Every dog's dream

Dogs dream of running and playing with their owners -- and with other dogs! For Orcas Island dogs, this dream is about to become a real-life possibility on a one-acre off-leash dog park next to the Orcas Animal Protection Society shelter in Eastsound.

Sherry Vinson, Animal Protection Society dog trainer, and Trish Winters, owner of Pawki's Pet Supplies in Eastsound, have done the groundwork. Now they are going public with additional needs to complete the project.

According to Vinson, "A dog park is a simple operation, consisting of a plot of land, a fence, posted rules, and trash containers for depositing waste. Add dogs and people, and you're launched." Vinson and Winters have successfully attained status for this project as a non-profit organization and have procured initial funds from private donations.

Dick and Becky Greaves generously offered the use of their land. Local businesses have pledged their services, at a reduced rate, for development of the park. Further donations of money or volunteer time are needed to bring the dream to fruition. A fence, the largest expense, will cost approximately $4,000 to construct. The land will need to be graded and seeded. Other expenses that must be met before the park can open are liability insurance, monthly trash service, and a sign stating rules for use of the park.

Based on the number of dog licenses already sold in 2005, there are approximately 300 licensed dogs on Orcas. Taking into consideration that not everyone who owns a dog bought a license, there are likely over 450 dogs on the island.

Vinson states, "A need exists in every community to provide a safe, enclosed area to allow our dogs to do doggie things. A well-exercised dog is a happier and healthier pet. He makes a better neighbor, is unlikely to be a nuisance, bark incessantly, or destroy property."

Dog parks are now common throughout the United States. The number has nearly tripled in the last five years. They are instrumental in creating a healthy lifestyle for dog and owner, and are used by many people for many reasons.

Dog parks help dogs learn to socialize with other dogs, lessening dog aggression that all too frequently occurs with dogs that lead a solitary life, sometimes never leaving their yards or a chained-up environment.

Dog parks accommodate physically disabled persons and senior citizens who cannot always walk their pets.

Dog parks encourage people to exercise with their dogs, and provide an opportunity to meet others in the community.

Dog parks provide a designated area where dogs may run safely, reducing the number of dogs free to chase or kill sheep or deer, harass joggers, or run freely in non-designated areas.

The desire for a dog park for Orcas came about from Vinson’s use of the dog park in Anacortes. "Whenever I go to the mainland, I always take my dog to the off-leash park in Anacortes. The pleasure in using it is twofold; my dog gets exercise with other dogs, and I enjoy peace of mind because there are no dangerous distractions to worry about. I also appreciate the camaraderie of fellow dog owners. I thought that our community would benefit from having a dog park, and the Anacortes park became the preliminary model. I looked around for suitable land, researched dog parks, and consulted with one of the founders of the dog park in Anacortes. My efforts started paying off when Dick and Becky Greaves offered use of their land. Local businesses added their support, then Trish Winters at the pet store volunteered her time and efforts to help make the idea a reality."

For more information call Vinson, 376-5850, or Winters, 376-3648..

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