Every morning my dog wakes me up and takes me to the park to play. He absolutely loves and needs his time to run and interact freely with the other dogs. It would devestate him not to have such an opportunity of mind and body expression. It does wanders for his overall moral and sense of self. I could go on...the benefits.
Off leash hours are important to dog owners who need to execise their dogs but they are also important to non dog owners because off leash dogs keep undesirables out off our parks at night helping to keep our neighborhoods safe.
The vast majority of dog owners utilizing off-leash hours appreciate the ability to do so and observe the rules. Their is a time and place for all who wish to use our city parks.
Responsible dogowners and their dogs help anchor the park by being their rain, snow or shine. We are also a community who looks out for each other and create one of the various connective tissues that hold this great city together.
Watching my dog and all of his dog friends romp and play is uncommmonly good for our communal health and happiness. All the dogs are friendly and well-behaved and bother no one. I have seen neither a bad dog nor a bad dog owner. Please allow the off-leash hours to continue!
I enthusiasticly supprot the off-leash hours and commend the Deparment of Park's efforts to codify the rules. This is a wonderful part of New York's life for so long, and our dog is a healthier and much better adjusted pet as a result of it. Thank you for letting it continue!
There are many reasonable and positive reasons for fully legalizing the "informal" off-leash policy of the past decades. We urge the Parks Dept. to finalize this lengthy, but important process.
Let's make sure pets and people stay happy and social by maintaing the community of dogs and people who can enjoy nature and freedom. - As it was meant to be. That is just basic humanness.
For me and my pups, and for my husband, and for all the friends we have met walking our dogs off-leash in Fort Greene Park, this privilege is one of the very best perks of life in the city.
