Today the ‘Piece of My Mind’ that I have decided to share, is the piece that holds my opinion on the proliferation of off-leash dog parks in our city. Apparently this is a trend that has been spreading across North America for some time, but as usual we are running a few years behind.
For the record – I am against off-leash dog parks. We certainly do not need seven (and counting) off-leash dog parks anywhere in Regina. We definitely do not need one in our neighborhood (which is currently in the works). There are as many dogs as people in our area. While we have many responsible dog owners, we also have those who can barely control their dogs on a leash, much less without one. When our neighbourhood off-leash dog park opens, I for one will not be taking Kat into that gong show.
But, we will be helping to foot the bill to build and maintain yet another off-leash dog park that this city does not need. As will everyone else in our neighbourhood – the petless, the cat people, the bird and reptile lovers. We will all foot the bill because some dog owners and city politicians have decided that dogs need their own parks so they can run free and socialize in urban areas. 🙄
I realize there are a lot of dogs that are far larger and more active than our Kat. They may well require more intense exercise. In a small city like Regina, it is blocks to the rural area surrounding the city – with ample opportunities to run a larger animal. If that is not an option for anyone (anywhere), than maybe they should have made a more responsible choice when adopting a pet. Just saying!
So, that is my ‘piece of mind’ for the day.
Have a great day! Take care and see you tomorrow.💞
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 
I am with you. Will spare you my stories!
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I am sure your stories would be a good read, Geoff. Thanks for the thumbs up.
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That’s a really stupid idea if I may say, Annmarie. I suppose the dog parks here are also off-leash. All this does is encourage dogfighting and lawsuits. I’ve heard the name Regina before.
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You may certainly say, John. Regina is the capital city of Saskatchewan but it is probably known just as well for our Regina Roughrider CFL team and their fans who fill our stadium wearing green and white jerseys and sport watermelon helmets. (Seriously 🙄).
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Mmm watermelon! I did have a look at your city on Wikipedia. Is the mean temperature really around 40F?
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Probably… We definitely see -30s in the winter and see +90s in the summer with a lot of 40s to 50s in the spring and fall.
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I assume this is in the Imperial system, well that’s darn cold!
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I’m with you entirely. Dogs off the leash in our forest can be a menace to wildlife, not to mention the furry shit left lying about
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Yes, Imperial. It gets cold and icy but we dress for it and our vehicles are equipped to handle it.
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I can’t imagine how much dog poop is left behind on these off leash dog parks. There are plenty who walk their dogs on leashes, who don’t pick up after them. It can’t be safe for dogs to run loose in the forest unattended. Poor things.
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I do not like them either and will never take my dog to one. I have heard of many incidents of dogs getting injured and some even killed in those parks. In my opinion anytime dogs are out among people or other dogs they should be on a leash and controlled.
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Thank you! I think there was one story in the paper here of a serious incident. I would not risk it with any dog, regardless of size or temperament.
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Nor would I.
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