Dogs In Heaven

Off-leash dog parks: an idea that is barking up the right tree

They and their owners, Boiseans Mary Fitzgerald and Zoann Halverson were out for their summer morning walk in one of Boise’s seven experimental off-leash dog parks.

“Absolutely, it’s better exercise for you and the dog,” said Fitzgerald, about having off-leash parks like Redwood.

Here are some rules and suggestions for dog off-leash areas from the city of Boise:

Æ Don't tie your pet to a tree. It is illegal to attach rope or wire to any tree or plant.

Æ Always have a leash.

Æ Do not allow your pet to harass waterfowl, people or other animals.

Æ Clean up after your pet. Mutt mitts are available at some park locations. Pet owners are encouraged to carry and use plastic bags to clean up after pets. Place used bags in park trash receptacle.

Æ Park rules are posted at restrooms and shelters.

Æ Parks are open from sunrise to sunset, except for the hours designated for off-leash dogs in the pilot program parks.

Æ You must have a visible and current dog license.

Æ If your dog is in heat or an unneutered male, don’t bring it to the park.

Æ Aggressive or bully dogs are not welcomed.

Æ For safety reasons, remove pinch, spike or choke collars and halters prior to entering the off leash area.

Æ You are legally responsible for your dog's behavior and any injuries or damages the dog causes.

Æ Never leave your dog unattended or allow it to get out of sight.

Æ Never leave the area without your dog.

Æ Gates, where present, must be kept closed at all times.

Æ Children frequent dog off-leash area, so if your dog is not comfortable with children, keep your distance and alert parents.

Æ Toddlers and small children don’t belong in off-leash areas.

Æ Children shouldn’t be running in an off-leash area because it triggers a chase response in dogs.

Redwood, a 7-acre neighborhood park located near Ustick Road between North Five Mile and Cloverdale roads, is special because it’s the only off-leash park with a pond.

Dog owners can conduct retrieving practice and there’s even a cement ramp at the pond to make it easier for dogs to get out of the water.

all dogs go to heaven « Run Run Rachel

Tell you that every time i run i reflect.  i think about what today will bring, how hard i’m going to work at de-cluttering my desk, how hard i’m going to work at building stronger relationships with friends, family, and the boyfriend.  i think about what i’ve been given.  no matter how depressed i become with bills and deadlines i can appreciate that those things don’t define me.

today i thanked the Lord for the time i got to spend with opie.  for bringing such a wonderful dog into my life to teach me responsibility, patience, and understanding.

the Lord works in mysterious ways through dogs who chew up carpets and couches.

this morning i recalled reading an ann landers letter about dogs going to heaven.  i couldn’t remember exactly what the letter said so i knew i wanted to re-read that letter and share with you today.

thanks again for your warm wishes and prayers.

(this is from nuggets and doozies by ann landers)

Dear Ann Landers: A long time ago, you ran a letter from a boy whose dog had died.  He wanted to know if dogs went to heaven.  It would be a big help, he said, if he were sure that when he died, his dog would be up there waiting for him.

As I recall, you consulted several clergyman.  Most said animals do not have souls, and therefore, they do not go to heaven.  One kind Congregational minister replied that he wasn’t sure but he didn’t see anything wrong with telling the youngster that he would probably see his dog in heaven because everything up there is “perfect.”

Several days ago, I read a column on that very subject by Rev. Dale E Turner, a columnist for the The Seattle Times .  I am sending a condensed version in the hope that you will print it. –A Seattle Reader

Dear Seattle:  Thanks for a real heart-warmer.  I loved it.  Here it is:

Looking back across the years, I see how important dogs have been in my life.  I had been an ordained minister only a few weeks when I received a call from an 8-year-old boy.  His dog had been killed by a car.  “Mr. Turner,” the lad sobbed, “do you do funerals for dogs?”

I didn’t know quite how to respond, but I recalled the Scriptures’ affirmation of God’s knowing when even a sparrow falls.  I replied, “Why not?” and I conducted a little ceremony for the boy’s pet.  He was very pleased and then asked, “Is my dog going to heaven?”  I wasn’t prepared for that question, but my love for animals got me through it.  I’m sure I made the child feel better.

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