between the small- and large-dog parks. (b.)
  • A bulletin board will be installed at the entrance area. (c.)
  • There will be mounting posts for informational signs at the overlook in the center of the park. South Loop Dog PAC will be assembling material to post there in order to educate kids about dogs and about how to approach them. (d.)
  • An expanded area is now to be covered by dog-friendly artificial grass! This is great news for fetch-driven dogs that might want to play here. The perimeter of the park remains concrete. (e.)
  • There will be an access gate at the east of the park for maintenance, and a second double entry to the dog area. (f.)
  • A space has been designed for a lockbox to store park maintenance materials. (g.)
  • Shade sails will be place throughout the park (light blue triangles in the picture above), including over the performance stage!  There will be benches and tables distributed throughout. (h.)
  • In order to unify the whole area, even the sidewalk along S. Wabash will be integrated as part of the design into the rest of the park. (i.)
  • The water runnels have been reconfigured somewhat; there will be two separate features, one in the small dog area, and one in the large dog area. (j.)

Construction is expected to start by summer, but we don’t really have hard information about the schedule. The park presumably will be completed early next year (2014). It’s going to be a substantial project, involving some remediation of the lot, and the construction of berms and other topological features will take some time.

We have raised one issue with the CPD: According to current plans the dog park will be surrounded by a 6′ high ‘Omega‘ fence.  This is the type of fencing used at the Bartelme Park DFA. We think that a fence this high in a park this small will create the feeling of being in a cage or a prison, and have suggested that the fence height be 5′ – still a substantial barrier. It’s important to us to maintain a relationship between the dog owners in the DFA and the non-dog owning community that may be on the surrounding path or in adjacent park areas.

The board of the South Loop Dog PAC has been in ongoing communication with the CPD about this park since March of 2010. We thank Michael Lange for being willing to listen to us and to incorporate ideas from our dog-friendly perspective. We have to admit – it’s pretty gratifying to see many of our suggestions now implemented. We hope that this experience bodes well for future collaboration between the dog community and the CPD as new Chicago dog parks are designed and built.

As an aside, we’ll also be updating you soon about two other dog friendly area projects in the South Loop that we’re involved with:

  • d’Angelo Park DFA – The story of our efforts to remediate problems introduced from the beginning by the design of this ersatz dog park.
  • Coliseum Park Dog Run – An update on plans for improvements of the playground and DFA that were recently announced. SLDogPAC will be meeting with CPD representatives next week.

Finally, we invite any reader to please join South Loop Dog PAC – not just as a contributing ‘member’ but as an involved dog owner. We welcome your ideas, and your thoughts about and support for these projects!

Oct 182012
 

Save the date!

The final Chicago Park District presentation of their plans for the Fred Anderson Park and DFA at 16th & Wabash has been scheduled for Tuesday November 20th.

This will be an important meeting.  It will be your chance to learn about and comment on the final plans for the new DFA, which will begin construction in 2013.

UPDATE:  The meeting is scheduled for 6pm, Tuesday, November 20th, in the Community Room at the 1st District Police Station, 1718 S. State. 


Sep 172012
 

On September 4th, the Board of the South Loop Dog PAC met with Michael Lange, Project Manager of the Chicago Park District regarding the new park at 16th and Wabash (Fred Anderson Park), to discuss the planning for the new park and dog-friendly area. Board members Pamela Focia, Doug Freymann, and Gordon Stewart presented a number of ideas that we believe would make the new DFA a state-of-the-art recreational resource for people and their dogs in the South Loop. We outline some highlights here, but Mr. Lange asked that we not release details of the latest plan until the park district presents them at a public meeting.

o The Park District will hold a public meeting to discuss Fred Anderson Park development plans in early October. As soon as the date is released you will be notified.

o As in previous proposals, the current plan includes a small public stage/performance area and a plaza area, in addition to small-dog and large-dog play areas, surrounded by a strolling path.

o We emphasized that providing more than one entry point to the dog park would better serve the community.

o We emphasized that the park surfacing should be a top priority, as coated asphalt is not ‘dog-friendly’. The CPD is considering an artificial, state-of-the-art ‘canine-grass’ surface, which is designed to be and will be built upon a specialized drainage substructure, for easy maintenance.

o We asked that the dog park design be people-friendly as well as dog-friendly in order to promote (people) socialization and community building.

o We asked that the ‘interface’ between the dog areas and outside of them be carefully designed so that educational materials (e.g. ‘how to greet a dog’, ‘what dog breed is that?’, etc.) could be posted to bridge communities, and, particularly, to teach kids about dogs.

o Michael assured us that consideration of maintenance activities is an important element of the design. Service gates that we suggested be added will be large enough to allow equipment access.

o Construction cannot begin until after approvals and bidding are conducted in Spring 2013. The anticipated construction start would be summer 2013 and construction will take several months.

o The proposed DFA will be ‘large for Chicago’, but likely will not be larger than Wiggly Field or Grant Bark park.

We’ve been doing our part to advocate for the best possible dog-park in the South Loop at Fred Anderson Park. But the Board of the South Loop Dog PAC is a small group, and we ask that you, as a member of the South Loop community interested in, and hoping for, a great local dog park, take action, too. Please keep in touch with us, come to our meetings, help us reach out to the public and to the press, and let your Alderman know how you feel.

And watch for announcement of the public meeting in October!

Acadia Park!

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Aug 272012
 

If this doesn’t get dog owners toasted, I don’t know what will.

The latest info comes from the Sloopin Blog: 
Aug 132012
 
Photo from DogHouseDaycare.com

A recent email from a user of Grant Bark Park brought to our attention the need to talk about park safety!  We all want our local dog parks to be a safe, fun space for our dogs and ourselves, but what do you do when the worst happens and another dog attacks you or your dog?

The Short Answer:
Call the police.

According to the Chicago Park District website, all owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries caused by their dogs.  If your dog is bitten or attacked, exchange information with the owner of the other dog.  Most owners in good faith will offer to pay for your vet bills.  If the other owner is unwilling to speak with you, call the police and report the incident.

The Long Answer – From the South Loop Dog PAC President:

“Unfortunately, there are no procedures in place for situations like this. There is a Chicago Park District ‘rule’ about ‘dogs that have shown dangerous behavior’, but there is no mechanism for enforcing it – the CPD is not going to police the parks, the SLDogPAC is in no position to police the park, and in the end it’s going to be up to the parties involved to negotiate how to handle it amongst themselves. 

This comes up more frequently than we would like in Chicago dog parks – we hear it from our colleagues across the city – and we’re trying to come up with a way to at least try to improve the information provided to dog park users and clueless owners.  This is a long term project we’ve been trying to get off the ground – this incident, and others, is giving the effort impetus.”

Things to Look For – From PetBahaviorHelp.com 

Understand what to do when corrections, squabbles and fights happen
?? Sudden, quick disagreements with lots of noise that end in a matter of seconds are normal and it is probably safe to allow the dogs to remain in the park if neither shows any inclination to continue the argument.
?? Interrupt any situation that seems to be escalating.
– Use your voice in a calm, commanding way to stop the fight.  Screaming simply increases the
arousal of the dogs involved.
– Do NOT stick your hands into the middle of a dog fight to separate dogs. If physical intervention is
needed, try to grab the back legs of your dog and “wheel-barrow” it until it calms down. Fighting dogs will often strike at anything that moves near their face and human hands are far more delicate than most areas where one dog will bite another.
South Loop Dog Note: We strongly discourage the use of pepper spray for breaking up a dog fight as it could injure your own dog or other dogs around you.
– Do not allow additional dogs to jump into the fight. If you see or hear a squabble between other dogs, get your dog immediately and take it away from the area.
– Do not panic. It will not help the dogs. Remember that as a general rule, the louder the fight, the more bluff and bluster is involved and the less damage. Most dog fights between similar size dogs do not result in serious injury.
?? Once a fight occurs, the adrenaline levels of the dogs involved, and many of those who witnessed the fight, will be raised for several hours. It is wise to take these dogs out of the park and exercise them elsewhere to avoid the potential of another fight.

If you have any advice or opinions, please feel free to leave a comment for discussion.

Park Update – CPD Meeting from 8/6/12

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Aug 072012
 

Your South Loop Dog PAC board had a meeting scheduled with Michael Lange (our new Project Manager contact) of the Chicago Park District for yesterday, Monday August 6, 2012.  Unfortunately, Michael decided to cancel the 10:00am meeting at 10:05am when he arrived.

Pam, Elizabeth, Kirsten, and Doug were in attendance and while we were incredibly disappointed Michael cancelled on us at the last minute, in person, after we arrived.  At least we were able to get a few questions in while we stood in the CPD lobby.

What we know from Michael Lange/CPD:  The entire park budget has been increased to $4 million as was announced earlier, but the park is still in the design phase.  They have just been given approval to reengage the architect and are hoping to finish the design by early fall.  If this happens on time they would procure the construction company for spring 2013 construction with a build out period of 90-120 days, but realistically on the later end of that number.  The TIF funds for the park do not expire until the end of 2014 (which was verified by the Alderman’s Parks Liaison Leslie Recht).

What about the dogs?  The whole park is 1 acre total and Michael said the entire park would be dog friendly, a dog friendly area/dfa, BUT he could not confirm how much of the park would be an off-leash area or give us the percentage the dog park would be of the total park.  He commented:

I won’t give a percentage because it’s a spaced that serves the community – whether you have dogs or kids or are by yourself.  

The only other park concern we had time to discuss was the rumors about Acadia having an outdoor dinning space.  Michael had this to say:

We are not designing for any specific vendor in mind.

To date they (Acadia) have no contract with us that I know of. 

Michael said that parks are not designed with specific vendors in mind, but that when the park was built or being built, Acadia could pursue a contract with the CPD for use of the space.  There is a plaza space that will be incorporated into the design, but as of now, it is designed for general use and not being designed for the use of Acadia.

So where are we?  Essentially in the same place.  We’re still waiting for designs to be finalized and are hoping they will be finished and presented to the community in the next couple months.  The CPD is hoping to schedule a community public meeting for early October to sign off on the plans.  In the past year and a half since the revised plan for the park was presented in April 2011 (and was resoundingly rejected by the community) the Chicago Park District has been very tight lipped about the project.  There have been no specifics available to us about further development of the park.  This meeting, unfortunately, did nothing to clarify the CPD’s intentions nor did it reveal how the park design will continue to evolve in their hands.

Want to help?  Leave a comment on this blog, like our facebook page: 16th and Wabash Dog Park and share your support for the new park.  Also, plan on attending the South Loop Dog PAC Annual Member Meeting which will be scheduled for September…we will be discussing the new park!  And as always, we’re always looking for great community members and dog owners to join the South Loop Dog PAC.  More information on membership can be found here.

Thank you for your support!

~Kirsten Agnello-Dean
SL Dog PAC Board Member

May 142012
 
Photo by Federico Stevanin 

Luckily, our dog beach is open year round in Chicago, but more pooches feel inclined to visit when the weather gets warmer.  Want to take your pup to the beach?  Here’s what to know before you go.  Below are the official rules from the Mondog Montrose Beach.  Click on the links for more information.  And of course, don’t forget to brush up on your Dog Park Etiquette with our post from last week.  These rules are worth a read for any pre-beach trip.  As the Mondog website points out, “what is considered acceptable behavior at home, is not necessarily at the Dog Beach.

1.No food on the Dog Beach.   

2. PROMPTLY clean up All dog waste. Please discourage your dog from
“WATER POOPING”, as it is strictly forbidden. 

3. No Prong or Pinch Collars

4. Dogs should play with dogs of appropriate size and energy level.

5. Immediately leash and remove dogs exhibiting aggressive or
potentially dangerous behavior
.

6. Respect other dog owners requests to separate your dogs!

7. Close the gate behind you!

8. No unaccompanied dogs and no more than 3 dogs per adult.

9. No muzzled dogs.

10. Dogs only on the beach…no other pets allowed.

11. Dog Toys are shared, whether you like it or not.

12. Toys left on beach are garbage.

13. If it’s unattended on the ground, it’s fair game.

14. ON or OFF LEASH?

15. No TRAINING WHISTLES…

16. No Kites within the Dog Beach.

Another thing to consider?  Make sure your dog has a good recall.  The park is fenced in, but some users have claimed their dogs can get out where the fence meets the water.  Be on the safe side and practice coming when called with your pup on a regular basis.

Have anything to add?  Please leave a comment!  Has your pooch been to the beach?  What did you both think?

May 072012
 

When the weather gets warmer…more dogs come out to play!  So now is a good time to review the rules and etiquette for taking Fido to the park.  Most important of course is to make sure your dog is properly vaccinated and socialized.  Puppies under 4 months, dogs without all their shots, and aggressive or extremely timid dogs are best to avoid the dog park.

The best way to insure a good time for all, be respectful of your park (clean up after your dog) and always watch your dog.  Make sure your pooch isn’t playing too rough or cowering in fear under the park bench.  Always be there to protect your dog.

That said, here are the official rules for Chicago’s dog parks – click on the link for more information from the MonDog Website:

1.  Owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries caused by their dogs.

2.  Owners must remain with and watch their dogs at all times.

3.  Dogs must be leashed prior to and upon leaving the DFA.

4.  Owners must immediately clean up after their dogs.

5.  Dogs with a known history of, or who exhibit, dangerous behavior are prohibited.

6.  Dogs must be healthy, fully immunized, dewormed, and licensed.

7.  No dog will be allowed in a DFA unless it has a current rabies vaccination.

8.  Dog owners are responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of the DFA.

9.  Owners or other responsible persons must have a DFA permit with them for each dog visiting the DFA.

10.  Each dog visiting a DFA must display a current Chicago Park District DFA tag.

11.  DFA permits expire on December 31 of the year that it is issued.

12.  Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; younger children must be closely supervised.

13.  Only three dogs per person allowed.

14.  Puppies under four months old and female dogs in heat are prohibited.

15.  Failure to comply with the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control Regulation for Chicago Park District DFAs can result in a fine.

Onto Etiquette…our dog parks will only continue to thrive if we are compassionate and considerate of our dog park neighbors.

*Clean up after your dog
*Don’t bring people food into the park
*Always ask before feeding another dog a treat
*Don’t discipline another person’s dog, but do remove your dog from an aggressive or inappropriate situation.
*Play with your dog and pay attention to him, but don’t forget to let him socialize with the other dogs.
*If you see another dog and their parent about to leave, call your dog over so they can leave easily. 
*Always shut the gate behind you.
*Talk to people – chat about your puppies and give other dog parents a heads up if you’ve been there for a while and noticed anything unusual or a dog that could be potentially aggressive.
*Fill the water bowl, take the time to rinse out the bowl and fill it with fresh water if it’s been sitting there for a while.

Did we forget anything?  What other tips can you think of for making our dog parks a better place?

Apr 302012
 
Photo by Maggie Smith – freedigitalphotos.net

Waiting for our new park to be finalized and built can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember the success stories that came before.  Here’s a particularly nice piece about Chicago success in creating dog parks from Good News for Pets.  It was written a while ago, before the Montrose Beach even, but it’s a nice read to feel optimistic – just look how far the city has come in a few short years.

Establishing a Dog Park: A Chicago Success Story
By Steve Dale


Just four years, ago there wasn’t a single safe place in this city of more than 750,000 dogs to legally play off a leash. Now, there are ten dog friendly areas with more on the way, including dog friendly beach spaces, which will sprout up along the shores of Lake Michigan next spring.
Chicago’s recipe for creating dog friendly green places requires grass roots neighborhood support. Dog owners and non-dog owners work together creating solutions to problems where they live.


Mayor Richard M. Daley barks, “Most dog owners are responsible people. Like anything else, you have to give opportunities to those people who prove they are responsible. They deserve a place for their dogs to walk and swim. It’s all part of getting along with one another in a big city.”


Read the full story here.


Apr 232012
 

 

[Archived from Proposed Fred Anderson Dog Park 16thwabashdogpark.blogspot.com]

Getting dog parks built takes a lot of support!  Luckily for us, the South Loop Dog PAC (which stands for Dog Park Action Cooperative) has taken the new 16th & Wabash dog park under it’s umbrella, which will make getting support for the new park much easier than if we had gone it alone.  But what is a dog pac?


A dog pac, or park action cooperative, is a membership based all volunteer, non-profit group of dog lovers that helps advocate for our four legged friends in the city.  They’re headed by an 8 member board Here’s the South Loop Dog PAC’s mission

The South Loop Dog PAC advocates for and supports responsible dog-ownership in Chicago’s South Loop.  We provide and maintain safe off-leash areas for dogs and humans to socialize in area parks, and we work to encourage healthy and mutually beneficial dog-human relationships in the community.  

Today, the SLDogPAC is responsible for maintaining the South Loop DFAs, as well as planning and financially supporting any improvements or changes to the dog parks. In addition, the SLDogPAC continues to promote responsible dog ownership, providing socializing opportunities for our dogs and their people, as well as educational information. 

So what do they do?  In 2011, The South Loop Dog PAC:

  • Purchased 20 tons of gravel for Grant Bark Park and installed the 250 feet of gravel retaining mesh in the park.
  • Requested repairs at Coliseum Park Dog Run to get the drains leveled and fences repaired – which are underway now.
  • Organized clean up events at both parks
  • Worked as a liaison with the Chicago Park District for the creation of our new dog park to be created at 16th & Wabash Avenue.
  • Installed a bulletin board at Grant Bark Park
  • Continuously refilled the poo bag dispensers at both parks – 50 times – which is like 20,000 bags!
As you can see, the South Loop Dog PAC is instrumental in creating and maintaining dog parks in Chicago.  If you see their value as much as we do – AND want to help us get our dog park built, please consider becoming a member of the South Loop Dog PAC.  Membership is as little as $40 and comes with a free t-shirt!  Your dog will thank you.
You can also buy a t-shirt, join the mailing list, or follow them on facebook and twitter as well.

 

Apr 162012
 
Our Meet & Greet with the South Loop Dog PAC was a success!  Lots of dogs got in some quality romping and free treats while their human companions learned about the new dog park, became SL Dog PAC members, and munched on chips and guac!  Check out some photos we snapped at the event then hop over to our facebook page to see more photos (and don’t forget to click “Like” if you haven’t already).  
Special thanks to DoGone Fun! for donating the space and doggie treats.  We hope to see everyone at our next event!

10 Ways to Go Green with Your Pet for Earth Day

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Apr 162012
 

Earth day is this Sunday, so what better time to talk about going green with you pup.  The most recent issue of Healthy Pet from Chicago VCAs had a great page devoted to going green with your pet, dogs and cats included.  We only have one planet, so everyone (including Fifi and Fido) should help to keep it looking beautiful.  No matter how big or small your pets are, they impact the environment too.

Photo from PetSide.com

Here are 10 Ways to Go Green from Healthy Pet:
1. Adopt from a Shelter – Why buy a pet when you can adopt one of the millions of cats and dogs that enter shelters each year?
2.  Spay or Neuter Your Pet – By spaying or neutering you’re preventing more homeless pets from being added to the population.
3.  Repurpose What You Own – Old blankets and pillows can become a new dog bed.  The lonely sock that lost its mate can become a catnip toy.
4.  Turn Poop Green – Most of our pet’s poop ends up preserved in plastic bags in a landfill – use biodegradable bags and scoop poop often.
5.  Protect Plants & Wildlife – Keep your dog on a leash when you’re outside and keep your cat indoors.  Dogs may chase and catch wild animals or damage delicate habitats through good-natured romping and relieving themselves.
6.  Shop Sustainable Goods – When shopping for toys and accessories look for products made from recycled materials or sustainable fibers like hemp or bamboo.  Take time to read labels.
7.  Use Natural Products – Clean up after your pet with products that are gentle on the planet and your pet’s senses.  Read the labels!
8.  Make Your Own Treats – Natural and healthy treats for dogs include carrots, popcorn (hold the butter and salt), and select raw veggies.  Always consult your veterinarian first.
9.  Offset Their Paw Print – Purchase renewable energy credits to offset your pet’s carbon emissions.
10.  Go Digital – Ask your vet about microchipping (mandatory in Chicago).  Also, ask to receive statements, bills, etc. from the vet via email instead of printing paper copies.

Two other “green” pet thoughts we might add? 

Make sure to shop local, your local pet shops like Krisers and Soggy Paws in the South Loop usually by items from local or close to local vendors and often focus on natural, healthy, and eco themed accessories and treats – think natural by-product free food from Fromm’s based in Wisconsin.

Also, consider donating slightly used toys, blankets, towels, and more to your local shelters.  The Anti-Cruelty Society and Paws Chicago both happily accept donations of goods to keep shelter pets happy.  If your dog doesn’t play with a toy anymore, why not recycle/reduce/reuse it by passing it on to a pet in need.

Happy Earth Month!

What are some ways you go green with your pet?

Dog Friendly Meet & Greet This Sunday

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Apr 122012
 

Make sure you stop by the Dog Friendly Meet & Greet this Sunday at DoGone Fun in the South Loop!  We’ll be on hand to answer any and all your questions about the new Fred Anderson Dog Park or help you join the South Loop Dog PAC (If you join on Sunday, you get a free t-shirt!)  We hope to see you, and your pooch, this Sunday!
April 16, 2012
11am – 3pm.

The Dog Lover’s Companion to Chicago

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Apr 092012
 

Looking for a book to help you navigate Chicago with your pup?  Check out The Dog Lover’s Companion to Chicago.  It’s a great little book that breaks down the city by section and shares dog friendly places and tips.  The latest edition is a few years old, so you’ll have to double check the places and events listed.  Fingers crossed they’ll come out with an updated version soon!

Check out what they said about the South Loop:

“Residents of the South Loop, some of the most active dog owners in the city, believe there are more dogs in their little neck of the urban woods than in any other neighborhood in the city.  The city clerk’s office doesn’t track pet ownership by neighborhood, so there’s no way to know for sure, but there;s certainly no shortage of friendly furry faces.  South Loop Dog PAC, a neighborhood group of dog owners that created a dog-friendly oasis in the urban jungle, noticed all the canine actions…as well as that dog owners learn each other’s dog’s names before they bother to learn the human’s names.”

They give Grant Bark Park 4 paws up!  Let’s hope our new dog park is open when the next edition of this book comes out.  What are your favorite South Loop dog places?

Apr 022012
 
Photo Credit: Idea Go

We recently read Planet Dog: A Doglopedia and loved it.  It’s a great collection of fun dog facts, stories, and info.  Ever wondered about the dogs that were first on the scene on 9/11?  Curious about sled racing, canine acting dogs like Lassie, or Dave Berry’s thoughts on dog behavior?  Check this book out.  A great section we liked reading was “astrology for dog people.”  Here’s what Stacey Wolf, a well public author of psychic books, a stand up comedian, and known for her spot on readings of celebrity, sport, and political predictions had to say about what dog breed’s characteristic you have based on your astrological sign.

Find your inner dog breed

Aries: Jack Russel Terrier.  You’re friendly, very feisty, and completely untrainable.  You have boundless energy to run around and mess things up!  You also like to be the center of attention.

Taurus: Saint Bernard.  You are a big, mushy, loveable, slobbery kind soul.  You love to work and help people with a lick and a smile.  Let’s not forget your stubborn streak, once you get your paws into something, you’re not likely to go soon.

Gemini: Yorkie.  You are really cute, bouncy, very yappy, and best of all, you have really well groomed hair – with accessories to match.

Cancer: Chihuahua.  Everyone things you’re all cute and cuddly, until they get into your space and you want to bite their head off.  “Ruff, don’t touch my bone.”

Leo: Great Dane.  The king of all dogs,  You do everything larger than life, from the way you walk to the way you play. You command attention and have a big, loud bark!

Virgo: Westie.  The dog in you is stubborn and pleasing.  You were once the cutest and best groomed pooches around, and you love to work too.  Once you get into a good bone, you can dissect the thing for hours with energy and determination.

Libra: Greyhound.  Your inner dog is both graceful and classic.  If you had it your way, you wouldn’t use your speed for racing – you’d run from one party to another.  You don’t like to work – just to play.

Scorpio: German Shepherd.  As the master of the universe you are the most intense breed.  You inspire both awe and fear.  YOu are cautious around strangers but love your best friends.  You strut with an air of mystery.

Sagittarius:  Golden Retriever.  One of the friendliest breeds, you love everyone you come into contact with equally.  You are always up for new adventures, but love to come home for a good nap at the end of the day.

Capricorn: Pug.  You are cute and cuddly but balance that with a feisty independent streak.  You are mostly good natured, but every once in a while you give a loud snort if something isn’t going your way.

Aquarius:  Miniature Schnauzer.  You’ve definitely got a mind of your own, but no one can really understand what’s going on in there!  You are cautious with strangers and like to bark a lot – sometimes about nothing.  Opinionated and adventurous, you are always up for a good sniff.

Pisces:  Toy Poodle.  You just want to cuddle up to someone you love all dat long, do nothing, get carried everywhere, and never let your feet touch the ground.  Being treated like a princess or prince isn’t bad either.

What was your dog breed according to the stars?  Do you agree?  Does it describe you?

Mar 262012
 
Photo from South Loop Dog PAC

We all know about the benefits for dogs in dog parks (like socialization, excursive, stimulation, etc) but what about some of those less obvious reasons?  Dog parks offer a host of benefits…even to those that don’t have a canine companion or choose not to use the park at all.  Here are our top three favorite unexpected benefits to building a dog park.

1.  Green Space – Trees give us necessary oxygen and plants have been proven over and over again to make people happy, literally.  Wouldn’t you rather a vacant lot be turned into a place for greenery than remain vacant, weed filled, and a collection space for debris and trash?

2.  Less Poop – As you know, abandoned dog poo is a problem (if you don’t already know – just check out South Poop to learn all about the South Loop poop epidemic), but give all those doggies a place to play and poop, and their owners some free bags, and they’ll be less poop on the sidewalks.  Plus, dog owners are more likely to pick up their dogs poop (or even someone else’s) inside a dog park than a random lot or sidewalk.

3.  Safer Parks for Kids – A common parent complaint is about the danger off leash dogs pose to children playing in parks.  They’re worried Fido will knock over their little tot as he frolics in the grass.  With a designated place for dogs to play, kids can roam without fear of being disturbed by dogs, and vice versa.  Running dogs probably don’t like kids getting in their way either.   And building more and more dog parks mean that people will be able to use them with ease and not have to resort to letting their dogs off leash in people parks.

Can you think of any other unexpected benefits of dog parks?