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MORE FAQ's
(FREQUENTLY ASKED
DOG PARK QUESTIONS)
Q: "PARKS ARE FOR KIDS, YARDS ARE FOR DOGS, AREN'T THEY?
A: In the past, that was a common belief. In TODAY's society, dogs (like children) are family members. They go to the groomer (aka hair salon), they wear costumes and celebrate holidays, they have birthday parties, they go to daycare (often riding school buses to get there), and pet stores (and pet superstores!) sell special items specifically for them (homemade pet treats, special dog beds, "doggie colognes," dog breath mints, dog sweaters, etc.). As one veterinarian reminded us, "Dogs have moved from the barn to the bed."
Q: "WHO WOULD WANT THIS IN PALMETTO BAY? WE WANT PARKS FOR OUR KIDS!!!"
A: At least 8,000 (of the 24,000) people in Palmetto Bay own dogs. There are
already multiple parks for kids (with playgrounds, soccer fields, baseball fields,
and football fields). There are no dog parks in Palmetto Bay, and the nearest
ones are very far away and/or are illegal to use. As of November 15, 2003, we
have at least 1500 signatures (collected over a mere 3 months), and of those, at least 700 are Palmetto Bay residents who want the off-leash dog park.
Q: WHAT ABOUT LIABILITY FOR DOG BITES?
A: Statistics show that very few dog bites occur in dog parks. Parks for kids and ballplayers have more liability than dog parks. The county has liability insurance for all parks, but we may need to add a "rider" specifically for dogs. We're researching that now. In the Committee's experience (and via communications with other parks), there have been no lawsuits or liability cases filed due to any dog fights. There HAVE been 2 incidences of dogs getting injured on protruding pieces of equipment at one dog park in Florida, but those issues have been duly noted by our committee. We won't be using any homemade agility equipment that has protrusions that can injure running pets.
Q: WHAT ABOUT IRRESPONSIBLE OWNERS WHO DON'T CLEAN UP AFTER THEIR PETS?
A: Studies show that people who take their dogs to dog parks ARE responsible about their pets, and they don't put up with other people's being irresponsible about cleaning up after their pets (or removing their pets from the park if their pets misbehave).
Q: WHO WILL PAY FOR THE DOG PARK'S MAINTENANCE?
A: The Village will pay for the regular maintenance of the ENTIRE Perrine Park (trash removal, lawn mowing, etc.), but the Committee hopes to raise money to get special ground cover, a sprinkler and drainage system, etc. that won't require much maintenance...plus we will "self-police" the dog park and make any repairs needed (tighten screws, replace sprinkler heads, etc.) We'll also be raising money for the maintenance of the park.
Q: WILL SENIOR CITIZENS BENEFIT FROM THE DOG PARK?
A: Definitely! Seniors often visit dog parks because they and their pets are safe there (in the enclosed area with others around), and these people don't have to do a lot of walking in the park. (The park will have shade trees, benches on which to relax, etc.) When you take your pet to a dog park, you don't have to chase it around and stand next to it the entire time that it's playing with other dogs -- you just have to pay attention to it the whole time! Senior citizens are easily able to do this. Other pet owners can help if an elderly person needs assistance with picking up poop or anything.
Q: WILL JOB OPPORTUNITIES OPEN IN PALMETTO BAY BECAUSE OF THIS?
A: Possibly. There will be a potential need for professional dog walkers
(people who'll bring your pet to the park for you), dog trainers, mobile
groomers, and pet sitters (who can take your pets to the park). Business will
surely be generated by referrals to veterinarians, groomers, pet supply places,
pet-friendly hotels/motels, pet catalogs, etc., from park users.
Q: WILL THE DOG PARK DO ANYTHING FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY?
A: Yes, it will increase dog licensing (since all dogs in Miami-Dade have to be
vaccinated and licensed...and they won't be allowed into the park without these
things). Currently, less than 15% of all people in Miami-Dade county license
their pets! It will also establish Miami-Dade county as being progressive in
having yet another dog park.
Q: WILL THE DOG PARK MAKE THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOOD SAFER?
A: Yes. It has been proven that people and dogs in an area keep bad people
out and stop bad behaviors. Other dog parks report that crime in the
surrounding area is down or non-existent.
Q: WHAT IF I WANT A CAT PARK...OR AN IGUANA PARK?
A: Cats are not social/pack animals needing a park in which to play, and iguanas are indigenous (allowed anywhere); therefore, they don't need special parks.
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We need sponsors to help us make the best dog park ever!
Thank you!
To sponsor the park, please e-mail:
DogParkMiami@aol.com
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AND FORWARD...
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