Monthly Archives: March 2011

Why Members Support A-DOG!

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In our membership drives, we ask our members why they choose to support A-DOG. You can add your own reasons in the Comments section!

Here, with their permission, is what they are saying:

 

“Among other things, we are looking for a community that understands the bond between members of a human/canine family……” 

Brett G. and Deborah F., Arlington

 ”Dogs do so much for us, it’s nice if we can give them good places to play off leash with their friends!”

Pamela S., Medford

“We just adopted a rescue dog, and would love to give him a chance to run around outside in a fenced in area, off leash.”

Angela and David S., Arlington

“Five or more days a week my friends and our dogs enjoy an off-leash romp at Turkey Hill.  Thank you for making this possible and legal.”

Ruth S., Arlington

“The off-leash hours that A-DOG helped establish has created a nice community of neighbors at our local park, in addition to making our dog more sociable and better behaved.  We’ve changed our morning routine to be a part of this community.”

Amy G. and Doug G., Arlington

 

“I really appreciate the value of dogs in our lives and how to establish “rights” and environments to meet their needs to just be DOGS!”

Ellen C., Arlington

 

“We love Arlington and love our dog.  We want to support ways to enjoy both!”

Heather and David A., Arlington 

 

“The off leash hours are life-changing. I so appreciate the advocacy for dogs and their people. The leadership is sophisticated and strategic–needed when issues are charged.”

– Ellen D., Arlington

“You all do such a great job supporting dogs and their families in arlington!!”

– Michele S., Arlington

“for all of the hard work and persistence in getting off leash hours passed and keeping us informed about dog related town-wide concerns”

– Louisa B., Arlington

“I am excited to learn more about the possibility of a dog park in Arlington!”

– Margaret M., Arlington

“We support A-DOG because we enjoy being able to enjoy the parks with our dog Estella during off leash hours and think it’s important that this continue to be allowed.”

– Dustin and Ellen T., Arlington

“We need to speak up for the voiceless and that includes all animals.”

– Heather B., Arlington

“Every dog needs a support system. I think the work you do is so important to our dogs and our own mental and physical health. Thanks so much!”

— Pam H., Arlington


“I thought A-DOG did and continues to do a great job of working on behalf of all of the dogs and dog owners in Arlington.  I am particularly appreciative of all of the work you did and continue to do to help obtain and maintain off leash hours for dogs in this town.”


— Louisa B., Arlington


“What you’ve done and are doing is impressive and important – we and our dogs want to be a more active part of it!”

– Roma H., Arlington


“I love A-DOG! Always will!”

– Carrie M., Arlington


“Pets are important members of our community. Responsible pet ownership is essential.”

– Janet D., Arlington


“LOVE the off-leash hours at Turkey Hill and use them daily. Time to support the great group that made this happen and be in the loop.”

– Ruth S., Arlington


“I want to keep Arlington dog friendly!”

- – Gian S., Arlington, MA


“I love animals, and two of my best friends are Becker and Candace, my friend Sue’s wonderful companions.”

- – Alma G., Arlington, MA


“While I understand where opponents of off-leash dogs are coming from, many of them are against every proposed solution, so it’s important that responsible dog owners can present a united front.  I can’t wait for the fenced dog park, which I don’t think would be happening if A-DOG didn’t exist!  I’d also love evening or weekend off-leash hours (since the morning hours don’t work for me). I strongly prefer off-leash locations places with some sort of visual barrier between the dog area and other uses, even if it’s not a real fence — just something to help my dog know where the limit is).”

- – Riley H., Arlington


“As a new resident, I have found dog owners to be the most welcoming and inviting members of the Arlington community!”

- – Meghan H., Arlington


“I support A-Dog because I believe that Arlington residents who own dogs should be responsible and educated about town bylaws and plans for dog parks, etc. A-Dog does a great job of getting messages out to Arlington’s dog-owning community.”

- – Jennifer G., Arlington


“I feel strongly about exercising my rights as a responsible dog owner. I am also concerned with the well-being of my dog who needs active off-leash play time to be healthy.”

– Gene L., Arlington


“Because dogs have feelings and needs too.”

– Keith P., Arlington


“I support A-DOG because canine citizens are an important part of our community.  Dogs enrich our lives, and A-DOG makes it easier to be a dog owner in Arlington.”

– Susan R., Arlington


“We are very interested in having areas for our dog to run and play right here in our town! We are responsible dog owners and are happy to join a group of like-minded individuals!”

– Maureen L., Arlington

 

 

Debate Continues on Off-Leash Hours and “Probation” is Considered by Board of Selectmen.

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Last spring, Arlington Town Meeting passed a substitute motion sponsored by A-DOG Town Meeting Members. This bylaw change, now taking effect, allows dogs off leash, under owner control, in parks under Parks and Recreation Commission authority. Certain areas are excluded, including parks right next to school buildings, near playground equipment, and any other site by exclusion of the Parks and Recreation Commission. See further details here.  As we told our members when the program began, this is “a great step for responsible dog owners in Arlington!  Please continue to exercise and to encourage responsible practices, including honoring the legal morning hours.”  According to the records maintained by the Parks and Recreation Commission, there have been a relatively small number of complaints about the program (approximately 25, made by about 15 individuals, one of whom is responsible for over 25% of the compaints), and an approximately equal number of positive reports.  Reports from the Animal Control Officer have been similar, citing few incidents and complaints.

Nonetheless, the Board of Selectmen (who, in a 4-1 vote, opposed our proposal for Article 36 at last year’s hearing ) is now considering a “probation” plan for Robbins Farm Park and Menotomy Rocks Park, though it is not clear what that means.  It has been suggested, including by one Selectman at the meeting, that future actions could include suspending off-leash activity at both parks.  That Selectmen has also stated that Robbins and Menotomy are in a “crisis” situation.  The recent “probation” discussion appears to have been precipitated by a lengthy complaint, made by an individual who has consistently opposed off-leash recreation at Robbins, presented to the Board of Selectmen at their February 7, 2011 meeting.  A video of this meeting is available here.  In a followup meeting, March 14, the Selectmen said that, based on the Parks and Rec Commission recommendation, they will not at this time institute a “probation”, but some of them have alleged that they receive many complaints (one said that she doesn’t pass on 2/3 of the complaints she receives) to support the “crisis” status of Robbins and Menotomy that they are not making available to the public.  After at least one resident stated that making rulings based on secret information is not fair to the public (we do have Open Meeting Law governing our public process), one Selectman agreed to pass on any information she can in order to increase transparency. (There was further animated discussion at this meeting, which will also soon be made available to the public as a video.)

Another item brought up by members of the public was the need for some afternoon off-leash hours.  This will require a new vote from TM so we urge present and future TM members to get involved in this effort!