Dan's Papers - November 16, 2007 - Woof! Hooray For The East End Dog Parks

A non-profit organization called Harley's Paws Park recently proposed to Southampton Town Board members the idea of a dog park. Robin Lechner, president and founder of the organization, dreamt up the idea in April and the organization was registered by June. The goal is to have six dog parks in ten years throughout the town of Southampton. Harley Lechner, a six-pound toy poodle is the Director of Inspiration for the organization. Harley is on his way to becoming a certified therapy dog and he always saves time to devote to his organization. The Lechner's non-profit organization was created to design and operate a dog friendly environment, centrally located within the town. This environment offers doggies an alternative to town parking lots and beaches and will help to keep them off the streets and the neighbors' lawns.

The park is already a clear vision in the minds of pups of the community. Picture this - a lovely landscaped lawn, two outdoor workout areas - each designated to specific weight classes - and a large gazebo overlooking activity where the humans will hang out. This is an exclusive club, consisting only of members who have their health clearance. Dogfights will not be permitted. However, playful banter is a must. There will also be use of a water park included in the membership package. Deliriously happy dogs will run free of leashes, meeting new friends with similar interests. Othello, a local 95 pound Labrador retriever, envisions his perfect park including fire hydrant fountains, an Olympic sized track, an automatic tennis ball machine, a field full of rabbits and squirrels to chase and some classy, female poodles. Hacha, an 18-pound Sheltie from Westhampton Beach said that she would like to see a spa equipped with an ear and stomach masseuse. She would like the park to be a haven for the pooch community. There shall be doggie speed dating sessions where potential mates sniff for 2 to 3 minutes before moving on to another, and a lap pool for swimmers and dog groomers on hand at all times. Rawhide dispensers will sit on either side of the park. Hacha fantasizes that the park will have a true doggy style.

The park will be a brilliant addition to our area not only for the dogs. The Hamptons is a great place for a dog to live. There are so many dog lovers out here and the park is a good opportunity for them to meet. Our community as a whole will benefit from this amenity.

It is hard for people who never truly loved a dog to understand the feelings of those who have. I understand this from personal experience. My aunt has two small dogs, Lou Lou a bichone maltese mix and B.B. a yorky poodle mix. The love that she has for these dogs was a little bit offsetting to me in the past and sometimes I became jealous of the attention she paid to the dogs. She looks at them with such adoration that I believe these dogs are more perfect in her eyes than I could ever be. The truth is that they are. Their companionship is unwavering and a pup's love for its owner is unconditional. Sometimes you just fall in love. Last year my sister brought home a yorky poodle mix named Charlie. I fell in love with Charlie and instantly understood my aunt's way of thinking. Charlie is the most amazing puppy in the world and I find myself missing him after a visit. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland and goes to the local dog park daily. I believe that this is a rewarding part of his day. Since Charlie arrived, I no longer get offended when my aunt asks me to babysit for her pups. I am now officially part of the dog lover's club.

The proposed dog park would be located in Hampton Bays next to the Southampton Town Animal Shelter. Town board member Steve Kenny said that he felt the park would make a good adjunct to the existing adoption center, and the town is expected to voice its support of the project when it meets on November 13.

There are dog parks all over the United States. We live in a dog friendly environment here on the East End with beautiful beaches and pastures for pooches to enjoy. There is already a great dog park located in Springs for local and city dogs to play all year round. The park offers a different experience than the beach because it involves socializing for dogs and their owners and is an alternative to the blistering wind and sand on a winter day. The organization is non-profit so donations are helpful. For more information and updates on the new facility visit www.harleypawspark.org.