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POOCHES AT THE PARK
Let your pup run free.
Cam Jacques, Shawnee Senior, plays fetch with his dog Bailey, a chocolate lab.
PHOTO/BECKA CREMEF
Dog owners gather under a big hedge tree in the center of a clearing set off from a paved road. They gaze into the open, where their dogs roam freely and interact with other pups.
Jeter, a boxer owned by Staci Earl, is a regular here. Other owners know his name. The stout-looking 4-year-old is gentle with breeds
of smaller stature. He never shows any sign of aggression while Earl looks on, talking about her choice of baseball-inspired names for both Jeter (named after Derek Jeter) and Jackson (her other boxer named after Bo Jackson).
Mutt Run, 1330 East 902 Road, is one of two off-leash dog parks, operated by the Lawrence Parks and Recreation
DIRECTIONS TO MUTT RUN
Department. It is located near Clinton Dam, just past Lawrence's Sesquicentennial Point. It's a great way please your pet, and socialize him at the same time.
Take Clinton Parkway west to the Clinton Dam Road.
Turn south on the dam road and take the first left onto 902 Road.
The second designated dog park has only been around since last spring, so at this point it's not used as much as Mutt Run, says Fred DeVictor, director of Lawrence Parks and Recreation. "But with such high demand for the first park way out by Clinton, we thought this would be a good location for a second park."DeVictor says.
Mutt Run is at the bend in the road that leads to the north side of the spillway.
senior, says she takes her German shepherd out to Mutt Run almost every day. "My vet told me it's a good way to help socialize him. And it makes him happy, he likes it."Traylor says.
The high demand and use of Mutt Run led the City of Lawrence to construct a second dog park, unnamed thus far, at Riverfront Park, on the northwest end of Lawrence at the junction of Highway 24/40 and Highway 59. Handlers can access the second park by turning west at this intersection and going up over the flood control dam on the Kansas River.
Source: www.lprd.org
Follow 902 Road to the first left.
As students move away from the dorms and into their own apartmentsorhouses,theybecome more likely to feel the need for
Allison Traylor, Overland Park
companionship. This need can be filled by purchasing a dog, City bans on certain types of dogs — especially on rottweilers and pit bulls — have shown that it is important to remember that part of owning a dog is making your best effort at being a responsible owner.
George Schreiner, doctor of veterinary medicine at Eudora Animal Hospital, says
that an increasing use of dog parks shows that dog owners are trying to be responsible. But the parks need to be regulated, Schreiner says. "Some [dogs] never become socialized even with extensive training, like some pit bulls who have been trained to be aggressive."
Make sure your dog's shots are up-to-date before you let him mingle with the other pups. It's vital to your dog's health to be fully vaccinated, Schreiner says. "The chance of catching something increases with the number of dogs they are exposed to," he says.
If you own a dog or are thinking of becoming an owner, keep the two parks in mind when taking your dog for an outing. Sidewalk strolls are good exercise for your pet, just like games of fetch in the backyard, but the exposure and psychological benefits of being around other dogs can't be simulated in any other setting.
All dogs declared dangerous by the code of the City of Lawrence are not permitted to use the park and are not permitted on
the premises.
All dogs must be legally vaccinated and wear visible licenses.
SOME RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR MUTT RUN OFF-LEASH DOG PARK
No dogs under 4 months of age are permitted.
Handlers must pick up poop and place it in a designated container.
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Dogs must be on a leash while entering and exiting off-leash area.
No female dogs in season. Spayed/Neutered animals are recommended.
Handlers must have one leash per dog in their possession at all times.
Maximum of three dogs per owner.
No spiked or pinch collars allowed.
Handler must fill all holes dug by the dog(s) in their possession.
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Dogs must be removed from designated area at first sign of aggression.
Use area at your own risk. Neither the City of Lawrence or the Corps of Engineers
shall be held liable for injury or damage of dog or handler in off-leash area.
Handlers are responsible for injuries caused by the dog(s) under their control.