Fenway Hopewell
Fenway Hopewell was up early this morning to go for a walk near the Woodstock water reservoir.
When Early Birders much later visited the same popular get-away location they encountered what must surely have been a road rally of dirt bikers. All suited up and quite respectfully slowing down once they saw canines and humans. However, blind curves made for a bit of a harrowing walk….
Which gives Early Bird another opportunity to mention, in that “just sayin” way how few places there are in Woodstock for dog owners and their pets to get a good SAFE, leash-free run.
Time for a dog park, anyone? Burlington, Manchester, Hartford, Vermont all have figured out a way to have ’em. We hope Sustainable Woodstock (or any private individuals ) will make this another community-building priority. Socialized dogs are better for everyone. Visitors to Woodstock with their canine buddies can be welcomed and “directed” to an appropriate dog walk and play area. Good for tourism, good for the community.
Maybe the Woodstock Foundation or Woodstock Corporation might even consider an arrangement to make Timothy Knox Meadows or its environs a potential safe-haven for the visiting pooch population. Or, as has been suggested to Sustainable Woodstock and those decisions-makers working on the future of “The Jungle”, perhaps a portion of the non-develop-able flood plain area could be set aside as a dog park.
We love our dogs. We don’t want any more free range dog road-kill. I’m sure local veterinarians have seen enough of that and the pain it causes the humans.
Speaking of the increasing lack of open, free-range space for animals, has anyone taken a drive up or down Shurtleff Lane lately? Most of that patch of dense woods where lots of deer like to browse is now being cleared for new homes. I’m sure nearby residents won’t mind that lazy hunters might soon stop shooting their deer in such close proximity to their homes if the deer disappear. But, still, the expansion of our urban landscape, while perhaps indicative of an economic recovery, does put pressure on the natural population of deer. With little cover left, seeing them so close to the Village may soon become a rarity. I know, I know. Some homeowners with gardens and shrubs will be happy. But take a walk or a bike ride and see the clearing up Shurtleff Lane. Beautiful homesites soon. But not for the deer.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 
Posted by Toni Richie on August 21, 2011 at 16:28
Ah yes!! Early Bird is so right about the dearth of free-range dog areas. Some otherwise law-abiding citizens have been forced to become criminals by (gasp!) unclasping their canine leashes when they believe no one is looking. They wait until the patrol car passes by, figuring they have about a two hour span before it goes by again, all the while stressing out with spasms of guilt and fears of embarrassment of reading about themselves in the Standard police blotter or on the front page. Help!
In some city/town parks, dogs are allowed to run unleashed at certain times of the day. Could the Village Trustees possibly designate Faulkner Park a leash-free park at specific times of certain days? How about Mondays thru Fridays before 9 AM and after 5 PM (or even from 5-7 PM) and then on Saturday and Sunday mornings? Not only would this benefit the dogs, it would enable more residents to get to know their fellow Woodstockians (is that a word?) better. Talk about building “community”.
I believe the Poop Scoop ordinance is being adhered to fairly well and remain grateful to the village taxpayers for their supply of poop bags, and would happily contribute to a fund to reimburse them for same.
Are there other dog owners out there who feel similarly???
Thanks for listening.
Toni Richie
LikeLike
Posted by Julia Carlisle on August 22, 2011 at 10:56
Hey, that’s a great idea, Toni — using available open space during limited hours (and using those spaces with great care and respect).
Would our fellow Villagers consider that, I wonder? I know that in some Maine coastal communities like York Beach, their ordinances allow for off-leash dogs on the beach before 9am in the morning and after 5pm in the afternoon. It’s a really nice way to keep public spaces available for all types of public citizen community use.
LikeLike