Diesel (L) and Chico (now a Grover dog) relax at the Channelside Dog Park in Tampa, Fla. Photo by Moe Demby
By Moe Demby of Ocean Grove and Blogfinger staff:
Winter time in the Grove is very quite and peaceful. The streets are mostly empty and the only sound heard throughout the town is the chime of the church bells.
If you travel east, the scenery changes, and despite cold wind, snow, and rain, life fills the beach. It’s the sub-community of Ocean Grove dog owners. The winter allows residents to let their four legged friends stretch their legs, run in the sand, dive in the waves and socialize with their doggy neighbors. It’s a unique social scene where Grovers meet everyday to share laughs, while their dogs wrestle and play in the sand.
As May approaches, this little puppy paradise will come to an end; the beach and boardwalk will be closed to all our furry friends. So dog owners in the Grove are left asking the question: with so many dogs in this town and so many little parks- why isn’t there one area in town that’s fenced off and designated for our four-legged friends?
A dog park serves a unique purpose for both dog owners and those who don’t own dogs. Having a dog park in town will drastically cut down on dog traffic in the towns other parks – Dog owners police themselves and will always say something if another dog owner doesn’t pick up.
A dog park is a special place which allows locals to socialize and exercise their pets. There are plenty of grassy spots in town which could serve this purpose- so why don’t we have one?
Thank you, Moe
MARIACHI DE MEXICO DE PEPE VILLA: “Cancion Mixteca”
I love the idea of a dog park, but I think picking up after your dog needs to be strictly enforced!!!
The dog park idea is a good one. Perhaps it would lead to several dog owners bypassing the front of my house when they decide to leave their dogs’ excrement someplace. Honestly, I am fed up with dogs having been bitten by one on such a long leash that it was almost pointless, having witnessed countless dogs unleashed on the beach (I don’t know if it is against the law or not, but I know it is a nuisance), and having to avoid stepping in someone else’s mess as I exit my car in front of the house.
Please, take your dogs to a dog park. Any dog park.
Don’t feel bad Ken- I haven’t been contacted by anyone. That’s ok, we have a small group of people who are interested and we will continue to move forward.
Moe,
I assume you will get more Grovers involved in the dog park campaign than have shown interest in the derelict buildings situation.
Paul– yes- your vet has a point- dogs can catch illness from each other; the same as little kids passing a cold to each other on the playground. The more serious issues such as dog bites and serious medical issues will be prevented by the parks membership process as stated in an earlier comment. Aggressive dogs won’t be allowed in the park and only dogs that have their shots (paperwork of proof) will be allowed.
Again- I hear a lot of people who have interest in the park and opinions, but I have yet to receive one email stating that anyone would like to help with the process. All are welcome– please send your number to blogfinger and I will be certain to contact you and you can all be included in the planning.
This will take some work; so the more helping hands the better. I love dogs and want a place for them to play and socialize- so please feel free to join me.
Years ago, when dog parks first started, my vet said to avoid them. She’d sewn up plenty of dogs who were attacked at parks and had treated numerous cases of kennel cough from un-vaccinated dogs.
To those who think entry screening can help, it’s worth considering that any credentials shown for admission are obsolete as soon as they are created.
Radar, I do look for parking spaces but I live with it. Having to walk a block or two once a week is not the worst thing that can happen to you.
No sex at the dog park; we would prefer all dogs be spayed and neutered
Thank you Paul for the ordinance suggestion…it would be much appreciated. On the up side, at least we know that people are practicing safe sex in the grass strip.
Waterseller’s semantic concern–and more importantly emotional reactive concern–illustrates he is not a Grover looking for a parking space on Saturday night during peak season.
Hi Paul
Hope you are well.
I am the editor of the Ocean Grove Voice in Victoria, Australia, and having been to visit our NJ namesake a couple of times I’ve kept up with your news site on a regular basis.
What has prompted this email is that I noticed the dogs on beaches issue is making news there just as it is here.
I’d love to be able to re-run your article and pictures alongside our own debate, just to show some similarities. Would you be happy with that if we credited the source?
Kind regards
Alan Barber
Ocean Grove Voice
Editor’s Note: We have given Alan permission to air out our dog news on the Ocean Grove Voice (Australia.). We have asked him for some more information regarding their dog park issues. —-Paul
I think a dog park is a great idea. I don’t own a dog but I’m probably known as the “Crazy lady who talks to every dog and cat she she’s sees while walking through town”. There’s nothing happier than a dog running and playing.
Moe…you certainly are correct when you say there are many irresponsible people in all walks of life. Not only do I find the occasional dog mess in my grass strip, I have also found cigarette butts and used condoms (of all things). What the heck’s going on outside of my house during the night??
Editor’s note: Well, now we know that people do still like to smoke after sex and, in addition, we now know what the purpose of the grassy strip is. We need an ordinance to prevent smoking in front of MaryLou’s house. —-PG
The Wall Township dog park on Marconi Rd is always busy and rarely dirty. And I’ve never had an issue at the Dog Beach in Manasquan being dirty.
I should clarify the park having members. This will not be an “exclusive,” park, all will be welcome. But dogs that utilize the park will have to be cleared for shots and show that they are dog friendly– this is strictly a safety issue. Once a dog owner can provide proof that their pet is safe around other pets– they will be a member. Regarding a membership fee– well this is only in the planning and discussion phase– I can’t say for certain if a fee will be needed. We all prefer free- so that side of it will depend on Neptune Township or the CMA.
At this point, I don’t want to mention the proposed locations, because I don’t want to get shot down before we ever get out of the starting gate. I will say that the locations are far away from homes- so there shouldn’t be any problems. Cindy from the Pet Boutique on Main is a huge advocate of this park plan and has many great ideas regarding how we should proceed.
The price for a dog park as basically small- but obviously there are many hurtles to jump through before we get there. If anyone is serious about participating in this process- we will be sitting down soon and putting it all on paper. Please join in–send your name and number to Blogfinger (Blogfinger@verizon.net) and I will certainly contact you. We can use the help. —-Moe
Moe : Where would this park be located ? OGCMA owns all the land in OG. Not so sure they would approve of a ” members only park ” .
OG is almost a mile square. Not that small. I’m not so certain an elderly or semi-disabled person would want to go too far to a dog park. They probably would prefer to stay near by their home.
I don’t own a dog but love to see all of the happy OG dogs and their owners around town. I am curious to know if there is a planned location for the proposed dog park?
Just a thought. Which green area or park or lot will be used as an ‘exclusive’ members only dog park? Will they lease or buy a lot or do they think the CMA or Neptune will donate one of the area parks for such a purpose. Those who think only some or a few don’t clean up after their pets have never spent much time strolling in Poop Park off Clark or walked past any of the triangle parks along Asbury Ave.
Moe and Sal,
Your points are well taken. I realize the comment about the dog owners monitoring themselves refers to those at the dog park. And I know there are many more responsible dog owners than those that are bad apples. I am not opposed to a dog park in Ocean Grove…quite the contrary. Good Luck with the planning.
It is a municipal ordinance in Ocean Grove that pet owners must clean up after their animals. It is also simple courtesy. Obviously, some pet owners adhere neither to the municipal code nor to the rules of civility.
I live on Ocean Pathway and notice that an overwhelming percentage of pet owners do clean up after their pets. However, some do not and they spoil it for everyone. A fenced dog park will likely not change that but it will provide a location to allow the off-leash exercising of pets. This would be a most welcome alternative during the months when the boardwalk and beach are off-limits to pets.
I believe that the comment about dog owners monitoring themselves is for when they are inside of a dog park, not out on the streets or on the beach. Owners monitor themselves as needed.
True , there are many irresponsible dog owners- but there are also many irresponsible people in all walks of life. I go to the beach every day with my dog and often plan play dates with other Grovers: we all bring extra bags and often pick up after others who are just to lazy. I’m truly sorry if someone let their dog poop on your grass- really. If I saw it, I would be the first to tell them to get a bag and pick it up. I find it gross regardless – who wants to see or step in poop.
But this isn’t a conversation about a few bad apples- this is a discussion regarding if a dog park would be a good thing for Ocean Grove. I love dog parks and how they invite locals to meet each other and engage in daily conversation, while their furry friends get to run free and play. I don’t expect all people to be dog lovers; but if you aren’t, how would it hurt you if this town had a dog park?
There are a few people in town who are discussing the potential park and how it would operate. The plan would be to have a members only park. Members would pay a minimal monthly fee. Dogs who are non-aggressive and have all their shots would be accepted to the park. Park members would get a fob which would allow them access. We already have a few volunteers who would monitor all dog members. I have belonged to a park like this and found members treated it like their own backyard. It was always clean and the monthly fees helped pay for the upkeep.
As far as distance- OG is a small town, and the park would be for OG residents. Most good dog owners walk their dogs everyday- so I’m certain they wouldn’t mind walking a few blocks to reach the park.
I don’t mind the idea of a dog park in Ocean Grove. But really? “Dog owners police themselves and will always say something if another dog owner doesn’t pick up.” This simply is not true. My husband and I took our son and his family to the beach to play in the sand a couple of weekends ago. I was shocked at how many doggie dumps were left all over the place.
In addition, from my front porch, I have witnessed many people who let their dogs relieve themselves without picking up after in the empty lot near the tennis courts on the south end of town. This should not be. I think it’s just laziness, a lack of responsibility, and very inconsiderate. I love to see dogs run and play in that lot, but please pick up after them.
How can an article about a dog park be turned into a parking forum? Oh, wait. I see. park/parking. For those obsessed with parking in the Grove, any article will be fine.
Would every dog owner really use it ? Or would those far away continue to have their dogs go nearby their homes ? Would Summer & weekend tourists use it ? Who would maintain it – Neptune ? Just some thoughts. Although a dog lover I am not a dog owner.
Sorry to disappoint you Moe. I have witnessed successful dog parks. But Ocean Grove needs a car park more for visitors and more focus on cleaning up after the dogs.