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their safety. A double-gate system was use diatomaceous earth.” groups around 9 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. It
installed to prevent dogs from getting is not uncommon during those times to
out into the community. The CA provided Robin is pleased with the dog park and see 30 or more residents sitting under the
chairs and benches for the residents, happy to see so many dogs enjoying it. trees, chatting, while their dogs explore
and very recently, a BBQ picnic area /LNH+DKQ5RELQ·VIRFXVLVRQLWVEHQHÀW and play. Some residents visit the dog park
was built for the enjoyment of residents to the dogs. “This is the only place in Sun sporadically, while others visit every day
in that area. David Hahn (Director of City where the dogs can get exercise and —sometimes several times a day. Resident
Facilities Maintenance), who supervises socialize off leash. Some have fenced yards, Buzzy Hart (N6) introduced himself and
maintenance of the dog park, believes the but the yards are small and don’t provide his two beloved terriers, Buddy and Bubba.
decision to build the dog park has been enough room for larger dogs.” She also “We’re the three Honey Bs. We visit the dog
a good one. “It needs to be there. A lot of believes that being off leash is the only way park three times a day.” Hart said they
people love it. The park was built for the a dog’s true temperament can be expressed. don’t have a schedule, “They woof-woof me,
dogs and they love it. It’s really all about “Dogs are different off leash. Dogs can be and I know it’s time. I’m their chauffeur.”
the dogs.” He and his team monitor the dominant or timid on leash and be totally
park and are always looking for ways to different off leash. They establish their own Renee Swan (N38) has been bringing her
improve it. “It’s tricky to maintain the pecking order.” She does believe residents two dogs, Pomeranian Dolly and Lhasa
grass with the shade out there and the dog should objectively determine whether Apso Dudley, to the dog park almost every
DFWLYLW\:HORRNHGDWLQVWDOOLQJDUWLÀFLDO their dog is a danger to other dogs before GD\IRUWKHSDVWÀYH\HDUV'XGOH\ZDV
grass, but the City of Georgetown feels considering a dog park. The dog park is not blinded by diabetes but is able to navigate
it impedes drainage and won’t allow it.” the place for an aggressive dog. She advised the dog park safely. Despite his disability,
Aesthetics are one factor, but the safety that residents should supervise their dog at Dudley’s quality of life hasn’t suffered.
of the dogs is paramount to Hahn. “Our the park because tense situations can arise Renee knows all of the dogs by name, and
maintenance crews do not use any harmful quickly and an alert owner can intervene many residents have become friends. They
chemicals or ant bait in that area. We only before there’s a problem. have helped one another through various
The dog park tends to draw the largest Continued on the next page
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG AUGUST 2017 SUNRAYS | 37