Apr 09 2008
Dangers of the Dog Park
A while ago I briefly mentioned an issue I had at a local dog park, and I am finally ready to share the particulars.
Before we ever got Greta, I debated the virtues of the dog park.
But once she came into our home, we went a few times and had so much fun it became a daily ritual.
In August 2007, we were at that dog park on a Sunday morning romp with other greyhounds, and Greta was bit by another dog. After an exchange of contact information and a trip to the vet, the owner of that dog refused to pay our vet bill.
From August through November 2007, I conducted extensive research and got to know the local Animal Control for the City of Sacramento very well. My goal was to make them enforce the rules posted at the dog park, in an effort to get the other dog’s owner to own up to her dog’s actions.
When that didn’t work, I had to file the papers to take said owner to small claims court. Even then, she owner refused to pay the bill.
In January 2008, I had my day in court, where I presented an overwhelming case. The defendant was even cut off early on because she had no defense–while I had three witnesses who saw her dog bite Greta, and she admits she wasn’t watching her dog!
I subsequently won, and then, finally, was repaid weeks later (including all various fees associated with taking the owner to court). I also became a reluctant expert regarding dog park lawsuits in the process.
While I am very happy with the outcome (justice served!), the fact that I had to wait a full seven months after the incident still rubs me the wrong way.
I know most people are responsible, and most would do the right thing in this situation.
And, as luck would have it, I probably ran into the one individual that’s ever been to that dog park who refuses to do what’s right and take responsibility for their dog’s actions.
But all the time and money I had to invest to earn my victory left me exhausted and swore me off dog parks.
I think dog parks are great in theory, but when something goes wrong, it takes a herculean effort to enforce rules and regulations.
During the ordeal, I used to say that the dog park is, in essence, the wild, wild west–a place where anything goes.
That’s why I’m not going.
(Greta’s wound, which required a drain between the upper and lower bites.)
The American Mutt-i-grees Club, founded by Pet Savers Foundation, wants to spread the word that mutts are people dogs too!
The American Mutt-i-grees Club is all about change and choice:
Changing how mixed-breed dogs are regarded, by celebrating the unique
characteristics of each one of them, and helping people make the right
choice - the choice to adopt mixed-breed puppies and [...]
The pills you pop may make you feel better, but they could be fatal to your pet. Just last year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled 89,000 cases of pets exposed to human medications.
Here’s what to watch out for:
NSAIDs
According to the APCC, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxen are the most [...]
My distaste for puppy mills notwithstanding, I’m pleased to report that, stepping away from its reputation as “The Puppy Mill Capital of the East,” the Pennsylvania Legislature passed HB 2525 on October 8, a bill that will improve the lives of tens of thousands of dogs living in Pennsylvania’s puppy mills.
HB 2525 doubles the cage [...]
Two years ago today, my husband and I rescued Greta, and our lives have never been the same since. Sure, it was hard in the beginning–after all, she was a puppy with no experiences outside of living in a wire crate 23 hours a day.
Slowly, she learned how to relax and live in a home. [...]
October is Adopt-A-Dog month, a celebration established by the American Humane Association to promote dog adoptions from animal shelters and educate people about responsible pet care. Learn more about events in your area here.
And just in time for Adopt-A-Dog month, Disney’s new film, Beverly Hills Chihuahua hits theaters October 3. The film is about Chloe, [...]
I’m so glad you warned us of the issues that can arise when dogs go wild in the dog park! I don’t have a dog but I am a cattle dog mom by proxy (at cattle dog godmother, if you will)and, I would hate to have something happen to Jack while he is in my care. Thanks for the info and keep it coming!
Beverly: It’s scary stuff! When I drive by the dog park now, I just shake my head. Private doggie play dates are much safer!
[...] the majority of attention-getting dog bites pertain to dog v. human, I can attest to the fact that dog v. dog bites are just as traumatic and [...]
[...] save your breath, because I have. I was bit on the buttock by a doberman when I was a child, and my dog was bit by a rottweiler last year. And no, I don’t cower from dobermans or rottweilers, or even pitbulls. I’ve even [...]