[CGYTransplant]

As a dog owner, I have no problem paying an additional fee for dog parks, as long as I see some benefits- (eg) garbages are emptied more often, benches are installed, water fountains installed for the summer, etc.)

I do think that offleash parks, especially ones that are NOT multi-use, are of great value- you can let your dog run free and play without worrying about him getting hit by a bike, or having to deal with raging parents who demand you put your dog down because he "attacked my child" (For future reference, parents, dogs cannot kill with their tongues. That is called LICKING, and it's a sign of affection)

My concern is enforceablility. Are they going to put up huge fences with electronic gates, and give swipecards to the people who pay the fee, to ensure no non-paying dog owners can't get into the parks and use them? Have a bylaw guy sitting in his running vehicle all day, who will check for proof of payment as we enter (keep your recepits, people!)?

Additionally, I know people who register their dogs (so they can get them back if they go missing), but NEVER take them to an offleash park, for various reasons (dog has poor recall, or is too old, or is just cranky in general)- should they have to pay for a service they are never going to use?

I think it's a good idea in theory, but it will be damn near impossible to really enforce....unless we all just deal with the fact that some people are going to NOT pay and continue to use the parks.


EDITED TO ADD: Silver- My dog doesn't bark. Ever. I trained her not to. I pick up her poop in the backyard, every day. I pick up her poop in the park, every time, and if she somehow sneaks one in that I don't see or can't find, I pick up someone else's poo-pile so that the poo-balance stays the same. I don't take her to parks where she is not allowed, and I hardly even walk her, on leash, on the sidewalks and paths...I just take her to the park and back. I have taken her to obedience classes, and I work with her daily, to make sure that she is a polite dog that people WANT to have around. For all intents and purposes, SHE IS MY BABY.

Yes, there are bad dog owners out there. I hate them as much as you do. But, let's be honest, there are some pretty craptastic parents out there as well. Why should I have to sit next to a screaming child, smelling it's dirty diaper while I'm eating lunch? Why should I have to put up with a toddler having a tantrum in the airplane seat behind me, for 8 hours? Why should my taxes go to schools, or playgrounds, or children's pools in rec centers? I have no use for any of these things...but I should put up with them because they're for the "future of society"? Hell, for that matter, why am I paying (through taxes) for old age homes, and assisted living facilities- I don't need them, I don't use them! Same goes for therapy programs (physical and occupational)? The "I don't use it, so why am I paying for it" argument is a very very dangerous one, and I think it is one of the few places that the "slippery slope" argument can be used without sounding ridiculous.

That is the kicker of living in society- you have to pay for things you don't necessarily use, but whose existence is better for the society as a whole. Dogs have been proven to lower agitation in non-verbal dementia patients, and people with mental disabilities. They help people with physical disabilities live productive lives. They find backcountry skiiers who get lost. They sniff out bombs, and drugs, and all sorts of contraband. They take down dangerous criminals, when human police officers cannot. They are used to teach compassion in elementary schools, as well as to young offenders, and to rehabilitate ex-cons.

I am truly sorry that you don't like dogs. Until I got my girl, I could have never dreamed of what a positive impact she would have on my life. I honestly believe that dogs are the only creatures that can love a human unconditionally (and if you don't believe me, just wait until your kid screams at you that they hate you and you ruined their life). It makes me sad that you don't know the comfort that can come from a dog setting it's head in your lap when you're sad, or the joy that comes from seeing that furry face and ferociously wagging tail, greeting you at the door after a long day. They are the only creatures who love you again immediately after you yell at them, and who forget all your transgressions as soon as you give them a treat. Like Cowperson's signature says, I strive to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.