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need opinions before I get my a** kicked! — Brooklynian

need opinions before I get my a** kicked!

dawnlovesmike
dawnlovesmike
edited November -1 in Brooklyn Pets
Hi all. NEED ADVICE! I had a strange experience in Brower park today and am wondering if I'm too much of a "Dog Mom" to see the big picture- please tell me what you think:

We have two dogs, both big. Both well trained, calm, and bathed (Johnson's baby shampoo,) and brushed regularly. They are closer to being our children than pets. Now, as summer progresses, they are getting very hot just like the rest of us and eigher my husband or I will walk them to the park to sit in the shade and cool down in the sprinkler (usually every day). The kids LOVE watching them in the water and the dogs LOVE the attention.

Now today I had a HORRIFIED mom who YELLED at me to get the dogs out of the water that her kids play in. I was taken aback, because the only negative reaction we get is from parents afraid of dogs. (p.s. our guys would NEVER EVER releave themselves in the water and would throw themselves into traffic before they'd hurt a kid)
I tried to explain to her that my dogs were loved housepets and as clean as any child, and that she had much more to worry about from a human child with feces/urine in his/her diaper than from the dirt on the dogs feet.

She continued to yell, and being the jackass I am I let myself feed right into it, put on my "offended" face and we yelled at each other like a couple of idiots while the dogs stood around looking embarrassed.

Bottom line: The puppy (90 lbs) has had heat stroke twice before (his breed is prone) and NEEDS to be kept cool. I COULD put them in the tub, but it's a long, wet, messy process and the park is steps away. I think the parks are for everyone to enjoy, and not every dog (as I'm sure you all know,) is a filthy junk yard attack dog.

Am I being a jerk? What do you think?????

Comments

  • bullyboy
    bullyboy
    I don't know anything about this park. What are the rules?

    Oddly enough, I was told to get out of the water at the Prospect Park dog beach -- I was up to my shins so my on-leash dog could reach the fence. LOL
  • dawnlovesmike
    dawnlovesmike
    That's funny, bullyboy. Maybe people just WANT something to complain about.

    As for the rules at Brower, none except keep 'em on a leash (which they were,)
    It's actually a great park (usually,) rite by the children's museum, small but lots of open sniffing space...
  • bullyboy
    bullyboy
    If there's no rules about no dogs in the water, I say dogs in the water!

    I wish there were a dog park with fountains -- dogs need coolin'!
  • urbancowgirl
    urbancowgirl
    Unfortunately, I get this reaction a lot, too, and I'm also not sure if I'm crazy or if the opposing party is in the right. Both of my dogs are very well behaved and trained, and both enjoy a nice walk through the park or through the fountain. I guess I've programmed myself to react in the way that any time someone thinks I'm in the wrong with my dogs that I AM in the wrong with my dogs. However, I also feel that by focusing her energy on arguing with you about your well-behaved dogs, she probably took her attention off her own accident prone children. I just don't know what to say...some people are very illogical and ill-informed, and I'm very sorry you had to deal with this confrontation. I'm currently looking for a new apt, and it's amazing how many apartments are NO DOGS (all caps, of course). I love kids and cats and dogs, but how is having an animal that defecates outside of the apartment and isn't prone to crayola-ing the walls more unwelcome than one who does? But again, sometimes I feel like dog owners/lovers are persecuted just as much for sticking up for their animals as they are having them in the first place.
  • chaplin'smom
    chaplin'smom
    First of all I'm so sorry this woman attacked you so ridiculously. Honestly, as if there aren't enough things in the world to worry about (such as, um, how clean do you think the WATER was?) So sorry.

    Second of all, I don't know if you know about these 'cooling bandanas' but my dog LOVES them. They really help (and he's a long haired shihtzu!)
    If you go to the site below, they also have cooling beds etc.
    Just for those times when they're stuck indoors or whathaveyou.

    Good luck!

    http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=18850
  • urbancowgirl
    urbancowgirl
    omg, those are awesome! i'm a huge fan of drs. foster & smith, but have never taken the time to come across these. thanks! i'll feel much better about strapping one on my boys before i leave for work these hot mornings. i'm ordering now.
  • chaplin'smom
    chaplin'smom
    Hooray!!! And they look SO CUTE on!!!
  • urbancowgirl
    urbancowgirl
    holy crap...I tried to add an avatar of my dogs (who I seem to only post about), are they as big on your screen as they are on mine? apologies for the dumbness.
  • chaplin'smom
    chaplin'smom
    looks good to me!
  • daver
    daver
    dawnlovesmike, I don't think you are being a jerk at all. And for the record, I see dogs in that water fountain at Brower ALL the time. Like pretty much anytime I have been there when it has been on. Better luck next time.
  • dawnlovesmike
    dawnlovesmike
    Yeah, daver, prob mine :)- was there an 40 yr old white woman screaming and making a fool of herself? Thad'd be ME...

    THANKS EVERYONE FOR THE SUPPORT! And especially for the cooling bandanas and beds idea, Chaplin'smom! There goes another week's pay to Foster & Smith (I think I put one of their kids thru college, but NEVER saw these! They're GREAT!)

    It's good to know there are people who value animals as if they actually feel heat and have feelings ALMOST LIKE THEY'RE ALIVE OR SOMETHING!
    Peace, my friends,
  • dawnlovesmike
    dawnlovesmike
    wow, urbancowgirl, I just re-read your post (and it's not 2am like last time I did...) and I AGREE with you 100%! Even those of us who love and value our animals still have that little voice in the back of our heads that anyone who complains has rights to public places that we don't have. why is that?

    Moms will KILL you for questioning an out of control, destructive, obnoxious child, but a dog does one rude thing (getting too close, a sniff of an inappropriate body part, or GOD FORBID a bark) and we're ASHAMED!

    You've got a great point, and it's got me thinkin'. Good luck with the apt search- sadly, you're gonna need it.
  • daver
    daver
    dawnlovesmike wrote: Yeah, daver, prob mine :)- was there an 40 yr old white woman screaming and making a fool of herself? Thad'd be ME...
    In all honesty, I _rarely_ see white people at Brower. *shrug*
  • popstar0
    popstar0

    Subject: allergies

    consider allergies.............. and the fact that dogs have lots of gross stuff from other dogs on them from their walks. i have a dog but wouldnt let him cool off in a public fountain. it seems cute but its not designed as a dog bath and dogs are supposed to be leashed when outside. i think you should consider other options.
  • dawnlovesmike
    dawnlovesmike
    hi popstar0,
    "gross stuff"? like what? trained domestic dogs dont pee/poop/etc all over each other, although you've definately got a point about allergies that I didn't consider.

    Just for the record they were both leashed, and if you read my post, I put them in for more than just to be cute...

    (rereading this it sounds defensive and I really don't mean it that way, popstar, I just want you to understand what was going on.)
  • nycdog
    nycdog

    Subject: Dogs in fountains and playgrouns

    NYCdog (New York Council of Dog Owner Groups) battled and won the right for dogs to be off-leash at limited times and in limited places in many NYC Parks.

    We won because most of the owners of the 1.4 million dogs in NYC are responsible and respectful of others. We know that sharing precious parkland is necessary.

    That said, the rules clearly state that dogs are NEVER allowed in children's playgrounds, including those with sprinklers.

    I recently lost my beloved 110 lb Akita named Bella Abdog. Akitas prefer the cold; summer heat and humidity was stressful on her. So I always carried multiple bottles of water, walked her early day and after sunset to mitigate the impact of summer heat. If we passed homeowners watering their lawns or cleaning sidewalks, I politely asked if I could use their hoses to spray Bella (no one every objected).

    But, we never went into children's playgrounds or under children's sprinklers. This simply is not permitted and can result in a large fine and even arrest since adults without accompanying children are not allowed in playgrounds.

    NYCdog is an umbrella organization. You should consider joining or forming your local group centered around your local park. Each of our groups works to involve dog owners with local parks whether they have a fenced dog park or off-leash rights. You might be able to get a pet friendly water fountain installed (for drinking, not bathing).

    Meanwhile, here is the City's official site on dogs in parks: http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/facilities/af_dog_runs.html

    Finally, please remember that if dog owners violate rules, those who oppose off-leash or hate dogs are empowered. Many of those people are petty, spiteful individuals who spend inordinate hours attacking city dog owners by spreading their lies, distortions, and propaganda. They have already picked-up on this question and have posted it in numerous locations as "evidence" of the selfishness of dog owners.

    Thank you
    Bob Marino
    president
    NYCdog.org
  • dawnlovesmike
    dawnlovesmike
    ooooohhh damn it! They win again. Well, I guess THAT'S why we think they (anti-dog people) have more rights than we do... because they do.

    Okay NYCdog... just on the off chance there's a loophole here... this sprinkler IS NOT in a playground, just an open area outside the TWO (yeah TWO. ZERO for dogs,) fenced kids spaces. Law still holds true?

    If so, I'll keep them out, and try to manage with our new cooling vests. (DRATS. foiled again...)

    (I can't STAND not making JUST ONE nasty comment so here goes: I don't want my clean ringworm_and-pink-eye-free dogs sharing water with their filthy diaper wearing kids anyway...*tongue sticking out...* )
    Hee hee, I feel a little bit better now :)
  • nycdog
    nycdog
    Dawn

    Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. It is something we have to live with.

    Some of our groups have managed to get dog parks built within their local parks and some of those parks include water fountains (drinking) for dogs as well as hose connections so in hot weather, a kiddie pool and/or hose can be used for dogs to cool off.

    Tomorrow (Saturday) at 7:30 am - 9:00 am in Prospect Park, FIDO Brooklyn is having their 10th anniversary. HUNDREDS of dogs will be off-leash enjoying the Long Meadow (off Prospect Park West) while owners can have coffee/bagels. It's free. Perfect time for you to meet fellow dog owners. www.FidoBrooklyn.org for more info

    Re: the sprinkers. If they are for children, dogs cannot use the area whether inside a playground or not.

    Consider speaking with the administrator of your local park. Most are quite nice. Perhaps a hose can be left during working hours so dogs can be sprayed and cooled.

    The anti-off leash people like attacking everyone and display crude and obnoxious behavior. We prefer to be considerate of all (including them) and working towards compromises that allow everyone to share parks with as little conflict as possible. It really does work.

    Dawn, dog owners are also parents, athletes, birders, tennis players, etc. So we want our parks to be safe, clean, and fun for all.

    Believe me, I wish I were a billionaire so I could save every animal at our shelters and work towards making all buildings animal friendly. But I am not so, like all of us, I live with the rules and regs and do what I can to make things a little better for all.

    Hope you can make it with your dogs to Prospect. It is absolutely amazing to see and experience.
  • urbancowgirl
    urbancowgirl
    I've spent the last several weekends being a nut and almost only patronizing pet-friendly establishments (I've spoiled the black dog rotten...now he thinks he can go out the front door every time I do). It's kind of an off-topic comment on this thread, but it really makes me feel good to know that places like that still exist. And it made me feel even better when I was in a pet friendly bar the other day, and some girl complained to the bartender about the dogs roaming around and the bartender replied, "it's a dog friendly bar...says so on the door. You still want that drink or not?" LOVED it.
  • dawnlovesmike
    dawnlovesmike
    Hey urbancowgirl, my mom was JUST telling me about a dog-friendly bar here, but she wasn't sure what it was called or where it was (thanks, Ma) and i obviouly wasn't putting in the right keywords to trigger a listing on google. Would you mind sharing the names of a few places like this? We live in Crown Heights so close is great, but anywhere in Brooklyn is do-able.

    And NYCdog, thanks for the info (even if it wasn't what I wanted to hear...you probably saved me from a ticket,) and thanks for what you and your organization do for our community! (Now get to work on the fountain laws!! Ha)
    We'll absolutely be out tomorrow a.m. for the celebration!
    THX!
  • nycdog
    nycdog
    Table at middle of Long Meadow has bagels, coffee, and lots of good stuff.

    All dog owners should visit FIDO tomorrow.

    Thank you for kind words. We do not hear them often - the complainers always make their voices heard.

    Remember: AT THE END OF EVERY LEASH IS A VOTER!
  • rosweed
    rosweed
    I also live close to Brower Park and use it when I can’t take my dog to Prospect Park. It’s nice that there’s a park within two blocks of my house. But I have also had confrontations with people in the park about my dog. They’re mostly of the, “you white people and your damn dogs are taking over our park”, “that leash is too long and it’s illegal” and “you better clean up your dog’s shit” variety. The last one happens while she’s taking a dump. I always clean up after my dog. I carry a roll of biodegradable bags that I knot and put into a trash bin. I noticed that there’s a little metal basket attached to a pole near the water fountain you speak of where people can leave empty bags for others to use. Nice touch. My only comment is that people are probably reacting more to the gentrification of the area than to the specifics of what they’re saying. I just smile, don’t say anything and walk away.
  • dawnlovesmike
    dawnlovesmike
    Hey rosweed, wow- I'm sorry to hear about the verbal assults you've been subjected to in the park. I do agree with you about the gentrification issue, but am happy to say that my husband and I have lived here for over a year (and are as "white as the driven snow,") and have never had a single incident (out loud, anyway) of racial negativity. To the contrary, other than this damn fountain thing we've been treated absolutely wonderfully by our Carribbean neighbors! (Although you are FAR from the first Caucasian that I've heard say they get hassled, maybe we got lucky and ended up on a great block!)

    Another factor I'm learning about is the cultural difference regarding dogs between people born in the US (who see them mostly as pets) and the people born/raised in the Carribbean (who tell me dogs there are feral, wild predators to be feared.) I need to remember that.

    My husband and I are both educators, so we both make it our business (which of course it is NOT,) to take time for any curious kid who wants to hear about or even touch the dogs (with Mom's permission, of course.) so they won't grow up as fearful or misunderstanding. (It's heartbreaking to see how afraid some kids are of dogs who are just dying to kiss and love them! I just can't imagine childhood without a faithful dog accomplice by your side.) Since we can't (NYCdog;) afford to give enough money to save all the abused/neglected/abandoned animals either, I guess it's our way of trying to give back a little for the love we've gotten from our pups. Maybe the next generation will be just a little better to animals.

    God, I'm a sap... sorry.
  • rosweed
    rosweed
    We've lived here for three years and I echo your sentiments about the neighbors. They are wonderful. I like them much better than the nasty people in our former neighborhood, Park Slope. These couple of incidents have only happened in relation to the dog, and I agree that it's very much because of the cultural differences.
  • nycdog
    nycdog
    Just so everyone can see how the rabid anti off-leashers have tried to distort this post, please visit: http://credo-ny.blogspot.com/ See how the owner of this website has lied, distorted, and selectively edited the truth (while denying people the ability to respond since he won't post comments that treat him as he treats others). THIS is what dog owners have to contend with daily- a fetid, old man who would not know the truth if it bite him in the ass (he'd blame it on dogs anyway).

    I happened to Google his claims today after someone at the FIDO celebration told me of it (I do not really bother checking his site often as they are the rantings of an isolated reactionary who is as influential as a drop of rain hitting the ocean and as respected as, well, GWBush).

    The search turned up this site: http://credo-ny2.blogspot.com/ Apparently someone has decided to respond to the Credo lies and distortions. Bravo whomever you are! And thank you.

    The Fido 10th anniversary celebration was wonderful. State Senator Adams and Borough President Markowitz each spoke and offered their support to NYCdog in our efforts to make licensing and vaccinations easier so more people will comply and to expand the number of dog owner groups throughout Brooklyn.

    Despite the threat of rain and the many people away on vacation, hundreds of people showed up at the Long Meadow with their dogs in peaceful, respectful sharing of the park. At 9 am, people leashed up, cleaned up, and left the fields pristine for other users. THIS is the way responsible New Yorkers act, and we are proud to say that most dog owners are responsible.
  • underhill_mt
    underhill_mt
    I'm so glad the celebration was a success! I just read the Credo rants and I need to go lie down. That man exhausted me. Ick.
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