ACHTUNG: This is not a “fair and balanced” article. It is an editorial by the edior.
One of the biggest needs identified by City of Wayland residents in surveys during the past several years has been a dog park.
Indeed, an open space for our canine friends would improve the local quality of life for nearly all. Too many dogs are cooped up in their homes, especially during winter months, so the idea of finding them a way to let off some steam seems splendid.
At the risk of generating some apoplectic astonishment, I submit that perhaps the best solution for this need is to remodel the Rabbit River Trail’s rules to better accommodate dog runs, or doggie trails.
Right now, many people take their dogs to the trail to get them a little exercise and a fun run along the Rabbit River. I certainly have been doing this for some time now, and my dog, Sally, seems to enjoy her trail visits almost as completely as eating. The biggest attractions for her are the ability to run through the woods and exploring.
Yet on three occasions over the past three years, I have been treated like a misbehaving child when I’m discovered letting my dog run free.
Apparently it is an unwritten law that all dogs must be restrained or leashed, and I have occasionally failed this test. Though I am careful to assure that she is restrained when confronted by humans or other dogs on the trail, I have been admonished to curb my dog regardless.
Throughout all my time walking the trail with my dog, I have had absolutely no trouble if I put the leash on Sally when encountering people or other dogs on the trail.
To be sure, the rule exists in an effort to avoid any possibility of unfriendly hostile behavior between the canines. However, I insist that the rule needs to be followed less strictly in order to preserve the best reason for using the trail as a dog park.
Dog owners are indeed responsible to make certain their animals are not aggressive or violent. This “gentleman’s agreement” is an important feature of larger dog parks in larger cities.
It indeed is difficult to enforce such rules on the Rabbit River Trail, but the same problem would exist in virtually all other locations considered or chosen for being designated as dog parks.
Thus far, nothing has been done in the city for establishment of a dog park. The way I see it, modifying rules for the Rabbit River Trail would be the best option because it already exists and it would involve far less in expenditures. All that really would be needed is a sign spelling out regulations for use.
The trail offers plenty of land, often a big reason for not having a dog park. The one facility that is offered in Dorr is a good reason to insist on a larger tract of land, away from automobile traffic. It reminds me of someone’s back yard, which is not a good option away from home.
I’m sure to be misunderstood about this, but I see a lot of local people (including me) now using the Rabbit River Trail to let their dogs run in the forest. So a dog park could be done quickly, efficiently and cheaply by simply using the Rabbit River Trail.
I urge the City Council to resolutely think this idea over and give it a chance.
