The green space at the intersection of Redbury Street and Upper Ottawa Street in Quinndale, Hamilton, ON, Canada is currently underutilized. By converting this area into a dog park, we can provide a safe and dedicated space for our canine friends to play and socialize. According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 35% of Canadian households have a dog. In Quinndale alone, this could mean hundreds of dogs that would benefit from such an amenity. Moreover, studies show that dog parks contribute to community building by providing a place where residents can interact. Therefore, we urge the local government to consider this conversion not only as an enhancement for pet owners but also as an improvement for community engagement in Quinndale. Please sign this petition if you support turning the green space at Redbury Street and Upper Ottawa Street into a dog park. We need a minimum of 1000 signatures for Tom Jackson to take it to the city councillors and fight for our park. It simply takes 2mins out of your day to sign and share the petition. We can do this together ❤️ 

 

 

Ten Reasons Why a Visiting Dog Park Is Good for You

1. Fresh Air - This is a given. There are a few indoor dog parks here and there, but most of them are out-of doors. Some are quite large, and are located in a park-like setting. Others may be not much more than a fenced in area in a field. Either way, the air is free, it's fresh, and it's good for you.

2. Taking a Break - Taking a break from your daily routine is usually beneficial, especially when you get out and about. As beneficial as walking your pet on a leash can be for you, letting Fido run free can be even more so, especially if you run along too. Visiting the park not only gets you out of house, but it gives you a break from retracing the same steps in your neighborhood day in and day out. Change is good.

3. No Leash - This only benefits the dog—right? Walking or running without having a dog on the other end of a leash gives both you and your pet greater freedom of movement. Some dogs walk nicely, some like to pull on the leash, and some never learn not to continuously try to follow their noses. Your dog is free of the leash and you are free of the leash. That means less effort and less stress for you.

4. Socializing - Your dog will hopefully learn to socialize with other dogs. This can be a great benefit to both you and your pet if it acts afraid of people or of other dogs when you take it for a walk, or it is overly protective or aggressive. One of the first things obedience classes stress is socializing.

5. Amenities for People - Most don't, but a few parks have amenities for people, such as benches, picnic tables, or places to sit in the shade. You're not apt to find a vending machine in a dog park - probably a good thing; but you may find a comfortable place to sit and relax.

6. Watch Your Pet Play - Watching your pet having a good time is good for you, if for no other reason than it makes you happy. Have a seat at a park table and enjoy your pets playing.

7. You May Learn a Few Things Part 1 - One of the things you may learn on your first visit to a dog park is how much control you actually have over your pet. Many find they have far less control than they thought. This can be a very beneficial lesson for some pet owners.

8. You May Learn a Few Things Part 2 - You may find that while in a dog park, your dog may seem to prefer the company of other dogs to sticking with you, but that's all right. That's what dog parks are for. As a pet owner, you can also learn a few helpful things about etiquette, which can sometimes be helpful in other situations.

9. Meet Other People - Your dog gets a chance to socialize, and you do as well. This can be very beneficial if you lead a somewhat secluded existence or your dog is your only family.

10. Share Lessons Learned - You can often learn some useful tips by listening to what other pet owners have to say, or what some of their experiences have been. You do have to be a bit careful about heeding the advice some may offer, as the advice given may not be appropriate for you or your dog.

A visit to a dog park can benefit both you and your pet. If you enjoy fresh air, exercise, meeting people, and watching dogs at play - consider making it a habit.