Shreveport Dog Blog

Tell SPAR "Basic" or "Better"

2009-06-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

Shreveport Dog Park Alliance is currently in Stage 4 of the Project Milestones for Shreveport's first official dog park. Stage 7 is the Grand Opening! In order to get to Stage 5 FINALIZE DOG PARK PLAN, Shreveport Parks and Rec need to hear from YOU!
Compare the two designs and also the budgets from the last post and decide what you want.

I vote for BASIC DOG PARK because it costs less, has room for expansion, and would probably get more support.

I also let Tim know that I dont think we need TWO doggy fountains (in order to cut down costs). Just one outside the MAIN ENTRANCE

SPAR updates Dog Park Plan

2009-05-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

It's been two months since my last update and I have been trying to get a topographic survey of the Veterans Park site. (It's due to be done May 27) Without the survey I can't do a real plan, but I got impatient and used the old schematic drawing from February (attached) and came up with some quantities and costs for a "Basic Park" a "Better Park" and some other items. (See the attached Program and Cost for Dog Park.pdf) The Basic Park is about an acre, smaller than the February drawing, and the Better Park is 1 3/4 acres. All the costs shown are estimates based on contractor installation.

After I get the survey I can do a layout so you can see what this will all look like.

Tim Wachtel, ASLA, Planner III
Shreveport Public Assembly & Recreation
505 Travis Street, Suite 560
Shreveport, LA 71101
Phone: (318) 673-7721
Fax: (318) 673-7878

Shreveport Dog Park Needs Friends

2009-03-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in joining SHREVEPORT DOG PARK ALLIANCE, comment here with your email address.

Tim Wachtel of SPAR is seeking an official name for the dog park and an official GROUP (dog park users) that will help run the park.

Shreveport Seeking Dog Park Design

2009-03-01T20:25:00.000-08:00

Tim Wachtel, a Shreveport Public Assembly & Recreation landscape architect and City park planner, wrote in a mass email sent Thursday that he has started work on designing a public dog park. However, he would like to hear from the future park users.

"I could just sit in my corner and come up with something, but I believe that the best parks are designed with input from the ultimate users and from those who operate and maintain them, " he wrote.

Wachtel says that he is willing to receive comments, ask & answer questions, and write project updates. He also would like help getting a "Dog Park Contact Group" email list so that he can send out the project schedule, post updates, and maintain communication.

If you want to participate, email Timothy.Wachtel@shreveportla.gov

VOTE RED RIVER DOG PARK

2008-06-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

Red River Master Plan Open House
Thursday, June 26
5-8 pm
Stoner Boat Launch Pavillion

The Clyde Fant Parkway Rec Plan, 2nd draft, is now available to the public. Tim Wachtel of SPAR sent it over to me to share it with the dog park people.

Are you still reading this blog? Sorry, I live in New Orleans now so some priorities have shifted. But I still believe in a dog park for Shreveport's future. My niece and nephew are growing up there, and dog parks are cool.

The revised MASTER PLAN indicates the pubic's request for a dog park, but it was not in the TOP THREE requests (read it to see what did make the top three).

The plan notes flooding issues along the Red River, including both the Hamel beach area site and above the Stoner Boat Launch area. HOWEVER, I do believe a dog park can be in a flood zone because the site is maintained (dog poop IS picked up by owner, or else...) with little infrastructure.

And then there is the little hidden secret of VETERANS. I have heard RUMORS of the Veterans' site being considered by the city for luxury loft condo gated easy street living facilities. So perhaps that is why this place exists in a sad state, just waiting to be rescued and loved. But the Master Plan does recognize this area as a good potential spot. The only thing that needs to be done here is a major clean-up effort because it is hidden by trees and more trees, therefore invisible and dangerous.

Please note: The Shreveport Dog Park Petition is still in circulation with over 1,100 signatures...

NOLA: City Bark

2008-03-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

Plans for the first official dog park in New Orleans can be seen and read about in this week's cover story in Gambit Weekly. The location of the dog park is destined to a little-used area of the park, and it is believed that the addition of the official unleashed area will boost the City Park attendance significantly to more than pre-storm numbers. There will be a pass fee, and access will be granted through a type of swipe card.

Part of City Park's master plan, the design of the 4.6 acre dog park area is well-researched and thoughtful, with features such as a dog wash area and future dog agility course. Says Bob Becker, City Park CEO:

"It means several things for City Park. First, it responds to public demand.Secondly, it's just going to be cool. The committee that's been formed to do it is very gung-ho. With any successful project, if you peel back the layers, you can find a core group that has that passion; this group has that. It's a great way to promote socialization of people. I know it sounds corny, but it could be a great healing place, too."

2008:Year of the Dog

2008-01-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

park?

It takes a leader to make Shreveport's dog park a reality. Who will it be?
I hate to start something and not finish it, but alas, I have moved to New Orleans. I am no longer the Shreveport dog park leader. Consider me the instigator.
I think Shreveport has a lot of potential, and others agree (see petition) a dog park would be the perfect amenity for a city that wants to nurture its creative, modern, young, professional, retired class.

There needs to be more options in this town, and being outdoors with your pup, socializing with other people is a healthy way to achieve this.

Thanks to all of my Shreveport dog owner friends, especially Kathryn Bloomfield who worked tirelessly on the presentation we have sent out to Shreveport city officials. and thanks to the talented Emily Ellis Welch who designed this awesome logo that I hope to one day see on a cap or t-shirt. It is adorable.

Happy New Year!

Who let the dogs out?

2007-12-11T22:19:00.000-08:00

"We did," we answer next Monday morning.

Bringing Reddy to Stoner on Sunday, and we hope to meet you there. We have some things to chat about, mainly about the future.

Sunday Dec. 16 at 1pm
Stoner Boat Launch

Dont forget the poo bags!

City Park to add dog park area

2007-11-30T08:46:00.000-08:00

Times-Picayune reported recently that City Park of New Orleans plans to add a dog park to the north part of the property as part of future improvement plans. This means that New Orleans will have their first official dog park, despite the numerous unofficial dog parks that pepper the city, including sites at the levee south of Carrollton and the Barracks in the French Quarter. So typical of New Orleans, which I love: people just doing what they wanna do!

Our shadow from a bridge

2007-11-13T06:28:00.000-08:00

Our second to last weekend in New Orleans (for now), Reddy and I strolled through City Park on Saturday. It is hard to imagine the park was submerged for three weeks after the hurricane. I saw a palm tree down in a pond, but otherwise the moss on the ancient oaks are hanging on, and the Picayune headline says the carosel re-opens today!

Imagine

2007-11-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken last year in front of my apartment. Its amazing how much changes in one year. I dont even live in the same apartment. Now we are in New Orleans and I am working on a great project, and Reddy has housemates. When we return to Shreveport in a couple of weeks things will look different from when we left them. The apartment will have a neglected smell (and hopefully the electricity wont be turned off again!), the colors will be warmer, the air cooler, friends will have new stories to tell, and new efforts will chug along to make the dog park happen. Wish it could happen overnight, but these seemingly simple things never quite happen this way. Perhaps this time next year, our dogs will be frolicking together in an urban, open green space called Veterans' Memorial Dog Park (or somethng like that).

Cowboy and Reddy on the Levee

2007-10-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

Mayor's Forum

2007-10-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

Shreveport Dog Park Alliance correspondent David McCormick attended the Mayor's Young Professional's Forum Tuesday evening at Stoner Boat Launch. Amidst crawfish pies and such, McCormick said he got some good one-on-one time with Da Mayor.

" We talked about the park and he was very diplomatic about how it is important and how will be good for the city. When he spoke at the beginning he talked about Shreveport being 'a hallmark of a progressive place to be.' I mentioned that a dog park would be instrumental in that."

McCormick said he walked away from the meeting with the notion that the dog park was going to happen, but the question remains WHERE? and WHEN?

"I think it went real well, and we are on the right track," he said.

Apparently there is some talk of a MASTER PLAN that I can not get to the bottom of at the moment as I am working away from Shreveport. However, efforts continue with the Veterans' site as I received news today from local activist Jason Scott about re-vamping an existing non-profit organization dedicated to this once glorious park that exists today in disarray.

Thank you for your continued interest and emailed suggestions on our dog park efforts!

St. John's Bayou

2007-10-14T15:20:00.001-07:00

CIMG5148.JPG,
originally uploaded by jujuhoffpauir.

While I am working in New Orleans for six weeks, I am staying with a friend off Esplanade near St. John's Bayou. I enjoyed exploring the area this weekend and have decided I really really dig it.

And Reddy loves it, too. He has come alive again. He now walks me, and is busy sniffing around the hood. There are tons of cats, and I add that to my list of How New Orleans Reminds Me of Some European City or Third World Country.

Poop-free neighborhood

2007-10-14T15:18:00.001-07:00

CIMG5138.JPG,
originally uploaded by jujuhoffpauir.

This is a neighborhhood -maintained park on Esplanade Ave. with plastic chairs, hand-made signs, birdhouses, and fountains.

Whenever we stroll on by, there is someone raking leaves, re-setting stones, or reading under a tree or by the fountain.

From Dogs I Have Met

2007-10-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

Always judging a book by its cover, I picked up Ken Foster's The Dogs Who Found Me at the Faulkner House in New Orleans' Pirates Alley last summer. What ever book you pick up in this intimate store, it will be good. So it doesnt really matter if I pick one up soley for aesthetic reasons. And it was one of those books I finished in a day or two then sent to a friend who had watched Reddy for a couple of months while I was away.

Presently back in New Orleans for a couple of months, I read in the Gambit that Foster was reading from his follow-up book Dogs I Have Met and the People They Found at Octavia books in Uptown. So I went, poured myself a glass of complimentary red wine and listened to him read from a couple of chapters from the book.

Foster's theme is centered around the kinds of people who take in the unwanted, stray dogs. And most of the times these dogs are pits and/or pit mixes. His stories also include other people's reaction to this breed. I did not know this but pit bulls used to be as popular as the lab is today in American Culture. Helen Keller had a pit bull, the dog from Our Gang was a pit bull. Foster had big displays of old advertisements and such from the turn of the century, all positive images of the pit bull. However, as we all know, pitties have fallen out of favor and not because of any fault of their own. From owners' ill-breeding practices.

Afterwards, Foster signed his new book and I had him sign one for a new friend of mine in Shreveport. She is like one of his characters he writes about-taking in the unwanted dog left at the truck stop, or tied to the bridge, or wandering down the country road. You probably know one of these people yourself, if you are not that person already! This book is a great read. Yes, I am reading it before I send it along to my friend.

Das Pooch

2007-10-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

An inspiring six-minute short film by William Wegman called "The Hardly Boys."

Dylan's shameless Promo

2007-10-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

Dog Park Presentation Click HERE

2007-09-24T08:59:00.001-07:00

Wegman's wigged out weimers

2007-09-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

While in Manhattan this week, I strolled through Madison Square Park to check out the dog run there, as well as photographer William Wegman's new video installation "Around the Park." The seven-minute long video stars his famous weimereiners as they enjoy a fall day at Madison Square Park. Apparently he filmed the project this time last fall and got some skinny actors to hide behind the dogs as they order lunch, eat lunch (funny), and drive the maintenance truck around the premises. It was pretty hysterical, odd, and a great addition to the dog park.

Shreveport Dog Park Alliance

2007-09-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

Check out our SWEET logo designed by the talented Emily Ellis Welch of Shreveport. She is also working on the fundraiser t-shirt design, and I can hardly wait to see that!

Kathryn Bloomfield and I have been working on a power point presentation on the benefits of a dog park in Shreveport. We decided it is now complete. It is the intention of the Shreveport Dog Park Alliance to meet with Da Mayor and get him in our pocket. We have called the Mayor's office and left a message...

If you would like to view the presentation, email me at juliana2006@mac.com and I will forward it on to you.

Dog parks create educational opportunities

2007-09-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

Tim Wachtel of SPAR sent me a LINK to the American Society of Landscape Architects with an inspiring article about how some school kids in Idaho and Montana designed dog parks!

It took the fourth and fifth grade students 10 weeks in the classroom to complete the project which culminated in presentations to the school board and city council.

"The dog park project served many educational goals, including introducing students to the landscape architecture profession. Students also worked on their math skills with budgeting and mapping, research skills (including on-site research), science and thinking skills with planning, and communication skills with writing, drawing, and public speaking. The students worked both in small groups and as a whole throughout the dog park project. Some of their assignments included designing signage, defining problems and program elements, and drafting site plans using online 3-D mapping tools."

Since most kids have a natural affinity for dogs, the kids' were enthusiastic about their project.

Maybe we can get our students to do the same, particularly with the budget. I still hate math.

Baton Rouge Dog Park

2007-09-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

As part of the Imagine Your Parks program, Baton Rouge constructed a ground-breaking facility located at Forest Park, near the corner of Harrell's Ferry Road and Millerville Road.

The park features areas for both small dogs and large dogs set apart by chain-link fences. Park benches are set in tree -shaded areas so dog owners can sit, drink a cold one in a white styrofoam cup, and watch as their animals run unleashed.

Water fountains for both dogs and owners are located near the entrance of the park on a concrete slab to prevent mud puddles from forming.

BREC planners and landscape designers said they are working on a variety of layouts for future dog parks that include ponds and walking tracks.

Dog parks were identified as one of the improvements East Baton Rouge Parish residents wanted as part of the Imagine Your Parks campaign conducted by BREC from June 2003 through June 2004. Citizens said they wanted areas where they could bring their dogs to run without a leash and have the opportunities for their animals to interact with other dogs while they meet fellow dog owners.

The parks have been widely successful in many other communities across the country because they give owners who are forced to keep their pets in small yards or indoors a place to let their dogs run free and exercise. It also gives those who enjoy spending time with dogs a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

The Forest Park Dog Park is the first of many dog parks to be built at the community level parks BREC is currently renovating.

Park hours are from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Owners are asked to keep dogs leashed until inside the fenced-in areas and asked not to bring food or rawhide chew toys that may encourage fighting among animals.

Lafayette Dog Park

2007-09-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

This 6-acre native grass dog park is Lafayette's first dog park (but why is that little kid there? Scram kidd-o! Seriously, my dog can take you down with his enthusiastic momentum. He is not aggressive, just PLAYFUL). Check out the minutes from the city council meeting before the dog park was approved. This is interesting info, and the process to make Shreveport's dog park a reality could mimic the process in Lafayette.

City of Lafayette
Dog Park Task Force

July 27, 2006
Minutes

Call to Order
Items from the Public
There were no items from the public.

Minutes
The May 4, 2005 minutes were approved as written.

Site Plan
Members reviewed two site plan options and preferred Plan A. They agreed that the area for small or timid dogs could be made larger. It was noted that there will not be any water in the dog park now or in the immediate future. The plan is approximately six acres. It is in a temporary location because if the Great Park is built later, the dog park will be moved to the west. There was discussion about how to do native grass restoration with Plan A. It was suggested that portable fencing could be used to close areas for seeding. The group liked the idea of shade structures with seating rather than trees and it was suggested that two more shelters with seating be added if there is enough funding, for a total of five. It was also suggested that bag dispensers be added to the enclosed area. Staff added that trash receptacles need to be outside of the enclosed area so that they can be safely maintained. The group agreed on a 4-foot tall fence like in the new Louisville dog park (three flat rails with round posts and welded wire) with the rail closest to the ground 2-6” from the ground to prevent rotting. There will be wire under the lowest rail to prevent dogs from escaping. The posts would not be placed in concrete so that the fence could be salvaged later if the dog park is moved. It was noted that the rest of the Great Park site is currently under an agricultural lease and that at this time there would not be a trail connection to the west for people to come from Rothman Open Space to the dog park. The parking area could be spread with 6” of recycled concrete, which would provide for better accessibility. The portable toilet could be a composting toilet. It was suggested that the crusher fines used for the trail be in the small entryway fenced enclosure as well to cut down on mud. Having a recycling toter was suggested. It was determined that staff will monitor the trash and see if a recycling toter is needed. Recycling service would be paid from the General Fund and that budget is very tight.

Timeline
The area of the Great Park where the dog park will be has to be annexed into the City of Lafayette. Monte Stevenson is working with the Planning Director on this. There is a neighborhood meeting on the annexation scheduled for August 1, 2006 at 5:30 pm at the Lafayette Public Library. The next time the Dog Park Task Force comes together may be the groundbreaking for the dog park. The City would plan a grand opening event as well.

Budget
The current budget for the dog park is $127,000, down from the $200,000 approved in the 2006 budget because of lower than projected revenues citywide. Kerry Bensman suggested there may be additional funding available for the dog park if needed.

Proposed Rules
The group discussed the proposed list of rules for the dog park and offered the following suggestions:

• Dogs must have a current license to enter the dog park; identification tag is not needed; they will also need a current rabies tag; move this rule up to be the first one.
• Owners/handlers must be at least 18 years old; owners/handlers are limited to three dogs per visit; no age limit on children, but owner/handler is responsible for them.
• Dogs must be spayed or neutered.
• Added language to clarify use of the gates.
• Dog bites must be reported to the Police Department.

Kerry Bensman asked Monte Stevenson to have the City Attorney and CIRSA (the City’s insurance carrier) review the proposed rules before they are finalized. He would like the City Attorney to make sure the rules are in line with Lafayette’s new ordinance on dogs.

Proposed Name
Staff handed out results of a website poll on name suggestions. The group recommends naming the dog park “The Great Bark,” which was the top vote getter on the poll with “Dog Town” and “Bark Park” close behind. A suggested promotional tag line was “Lafayette has gone to the dogs.”

Miscellaneous
• Members commented that at some point they would like to discuss how volunteers could be organized to help keep the dog park clean.
• Monte Stevenson confirmed with the group that they would like natural amenities in the park such as logs and large boulders.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm.

Bickham-Dixon

2007-09-11T08:09:00.000-07:00

What a charming flooded plantation. This park really is a marvel. Swampy. And noone was there! Well, we saw a couple walk toward us and we were nervous one of the dirty green-gooped dogs would jump up on the woman wearing all white. But they passed us without incident. The dogs did manage to eat rotting fish carcasses the whole time. At the end of our hike (it was HOT), Reddy barfed up the most disgusting pile I have ever seen!

Bickham-Dixon would also make a great dog park.

Look-Out over Clyde Fant PKWY

2007-09-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

Cliff at Veterans' Memorial Park

Local Canine Awarded

2007-09-10T07:57:00.001-07:00

Shreveport fire Captain Kerry Foster poses outside the city's Central Station with Ranger, his search-and-rescue dog.

Ranger, an 8-year-old Labrador retriever, recently won an American Kennel Club Award for Canine Excellence. Ranger's prize is $1,000 and an engraved sterling-silver collar medallion that will be handed out at a December ceremony in Long Beach, Calif. (photo by Adam Kealoha Causey/The Times)

Isnt he cute?

Mentioned today in the Shreveport Times, "Ranger's owner estimates the four-legged seeker covered 50-miles of city streets and climbed into some 2,800 homes during their four months there. Ranger helped find 15 bodies more than half a year after the storm." He was there for after both Katrina and Rita and also helped in the search for a couple of missing local women.

"Only five awards are given annually and we are thrilled a local dog has won," said Jan Stephenson, spokeswoman for the Shreveport Kennel Club.

Return to Veterans'

2007-09-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

Veteran's Park is a dog park waiting patiently to happen. Let's give this urban green space the respect it deserves! It is heart-breaking, and almost criminal, to see such beautiful land go unused. SOME people are using it, but they leave behind trash and smells of urine and other mysterious odors.

There is an old light tower, with the bulbs missing and the wires cut and exposed. There are the remains of multiple terraces, a pier (that would make a good dog launch, said Will), a good-sized pond, a look-out tower that rots on top of the cliff that overlooks Clyde Fant Parkway. Numerous trails wind up and around the pond. There is a gate that separates the park from the Veterans' hospital parking lot. There is a closed gate in front of the road from Clyde Fant that leads up to an abandoned parking lot waiting for cars to stop and let the dogs out.

Veterans' has so much potential. And it can be made safe with some clearing and better access. Throw in the dogs. Hokus-pokus. Wah-la.

Chicago coolness

2007-09-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

Chicago has 12 dog parks, or what the park department calls DFA's (Dog Friendly Areas). They also have an extensive permit system that seems a little too high maintenance for Shreveport. Nonetheless, it works! Check it out.

Saved by the web

2007-09-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

From the Inbox:

Many thanks to all of you, because of this network a foster parent has
emerged. I am going to make arrangements to pick him up from East Baton
Rouge animal control today. He still needs a permanent home, however,
so if anyone is interested, please let me know.

Again, many thanks, I truly hated to drop him off at the pound, he is
going to make someone a very sweet pet.

Karen Gautreaux

RESCUE ME

2007-09-06T19:36:00.001-07:00

This guy is special, LOOK AT HIM! The pup looks like a love---a border collie/spaniel cross perhaps?

I dont think I can post every rescue dog that makes his/her way into the mailbox BUT...here is an email, please fwd this info on...:

This little (35-40 lbs, my guess) male dog was tied to an old truck
and neglected. The owners made it clear they had no use for him and
allowed me to take him. He is very affectionate, and I think would make
a very sweet pet. He was scared when this picture was taken at the
pound.

I had to take him to Animal Control as I had no where to keep him.
The pound tries to keep adoptable dogs, but I was informed there is
currently no room, so he has until September 12th to find a home or be
put down.

I would be glad to pay the springing (adoption) fee and help with
shots, etc. If you know anyone who might even be willing to serve as a
foster parent (I'll be glad to provide food too), please let me know.

If someone wants to call me, my cell is (504) 289-9006, and my e-mail
is kkgautreaux1@cox.net.

Da Mayor in your pocket

2007-09-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

Have you seen those Ray Nagin keychains from New Orleans? They're blue, have six white buttons, and on the front it says "Da Mayor in your pocket." If you push one of the buttons, Nagin says "YOU GOTTA BE KIDDIN' ME!"

I called SHARON at the city office today and she was really helpful. She said that we needed to get the mayor in our pocket. She suggested WE (a diverse group of us-young, old, black, white, boy, girl, 71104, 71101, 71105, 71111, 71111, pure breds and mutts, etc) get together and have one mighty presentation for the mayor. We should "sell" the dog park. Explain How and Who this park will benefit. We should have visual tools, such as photos and video footage of other parks across the country, testimonials, and a sample plan of what we envision the first one in Shreveport. Have the answers ready for the negative questions with terms that may include "Vicious Dogs" and "Liability." And we should know that "things don't happen overnight," and that it could take a year or more to get our dog park happenin'.

YOU GOTTA BE KIDDIN' ME!

So, WHO IS COMING TO THE PRESENTATION?

LET'S FIX THE BIGGEST GODDAM CRISIS IN THE HISTORY OF THIS... COUNTRY

Dog Park 101

2007-09-04T10:47:00.001-07:00

Kathryn Bloomfield of Shreveport takes her dogs out for some play.

INTRODUCTION

Socializing your dog should be a life long process. You want your dog to be exposed to as many people, pets and situations as possible so he learns how to behave and react to different things. Take him to new places every few days or so and introduce him to family and friends.

Introducing To Other Pets
If your dog has been socialized growing up, he shouldn't have problems meeting other dogs. But you still want to take it slow and see how things go before letting him loose. The best way to start is by introducing your dog to other dogs that you know are friendly and socialized. When introducing your dog to new dog friends, keep him on his leash so he can sniff the other dog, and you can reel him in if you need to. Try to keep the leash slack; if you pull too hard, you can trigger his "fight or flight" instinct. Always introduce dogs on neutral turf, so neither of them feels threatened.

How You Can Help

Attitude
Dogs pick up on our attitudes and feelings. If you feel stressed, your dog will notice and react to it. If you sense a potential problem, try not to tense up or give your dog reason to panic.
Diversion
Another tip is to divert his attention. Many dogs are hams and love to please their families, so ask your dog to sit, or give you his paw, or some other easy trick he has mastered. Give him lost of praise and attention (and treats if you have some!).

Set Your Dog Up For Success
If you don't know how well your dog has been socialized, always go slow and set your dog up for success. For example, don't take your dog to a park with lots of pets and people if you don't know how he will react. Start slowly, with one or two other people and one or two other dogs, for just a few minutes. Don't take your dog for a car ride only when going to the vet or dropping him off at a boarding facility. He will soon learn that car trips aren't always pleasant. Take him for a ride to get gas in your car, for example, or the drive through ATM. Your dog gets to stay with you and you don't have to worry about leaving him alone in the car.

Exercise
Whether you take your dog to the park or for a walk around the neighborhood exercise keeps your dog's mind and body healthy. He can meet other people and dogs and burn off some energy. Less pent up energy means less distraction from you and overall, better behavior.

From Pets 911

Stoner Dog Park?

2007-09-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

I asked Tim Wachtel at SPAR for his opinion on how to make this dog park a REALITY. He wrote:

"I would suggest that you take the support that you have and ask for a dog park, somewhere in Shreveport. Perhaps suggest a site, but let the decision-makers have a say in that. I think that you really need to educate some folks about what a dog park is and who it is for. Maybe I'm wrong, but as I understand it, dog parks are for dogs like baseball parks are for baseballs. It's really about the people who care about their dogs. It's as much about getting outdoors and socializing as it is about dogs."

The educational campaign is under way. You, the reader, are talking with your friends about dog parks and its community benefits. Please continue to pass along the petition. Almost 50 more, and we have a thousand signatures! There are many model dog parks across the country that provide educational tools for those who may not know what a dog park truly is. Please visit these websites.

A Shreveport dog park supporter has SUGGESTED Stoner as the first offical off-leash destination.

Dog Park Destination Suggestions
1. Veterans' Memorial
2. Hamel's Memorial
3. Stoner

Where else?

My Pet's Buddy

2007-08-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

A last minute invite to a wedding in Mississippi over the weekend has me scrambling for Reddy.

Miranda Murdock is My Pet's Buddy. She is wonderful and Reddy loves her. When I am working loooong hours, Miranda comes in the middle of the day to let him out to pee, give him some TLC, and a nice walk in the neighborhood. She leaves me notes about Reddy's disposition or what they do and see on their walks, like the time Reddy was spooked by the white statue of the Virgin Mary praying on a neighbor's front porch.

Since I am in between projects, I am on a tight budget and was looking for someone cheaper, like for FREE, like a friend who could stop by. But, I have a hard time asking people of this. Reddy is needy.

Someone told me about zookeepers, and I love their website and esp. their prices. $10 a night is great, plus they take him out several times. So I called them this morning, and of course they are booked. Hello Major Holiday! Hello Miss Procrastinator, nice to see you again.

Miranda comes to my rescue once again. I will be able to relax and have a great time knowing that Reddy is at home and being checked on.

Vet Scout

2007-08-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

Hannah and her loco puppies Duece and Maxine, along with Reddy and I, walked from the disc golf trail head and then up a trail that took us to the pond. It was quiet, shady, and Hannah said she smelled urine and that it was a good place for a murder. Indeed, but what if it was all cleared and dogs and their owners took over?

Veterans' will be quite a handful in our efforts in making it Shreveport's first dog park. There needs to be a massive clearing in this kudzu forest. And the road from Clyde Fant re-opened and paved.

I was a bit disoriented because what I had pictured in my head from the research conducted on google earth was quite different in reality. Where is the old amphitheatre? Where were all those trails that seemed to wind around the little lake? Big piles of pebbles fill the deteriorating parking lot close to where we were thinking about putting the fence. We saw the old pier. Can you see it in the photo?

This property is massive and requires a second scout. The research continues...

Neighborhood dog park

2007-08-29T10:29:00.001-07:00

WAP 4.jpg,
originally uploaded by jujuhoffpauir.

West Austin Park is a small neighborhood park, similar to Columbia Park here in Shreveport. It use to experience modest use (even with its small pool and new swing set), but once the dog park moved on in it became THE Happy Hour destination.

The fenced-in, leash-free portion is funded by the Canine Social Club, a group of volunteers who raised over $10,000 after a campaign that included stories in the paper, door tags, rummage sales, and a block party. When the referendum was held, the votes flooded in.

"The city said they had more people send in their votes than in any other referendum they had seen before," said Marjorie Moore, Founding Member of the Canine Social Club.

The Canine Social Club is a group of volunteers that don't mind a little sweat, dirt under the nails, and the smell of dried dog dung.

Perhaps Barkus and Meaux or Shreveport Green will act as our fidiciary agent so we can start our fundraising soon, and get to clearing trails during the cooler months of October!

Weekend warriors

2007-08-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

Daisy is Ashley's biggest wakeboard fan, and was pretty upset after the BIG FACE-PLANT!

Where did you take your dog over the weekend? Send us a photo.

REPORT FROM AUSTIN: pedestrian bridge

2007-08-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

Getting ahead of ourselves, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it

Hippie Keep Austin Weird bridge art

Dogbook, Dogblog, Dogpark, etc.

2007-08-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

I can't even make fun of this because I am a dog blog! In a special report from ABC news, dogs and cats now have their own Facebook, entitled Dogbook and Catbook, respectively.

My friend somehow convinced Reddy to join Dogster a couple of week's ago, but like Reddy's owner and her lapsed account with Friendster, the site is rarely re-visited. Quite frankly, it's confusing. And time-consuming, This blog is my current preoccupation.

Anyone reading this, besides mom? Hey mom!

REPORT FROM AUSTIN: shower

2007-08-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

This is a shower made of pvc pipe, according to Stuart Strong, Assistant Director of Austin Parks and Rec Dept. He said that a plumber could easily rig this up so the cost shouldnt be too outrageous. We can customize it to be a bit lower for the pooch, as they have done in other parks across the country.

REPORT FROM AUSTIN: fountains

2007-08-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

Here, we have three examples of puppy fountains: one we can order online, the other a little tweaked with stone and cement, and the third not really intended for dogs.

The blue one online costs around $2,000. You push one button, and water spits for human up top, and puppy below. The dog's water stays in the bowl for a bit before going down the drain.

The cement one I have no idea, and may be unnecessary in our case but I thought you may appreciate its beauty.

Reddy prefers the third fountain that has been there for as long as I can remember.

REPORT FROM AUSTIN: part one

2007-08-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to put your beer down, get off the couch, roll up your sleeves, and start clearing some trails?

Booty stars as Li'l Cap'n Travis

2007-08-19T06:31:00.001-07:00

Booty, Reddy's old Austin buddy, makes his screen debut in Li'l Cap'n Travis' new release "Get Wise to Yourself." He does such a fine job, we are all so proud of him!
And to know that Booty is almost 17 years-young, we can only say "Bow-wow. WOW!"
Encore, Booty! Encore.

Wachtel's crazy idea

2007-08-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I met with Tim Wachtel, the landscape architect at SPAR. He showed me numerous "concept" plans that have been made for recreation along the red river trail, including "Hamel's Park Beach," and C. Bickham Dickson Park (that includes a dog "training" area). Wow, talk about a WISH LIST. In your dreams, we have a swimming pool, piers, restrooms, concession stands, walk-ways, mowed open space, groomed beach, acres of bike riding and off-road vehichles, the whole kit-n-kaboodle (but nothing for the poodle).

I was interested in determining how much feet of fence we would need in order to surround the proposed dog park area at Hamel's. On his AutoCad, he showed me that the 1.7 acre site would roughly be about 187' X 376' worth of fence. According to some calculations and internet research, cost for this fence would be around $14,000. More or less, I like to generally say. This area is just north of the parking lot, there is a short loop trail for walking the dogs, and just below the steep hill that is what some people believe to be an earthen fort.

We would also need to get a water line out there, requiring digging across or along the parkway.

THEN he showed me an overhead, google earth image of Veterans' Park and called this his "Crazy idea." He said the magic words.

NOW THIS SPOT IS AMAZING: Big, open, spacious, trees, lake, trail, parking, close to the river trail, and plenty of drug dealers- the perfect requirements for a dog park.

With this site, the plan would call for some trail clearing, and tree-clearing for another entrance/exit at the Veterans' hospital.

I am headed out of town for a long weekend, but when I return Kathryn/ and I are going to the park to take pictures and report back to you. In the meantime, maybe you and your dog and friends will want to go check it out this weekend.

After the meeting with Wachtel, I met Kathryn at J. Bennett Johnston Waterway Visitors Center to watch a Army Corps of Engineers film about the history of the mighty Red River.

I would have to be some sort of idiot to keep pushing for a fence along the beach at Hamel's. The way the river moves, and has changed course throughout the years, and the sandy soil along the banks may lead to maintenance problems with a fence/gate. The original dog park thought was a fence-less, leash-free dog park. However, a number of people who support the dog park idea are pushing for a fence. So, maybe Hamel Memorial Dog Park could be the 2nd or 3rd dog park in Shreveport. But we need to get the first one right.

What do YOU think? You have an idea for a location for a dog park, besides the moon?

City council work session

2007-08-14T07:45:00.001-07:00

CIMG1992,
originally uploaded by jujuhoffpauir.

Attended the city council's work session yesterday afternoon. I was late (DOWNTOWN CAN BE CONFUSING), so I didn't have an opportunity to sign in to speak which turned out to be okay because afterwards I got some one-on-one and it was suggested I go BACK to SPAR.

Which makes sense. And it was also kindly suggested that I use the word WE more. Like "WE have over 800 signatures to support OUR dog park, please advise US on OUR next step."

So we have a meeting set up for today with Tim Wachtel, planner, and possibly Shelly Ragle, director.

Also have a t-shirt meeting at 2 at J. Bennett Johnston Waterway Regional Visitor Center on the Riverfront. Come join us if you are interested.

DIXIELAND DOG RESCUE

2007-08-13T09:34:00.001-07:00

rescueme.jpg,
originally uploaded by jujuhoffpauir.

"To save a life is to save the world"

dixielanddogrescue@yahoo.com
318-423-2164
PO Box 36
Grand Cane, LA
71032

DIXIELAND DOG RESCUE

2007-08-13T09:32:00.001-07:00

CIMG4558.JPG,
originally uploaded by jujuhoffpauir.

LUCKY DUCKS

2007-08-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

Two Ducks by Walter Inglis Anderson

On Saturday at PetSmart while I was collecting signatures and yapping at all who were polite enough to listen, I shared a table with Dixieland Dog Rescue. There were about a dozen mutts waiting to be adopted. They even had more back at the shelter in Grand Cane. Dogs on leashes passing by the crated dogs elicited great excrement! Dixieland accepted many rescuee applications. After careful review over the weekend and the reality of MONDAY kicks in, Dixieland will check to see if the applicant s are still gung-ho about the responsibilities of pet ownership and then proceed with the adoption process.

This is a good rule. I was one of those silly girls in college that fell for the cute puppy riddled with ticks in the cardboard box placed strategically in front of the student union. I named mine after my favorite literary character and four months later Atticus! ended up on a “farm” with the man who washes my mother’s store’s windows. He re-named the part coon “Sea Biscuit,” he told me, because the dog liked to run and run and run around in circles. I think the guy figured “Atticus!” just egged the dog on, and was a silly name to be shouting out over and over again.

When I got Reddy, his name was actually “David” and that still makes me laugh. I had to wait out the weekend as well so the shelter could determine if I was mentally stable (I’m not the one who named him “David”). He had been at the no-kill shelter for six months! He was a member of the Lonely Hearts Club which meant he was among the shelter’s longest residents. So for some reason I passed their test because they sold “David” to me at the discounted price of a cat, and then we rode off together into the sunset. This time I named my dog after an odd duck Mississippi Gulf Coast artist Walter Anderson wrote about in his Horn Island logs. Reddy is also a cold bag of ice. Reddy is always ready to go, and is an easy name to call over and over again. And maybe confusing to other dogs at the dog park.

Which brings me back to the dog park. Ready?

The fence:

I just wasn’t excited about a chain-link fence but a chain-link fence seems the most practical at this point in the research. Dixieland pointed out that the fence can be colored green or black. Now we are talking. Come to find out the fence also comes in the sophisticated colour of olive green.

And then there is the co$t. And of course it’s not cheap. It really needs to be 6 feet high, so now the question is length.

The next step is to find out how much feet we deem dog park boundary. I believe we can ask the city for the fence. To build a model dog park, the city should be behind it so that they can take the credit for it when it actually becomes a TOURIST ATTRACTION and is written up in Animal Planet and Lonely Planet and DoggyStyle. Amenities would follow from the fundraising efforts of the Shreveport Dog Park Alliance .- Yeah, that’s YOU. And then there will be cool things such as trees for shade, marigolds planted along the fence to ward off fleas and ticks (another one of Dixieland’s bright ideas), water fountains + doggy shower (COIN-OP-is there such a thing?), a bench made by a local artist, bulletin board, and of course the poopy pick-up mittens and dispenser, AND trash receptacles. AND…

Our local dog organizations can unite and help us; Caddo Caring Canines, Barkus and Meaux, Red River Obedience, Chamber of Commerce, to name a few.

ZOOM

2007-08-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

Weekend itinerary:

Saturday I will be collecting "hard" signatures at PetSmart on Youree drive from 10am-2pm. Come and say hello.

Bark in the Park at 7:05pm

Sunday

Barkus Coronation at the Mardi Gras Musuem (on Texas Street in Bossier) from 2pm til 5 pm. The tableau starts at 3pm. The band will be Professor Porkchop , and Shavers will be catering the event. YUM.

The cost is 35.00 and there will be a silent auction. All money raised helps to benefit animals in our area.

I wish I had t-shirts to sell here but maybe next time.

And then there is the Town Countil meeting...GULP. Never done this before. But I doubt I will be able to do it in Sept. due to INSANE work hours. So, NOW is the time. DO or DIE. Boy did I open up a can of worms.

Google Earth, will you marry me?

2007-08-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with this application.

This is the area.

I am not an architect or engineer. I do not know how much acreage this is, but a NICE fence is all we need to begin with.

Well, FIRST we need the LEASH-FREE ordinance passed.

THEN donations to cover the fence. A great suggestion from a reader is to hold a fundraiser where we sell posts and/or sections of the fence to individual/businesses so we literally are surrounded by support.

And the trash cans from the city, and the poop bags and dispensers from a sponsor.

Then we add the amenities, such as water and a bulletin board.

I am pretty sure this area has good drainage. I am waiting for a phone call to be returned from the Parks department...

Read all about it

2007-08-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

The mission for Shreveport's dog park is in today's
Times (that's my "stand-in" featured in the photo, along with Reddy's doggie double, really).

Wow, some of those comments are "interesting" and someone didn't use their spell check. WHETHER you like it or not, dog owners and their dogs are not just fair WEATHER fans of their parks. They are year-round, all-weather users. Unless it is closed due to flooding. And it floods only occasionally, right?

The one thing the article didn't mention that I was trying to get across is the strong community a dog park can build. And this community is represented across the bored (just kidding, board), including retirees, students, single folks, marrieds-with-kids, etc.

And if the city's park department can budget $250,000 for a STONER SKATEBOARD PARK (which I am not mocking I think its really great if you know how to skate), I think we can find a bit of money for a dog park that can service a broader range of citizens and tourists, alike.

As for liability issues, you post a sign similar to a SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK or SKATE AT YOUR OWN RISK. With an "official" off-leash area, there is a different set of rules. Children are not allowed in the park without adult supervision, and the dog owner visiting the dog park is a RESPONSIBLE pet owner subject to fine$ if his/her pet is out of control.

From the suggestion box

2007-08-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

I have received several great emails from dog owners/lovers over the past week in response to the blog and petition (450 signatures and counting...).

I know nothing about dog agility training, but you DO learn something new every day. Take this email from Shreveporter Kathryn S. Bloomfield:

"I am a huge advocate of having dogs participate in dog agility--I admire those who compete, but I am even more impressed with the sport for fun. It'll bring a shy dog out of its shell, give an OCD dog something to focus on, burn productively all that energy that builds up from all day naps, help to socialize dogs to other dogs and to people, and forge a bond between owner and pet that is unbreakable.

I am not a trainer, but for years, participated in agility with two mutts, both rescues, and both with "issues." Agility was perfect for their very different personalities and just an absolute hoot. One of my rescues had little to no obedience on her and we got it all through agility. There are locals who do compete and whom we could contact to ask for help. I have a friend on the west coast whose more than willling to come visit to help with classes at the beginning. Ray, the adoption coordinator at the shelter, would really appreciate having the opportunity to help the shelter dogs. And, there is a local television reporter who is very interested in doing a story on agility for shelter dogs, if we can ever get it off of the ground. A safe fenced in space is a first step . . ."

It would be interesting to see how my mutt would respond to something like this. He would probably LAUGH at me upon my suggestion, but perhaps not.

Did someone say "Bark in the park"?

2007-08-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

This sounds like a lot of fun – Bark in the Park. You can take your dogs to the baseball game on Saturday, with leash and poopy mitts (a recycled plastic bag from Brookshires will complete the job, too).

The first annual “Bark in the Park,” will be held for the 7:05 p.m. game at Fair Grounds Field between Shreveport Sports and the Coastal Bend Aviators. Half the ticket sales by owners that bring their canine friends will be shared with the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana (HSNWLA).

Too bad I will be in Austin this weekend. Too, too bad. Will someone email me pictures of this event so I can put it up on the blog?

Milking it

2007-08-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

According to Milton Hamel, the son of Charles and Marie Hamel, the property used to be a dairy farm in the 1950s. Charles Hamel was born and raised in Shreveport, and for years fought for lower milk prices.

He was an animal lover, too. He built a zoo, and it was open and free to the public.

When Clyde Fant Parkway was built, Milton and his two sisters donated the riverfront property to the city in memory of their generous parents.

As of 2:15p.m., the dog park petition has 323 signatures! And I am not counting the one from Milwakee, even though that was kind of her. Please keep it going. The Times asked today how many signatures we are seeking. As many as possible. The more signatures, I think the stronger the case. I don't know as many people in this town as you do, so please milk it. Harrass your dog-lovin' peeps.

Poo Biz

2007-08-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

Once I became a dog owner and started using the dog park, I began a great habit – picking up after my dog. It is just the right thing to do. Granted, there are days when the runnies are a challenge to pick up after Reddy ("What in the world did you get into my friend?!") and I pray the home owner isnt watching me from their window smearing orange s__t across their lawn. Sometimes its hard to get up, but at least the effort is there. With my plastic bag waiting in hand as Reddy squats shyly and it takes him FOREVER to get it out ("COMMIT!" I sometimes yell in frustration) I probably look uncool to that person driving by, but what are you looking at? Keep your eyes on the road, we're doing business here.

There is no way around this one, dog doo is an environmental hazard!

The article from USA Today states "from mutt to blue-blooded champion, all dogs harbor so-called coliform bacteria, which live in the gut. The group includes E. coli, a bacterium that can cause disease, and fecal coliform bacteria, which spread through feces. Dogs also carry salmonella and giardia. Environmental officials use measurements of some of these bacteria as barometers of how much fecal matter has contaminated a body of water.

This wouldn't matter if pet dogs were as rare as pet chinchillas. But four in 10 U.S. households include at least one dog, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. The association's statistics also show that Americans owned 54.6 million dogs in 1996 and 68 million dogs in 2000. Of that total, 45% were "large" dogs — 40 pounds or more."

EW! So at our dog park, there will be mutt mitts to encourage pooper scoopers.

The costs of Mutt Mitts and their dispensers are afforable: For a complete set that includes a generic sign, aluminum dispenser, post, 800 mutt mitts, mounting hardware, made-in-the-USA, the cost is ONLY $174.75. And refills for 800 are $65.

These mitts can only encourage good habits from dog owners, and help keep Shreveport clean!

Tails of Nashville dog parks

2007-08-04T11:20:00.001-07:00

Downtown Shreveport,
originally uploaded by jujuhoffpauir.

Nashville residents are crazy about their dogs, too! No one could have anticipated the enormous popularity of the city’s dog
parks. The city now has three official dog parks. Check out Nashville's dog park brochure.

I don't know if I agree about their exclusion of pit bull breeds from the dog park. That seems kind of mean. But perhaps the pit bull breeds have a more difficult time playing with the packs at the dog park.

Rules to consider...

Goodbye Hamel

2007-08-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

Exit sign at Hamel onto Clyde Fant Parkway

Hello Hamel

2007-08-01T15:12:00.001-07:00

Hamel trail,
originally uploaded by jujuhoffpauir.

"Sorry folks, park's closed"

Hamel is flooded. This is what the park officials were telling me about last fall when I first approached them about the dog park idea here.

Every so often it floods.

The wide beach is submerged under the red river, and pockets of low -lying areas are puddles. The metal gate was down, so I couldnt drive through the parking lot to get a better view. I guess I could have walked, but I was kind of in a hurry at the time. But this is what it looks like today. There were a couple of fisherman, but I cant' see them in this photo.

But looking at this picture, you can see that this is OKAY with the dog park if it floods because we wouldnt want to build anything on the beach anyway. Just a water station right by the parking lots. This means a couple of water fountains made for man and his dog (I'll get a picture of it next week while I am in Austin at the dog park conference) and an open shower (not conducive for private couple showers). I'll grab a photo of that, too. The shower, not the couples.

So, you have this open arena and then trails that wind through those trees in the top of the photo. Trash cans, a bulletin board ("Free to a good home..."), and a sign declaring YOU ARE ENTERING A LEASH-FREE ZONE. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK. KEEP YOUR DOG UNDER CONTROL OR YOU WILL PAY A PENALTY, PICK UP THE POOP OR YOU WILL DRINK IT FOR BREAKFAST, NARC BY CALLING 911, etc...

It's lovely, isn't it?

Bark parks in the news

2007-07-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

"More than 700 dog parks now dot the American landscape," writes Amy Brittain of the Christian Science Monitor.

"Efforts to start dog parks usually involve a dedicated group of local residents committed to raising funds and working with city officials to establish proper regulations."

Please fwd the online petition to as many Shreveport people as you can.

Reclaim our parks!

2007-07-31T09:55:00.001-07:00

Red River Trail,
originally uploaded by jujuhoffpauir.

When I talked with town councilman Michael Long over the weekend about the dog park and Hamel, he suggested I call Jason Scott. So I did.

Scott believes the great river front area that stretches from downtown Shreveport to 70th street has the potential to whip us into shape. A healthy, vibrant place where locals and visitors alike ride bikes, skate, play Frisbee golf, meet fellow dog owners in the leash-free area dog park, eat lunch at the café on the river, and wade at the beach, is how he envisions the great park of Hamel.

Scott is an avid biker but is currently recovering from an injury. He said that one day (about four years ago) he woke up and realized that the trails and the park were not going to clean up themselves. So, Scott and friends began to clear the trails from poison ivy and fallen limbs, trash, and river debris, and continue to do so today (but not lately due to the injury and the heavy rains).

According to Scott, birdwatchers use the trail, too.

“How else are you going to see a flock of pelicans in Shreveport?,” Scott asked. “When you’re out in nature utilizing the trails.”

Pelicans are my favorite birds! Pelicans flock to Shreveport? Now I have something else to look forward to.

Scott personally patrols the area known for being shady and discourages lewd behavior from folks he grows suspicious of by simply asking them questions about what they are doing on the trail or on the beach or parked in the parking lot. He has had the local news team come out with hidden cameras to capture such interrogations and from the sound of it, this footage could be somewhat entertaining and/or disturbing.

His message to me was that we need to take back our parks! Progress has been made, but more can be done.

Scott believes a dog park community could only be a positive addition to the river front area.

SPAR director encourages dog park efforts

2007-07-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

In response to the dog blog link I sent today, SPAR director Shelly Ragle wrote :

"SPAR believes that a dog park would be a great addition to our park system and would offer an amenity that we do not currently have in our area. A development such as this requires capital funding and would likely have to be part of a future bond election. Mass public interest is one area that a bond committee uses in determining what projects will be part of a bond referendum and the effort you have underway will be helpful in proving that there is a public interest. Also, you would already have an advocacy group established to encourage voters to pass such a bond issue. Thanks and please keep me updated on your blog and progress."

Please Sign the Petition!

2007-07-30T13:50:00.001-07:00

Copy this address link then paste into your clean browser window

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/hameldog/petition.html

Reddy on a rainy day

2007-07-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

Today's headline

2007-07-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

Today's headline in the Shreveport Times

http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070730/NEWS01/707300306

is interesting to me because I am from Austin and last year I moved to Shreveport. The article talks about the young professionals' flight from their hometown of Shreveport for many reasons, including a lack of career opportunities and social amenities, for cities that offer a more appealing lifestyle. I moved from Austin to Shreveport for opportunities in the film industry. I had changed careers, and it was more advantageous for me to start here from the bottom and work my way up rather than do this in Austin.

I have a fierce loyalty and love for my hometown of Austin but these days the traffic is horrible and the property taxes are depressing. Now that I am living and working here in Shreveport, I can see potential here. My parents remind me that when they moved to Austin in 1970, the population was that of Shreveport's today. The beautiful and bustling hike and bike trail in downtown Austin today was a nasty riverfront area then. Recreation along Town Lake (now called "Lady Bird Lake") helped revitalize the downtown area.

A leash-free area at Hamel Memorial park could help increase recreational activities in the downtown area. Great amenities for a community that is trying to lure young, healthy professionals!

Marymoor Dog Park

2007-07-29T16:23:00.001-07:00

Check out this video hosted by Gary Burghoff aka "Radar" from MASH!

My Dog Park Video

2007-07-29T15:44:00.001-07:00

Check out Atlanta's dog park organization

2007-07-28T12:29:00.001-07:00

http://www.piedmontpark.org/do/LAPP.html

Try this one on for size

2007-07-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

How about Hamel Memorial DOG park?

Hamel Memorial Park is off Clyde Fant Parkway. On the Red River and river trail, the spot is ideal because it is a big open space, it is by the water, it already has infrastructure in place (entrance & parking), it is at the end of the recreational trail that can end up as the destination spot for dogs and their owners.

I read in the Times that the area has problems with incidents of indecent behavior. A dog park eliminates that problem!

Some additions to the dog park may include a hose for watering off sandy dogs (and their owners), poop bag dispensers, trash cans, and perhaps a fence of some sort. A posted sign with city ordinance stating owners must keep dog under control, pick up poop, state potential fines, etc.

Simple Reason

2007-07-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

I miss the dog parks from my hometown of Austin. After I adopted my big mutt, I discovered there were 12 dogparks in the city! The first one I took him to, Red Bud Isle, ended up being our favorite. The "island" was a small park where my dad used to take me and my brother fishing when we were little. Off a small parking lot from a low-water bridge, Red Bud Isle sits below the dam between Lake Austin and Town Lake (I guess now "Lady Bird Lake"). An old dirt trail winds around the island through thick trees. The last time we went fishing there was when the island seemed to be invaded by moccasins and shady-looking bums.

But sometime in the years between my youth and adulthood, Red Bud Isle was designated a leash-free dog park. Every time I take Reddy there, I am thrilled that this beautiful island is being properly utilized! It feels safe there now, and dog owners really are the best stewards of the place. Dispensers with poop bags are used, and volunteer clean-up and beautification days can be fun.

I met some good friends there!

Dog parks create community

2007-07-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

An off-leash area can benefit the community in many ways
• Groups of dogs and owners can revitalize little-used areas to socialize
• Dog parks foster community feeling -- dog park users get to know each other well
• Dog parks are desirable neighborhood amenities for newcomers
• Dog parks keep the animals away from children and people who don’t like them
• Leash-free areas promote responsible pet ownership
• Dog parks provide a tool for enforcing dog control laws
• Dog parks promote public health and safety since the dogs who use the park must be licensed and vaccinated
• Dog parks help keep other public spaces free of feces
• Well-socialized dogs are less aggressive towards people and other dogs
• Off-leash dog parks provide a place for dogs to socialize with each other, getting the physical and mental exercise they need to be good companions and