SPOKEN FROM MY LHASA APSO'S POINT OF VIEW: "There is nothing that makes a dog happier than strolling along on the lawn...on a nice sunny day, watching his full-of-vim-and-vigor "person", socializing happily with others of his species--while we canines can just kick back and relax amongst ourselves.....sniffing all our lovely hind quarters,and catching the lovely park aromas--beloved by all us park dogs!" LOLOL!
(as told to his "person", Lynn)!! :-)
In part, because we could allow a dog to run free during part of the day, we purchased our apartment near RSD and acquired a very active, very obedient dog.
The off-leash policy fosters growth in a caring community - people, children and dogs. Friendships are formed, children learn how to take care of their pets and how to deal with other animals. And our four-legged members of our family also learn how to socialize and live with others (breeds) in the comunity.
My dog and I are much happier and healthier because we thoroughly enjoy and look forward to our daily off leash hours in the park. We love the community minded environment of fellow dogowners.
By all means, allowing dogs off leash makes sense. I've lived by Prospect Park for 20 years and the presence of dogs and their owners are always a plus.
Dogs need to be able to run free to exercise, socialize and just be dogs, is the least that owners should do for their pets. Just like humans needs interaction and exercise so does the rest of the animal kindom, and dogs fall in that category.
This is a positive change for the city, its people and canine residents. Lets keep it. It has also been correlated that the park crime rates have decreased since more dogs and owners use the parks more frequently durring the hours that most crimes previously occurred. Lets not slide backwards!
Please continue this practice as my dog really enjoys running freely. She is harmless to other human and running freely will give her very healthy life physically and emotionally.
