Dog park to benefit entire community

On November 29th the Salida Dog Club will be hosting the Grand Opening of the long awaited dog park which, for historical reasons, has been named Loyal Duke’s Dog Park. Details about the event can be found in the local paper, on the chamber of commerce or Salida Citizen website, listened to on the radio, or found on flyers posted around town.

The club has appreciated the fact that so much of the community have contributed and supported this project; law enforcement (particularly the DOC inmates that provided many hours of free labor), educational systems, city administrators, clubs, non profit organizations (such as Ark Valley Humane Society), businesses (particularly Murdoch’s that gave us a very generous cut on much of the supplies), private individuals, and a lot of volunteer hours from Salida Dog Club members. Over 47 businesses and individuals have either donated services or money in the value of $100 or more and will be recognized permanently on our park bulletin board in the form of blue, red, or white ribbon sponsors. We also have a category for “In memory of…” for people wishing to donate $100 or more in memory of a person or pet. The posted lists will be kept updated or corrected if we have forgotten someone (please let us know).

It’s been only because of the generous donations and support that the club has gotten the project done. As was agreed on during negotiation of the city leasing the property of the land from the school district (for insurance reasons), the creation and maintenance of the dog park has been solely the Salida Dog Club’s responsibility. Continued development and maintenance of the park will be dependent on remaining funds and ongoing donations to the donation box that will be located at the park.

Particularly if weather permits, we could have a very large turnout of both people and dogs for the event on the 29th. The club requests that, if you bring your dog, you pay close attention to it. Many dog parks have limits to the number of dogs allowed in the park at one time. Loyal Duke’s Dog Park does not yet have limits and we are instead depending on dog owners to know their dogs temperament, use good judgment, and to communicate with others using the park. During the upcoming grand opening event we will be very conservative with how many dogs we allow into the park at one time and ask that no one request to have their dog loose in the park if their dog has ever shown any sign of aggression. I have three dogs in my home and will only be allowing one to participate.

The intention of Loyal Duke’s Dog Park is to benefit the entire dog community. In order for the park to be successful it will mandate the cooperation of users. If you use the park, please:

• read and abide by all the rules listed on the entry fences
• make sure gates are closed completely behind you
• if your dog has ever shown any sign of aggression, either go to the park only when no one else is using it or in agreement with and in close communication with other users
• if your dog sometimes gets possessive, don’t throw balls, etc.
• always keep attentive to your, and other, dog (s) in the park for body language and incidences of pooping (sometimes it’s hard to find poop in the rocky landscaping)

Thanks again to all of you that have helped make a dream of the Salida Dog Club a reality!

Laura Pintane
Salida Dog Club