News from Mayor Trent

via Jean and Balzac.  Jean called City Hall, left a message for the mayor and within the hour was called back by hizzoner himself.  Jean then asked the Mayor about the future of the dog run and was told, point blank, that the dog run was there to stay. hmmmm.

We'll see. And if there is any disagreement about this- then the disagreer has only to write to redress the  erroneous information. Until then - it stays.

CRAZY FUN non-dog run idea

Andy, of Bun-Bun and Birdie, has been broaching the idea of the Quiz Night at the Olde Orchard Pub for a few weeks now - and apparently the next one is this Monday, Nov 15th. the idea is that we make a team, say the Lansdowne Dog Runners, Mushers, Yah-hooers, and go and answer skill-testing questions in a timely fashion to win prizes AND instant street cred. Who could refuse? I'll post the relevant info and see you there!

In the news

Oct 29 2010 lunchtime broadcast

CTV News Late night news

You read it here first!

From this week's so fresh off the press it's burnin' Westmount Independent. Contestants! Start your costumes!

Not dog run related but VERY ODD INDEED

This is the second time I've seen this ad, and again I am struck by how outrageously un-politically correct and bizarre it is.

The 'original' parts are represented by the sled dogs; tough, loyal, in harness, ready to work, ready to pull, clearly frustrated as to why they are being held up. The 'non-original' parts are represented by the cat calmly licking itself. No evidence of any desire to share the load or work.

Let's see. Big, tough,  ready to get it done dogs? Volkswagen. Small, fussy, indifferent, non-working cat CLEANING ITSELF!!!!?  Japanese car makers and part producers. Ouch! How nasty is that? I'm surprised the cat isn't licking it's bum.

Westmount's going to the dogs!

One week to go (more or less) to the Bark in the Park - and things are getting H O T.

To date we have 20 confirmations, including Murdoch - yes indeed, hang onto your costumes my dears, our very own light-fingered Louie is making his debut next Thursday! He might be in the company of a Devil Dog or two, perhaps some fairy tail characters and maybe even a few criminal elements. Whatever the costumes, it is sure to be an entertaining event!

Halloween costumes here I come! Not sure Chaucer has any idea what is about to happen....

ah my boy. How I love him so. So much so that I am waffling on the idea of putting him in a costume as I'd hate for him to be embarrassed. After all, Great Pyrenees are dignified dogs, masters and mistresses of their rugged domains, hardly the breed likely to done a sailor suit and pompoms.

All that to say, we are going to be in costume, exactly what is really anyone's guess at this point, but that will keep it fun.

In case anyone else is wiffling about with a case of zero creative vis-a-vis dog costumes for the party, take some inspiration from these dogs (and one very cute cat).

For the full story and all the images, click:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/14/the-best-pet-halloween-costumes_n_762247.html?ref=fb&src=sp#s156650

Hello hello? Anyone out there? Some musing on social media

As we rapidly head - dare I say lurch, pull, lean and lunge for those of us with that sort of dog - toward the Bark in the Park - I am so energized by the conversations in the dog run about costumes and treats and climate change vs global warming and who can be judge number three, and then I come home to....

nothing! Zero comments on the blog! No subscribers! No followers! On the facebook (Friends of the Lansdowne Dog Run) page - by - you guessed it - nothing! No RSVPS! No comments! No "hey I'm willing to help here's what I can do" - no "here's what I've done".

Does this make me think that no-one gives a rat's fadoodle? NO! Absolutely not. One of the things I feel is so valuable about the dog run, and indeed other community gathering spots, is that there is an active exchange of information, of views, opinions, and slobber. sorry! Drool.

So interest, action and response in person at the run, wasteland of 'new media-ness' out of the run, leads me to reflect on several possibilities;

1) this idea of social media isn't as pervasive, effective, engaging or as motivating as I had thought (is this what Obama is realizing too?);

2) that maybe personal communication is more effective;

3) and, that maybe alerting and informing is enough. No more action needs to be taken.

I can't stop myself here - what do you think?

By the by, I am poised to invite Councillor Lulham to be judge number two. Is she refuses it will not reflect well on the olive brand of outreach, and if she comes she will be making personal contacts with many of her constituents, whom, unless many things change, will likely be voting in her district come the next election. It seems a win-win for all concerned - but I am open to other views.

Bark in the Park update

Dr. Jessey Bernstein, psychologist, McGill University professor and dog-lover, has agreed to be our second judge! So far we have one businessperson, one academic and one to-be-determined as judges. Now - the onus is on you, the readers and community members of the Lansdowne Dog Run to suggest judge number three....Idea: what do you think of asking Councillor Cynthia Lulham as Judge #3?

I also need to know who might be willing and interested in helping with the organization and things to do on and for the day:, goodie bag making, word-of-mouth awareness gathering, on-site herding and sheparding, photographing, chatting, fun-making and enjoying. Let me know by email if any of this interests you - we already have one expert-dog-cookie-maker (thank you Joyce and Watson!) - we need others! Greeters, herders (oh yes, you go HERE for costumes please) and general helpers. Let me know!

amycreighton@bell.net

Hallowe'en Party!

How many of us are coming to the party? It's hard to tell at the moment - since we seem to be a community shrouded in silence! Little Bear is our official sponsor- and Chuck himself is going to be one of our judging panel, we are looking for two more judges. I am awaiting confirmation from a well-known Montreal-based psychologist and a TV personality - any other suggestions welcome.
I am looking for volunteers: to carve pumpkins, to guide people and participants, to hand out prizes and goodie bags. Any takers?

Westmount the "Nirvana of dog runs"

While the results from the meeting last night were less than overwhelming, Mayor Trent, bless his pointy little heart, announced several times that "Westmount is the nirvana of dog runs. People come from all over the island to walk their dogs in our dog runs!" I refrained from pointing out that this is, no matter how enthusiastically meant, way off the mark. Miniscule fences aside, our runs are missing some of the amenities that the other buroughs and municipalities have - dog pools, grooming stations, poop composting - and hey! concerned politicians! - that can take a run of the mill dog run, and turn it into something that breathes...extraordinary.

My understanding of the Mayor's response to the query on what will happen to the dog run during construction is status quo. No decisions have been made on whether or not it will be moved, where it might be moved to, or if it might close or remain open. Councillor Lulham expressed interested in meeting with some "dog people" about the dog run, and provided assurance that a snow fence would be installed at both Lansdowne and King George Park. No details on when.

It was also announced that Cynthia Lulham has a new title - Commissioner of Parks and Urban Planning - completely in charge of all green spaces, including the nine dog runs (according to Mayor Trent), the summit, all horticulture, grass, greenery and dog parks. Tot lots too I imagine.

Take a look at the official Westmount dog runs map. Find nine win a prize!

October Council Meeting Tomorrow Night! Come out to support your dog run!

Council meets tomorrow night and I will be there to ask about the dog run - status, fence status, snow fence status, the whys and why nots, and all in a friendly yet meaningful manner. Here is your (as in the group collective) chance to come out and show the governing bodies what matters to you as dog run goers - that your canine and biped community really matters. Given that the construction on the new arena seems to have already started (looked at the pool lately?), it seems timely to ask the tough questions now - like what exactly is going to happen to the Lansdowne Dog Run during construction of the new arena project? Can we expect to continue to use our space? If not, where will we be redirected? And when, and if, can we be expected to reclaim our space?
Come on out to the meeting - at 8 PM tomorrow night at City Hall. It would be great to create a visible and audible presence for the Lansdowne - and indeed all of the Westmount dog run - communities. I will be at City Hall at a quarter to eight.

See you - and hear you - there!

SAVE THE DATE: Thursday Oct 28, 2010 The Hallowe'en Bark in the Park Dog Party!

It is now OFFICIAL! The Hallowe'en Bark in the Park Dog Party is on! On Thursday, October 28th, dogs and their families from all over Westmount will be welcome to the Lansdowne Dog Run for a fun-filled evening with prizes for best dog and or person costume, refreshments and fun for all involved.

The costume parade will start at 5:30 PM - with the judging and prize giving at 6 PM in the rotunda area (the brick circle) just outside of the dog run.

The idea is to raise awareness of and interest in the dog run, and it's importance for both its canine and human constituents. The dog run is not just for the dogs to have fun, but a place where owners and families make friends, connections and together build a robust and strong community.

We are looking for suggestions for judges and prizes - any ideas welcome.

best - and be on the lookout for some kick-butt artwork and posters appearing in your neighbourhood soon!

Otherworldly Hallowe'en Dog Party?

The Bark in the Park - was party that previous Pyr Henry attended with Ruth di Giovanni's Kujo - 20 odd years ago. I date myself but there you go. Speaking with Sandra this evening (Sandra of Dante Devil dog) about the Bark in the Park party and what we might do, and it occurred to me Hallowe'en is a good time - to reflect on the fantastical (as I sometimes imagine the attempt to get the fences fixed to be) and the other worldly - as I imagine the reasoning behind the bureaucratic decision making to not increase the fence height to be. So why not celebrate all of this.... with a costume party at the dog run? Owners AND dogs. Dante as a giant bat - or as the gato negro, Chaucer as a giant pumpkin (complete in orange polar fleece) and won't Murdoch have a field day with all of these things to GRAB?
A visual treat and a rare opportunity to promote interest in, and awareness of, the dog run. Any thoughts?

Chaucer's teeth

Chaucer had gum surgery this afternoon to correct some problems. My poor love puff! He's a bit under the weather at the moment, but I expect he'll pull through to be back in the park tomorrow. I am contemplating organizing a Bark in the Park for concerned dog owners and dog-run-goers to air their views - the Independent said they would cover it. Any thoughts?

councillor Lulham continues to refuse

Incredible as it may seem, the politician in charge of urban planning, Cynthia Lulham, has refused, and is continuing to refuse, to make the fences higher at the dog runs. In this nonsensical struggle over what are clearly safety issues for pets and people,, she comments that it is the owner's responsibility to prevent their dogs from jumping out. A nice idea in theory, but the reality is, even the most obedient dog can act out of accordance with its' owners' wishes on occasion.

Maybe what is really happening is that as part of the overall new arena plan the dog run will be temporarily removed - thus negating the need for higher fences - and then replaced with higher fences and better gates at some future date. Which would be great. Yahoo! And, if this is the case, why not make it public?

Hokey Geeze! Some shrubbery!

I am sure some of you have already noticed the presence of some junior shrubs at the dog run? wow. And some landscaping with the impatiens in the corner by the service gate? and the lovely hosta display in between the trees on the way to the entrance gate? things are looking up!

What is going on? Am I taking crazy pills? Shrubgate 2010

Hello? Anyone accountable in City Hall for the dog runs? For the shrubs? Are there shrubs? Are these shrubs to be planted at the Lansdowne Dog Run? At any dog run? Have they been ordered? Are they in transit? Do they exist?

You may recall that at the June meeting, Cynthia Lulham was asked to look into the shrub issue, again. By the mayor, again. There was also a promise to call the questioner (Paul Creighton) the NEXT DAY with the answer as to shrub status. Not only no call, but still no answer. This is where the idea of crazy pills comes in. I mean, seriously, how hard can it be to answer a question that has been asked at least three times over three months? This answer doesn't deliver the lost clue to the location of Eldorado or the Fountain of Youth, rather it highlights landscaping choices in a public area.

Have the shrubs been planted? Have the shrubs been purchased? Yes, or No. Not much wiggle room here - yes we did, no we didn't. Does the approved $80,000 for green landscaping include safety and beautification treatments for the dog runs?

If this is all new, the shrub idea was suggested by the city as a way to help deter dogs from jumping out over the fences. The city's position is that the cedar shrubs will maintain natural look and will not only provide some protection to the dogs and owners inside, but to the passersby outside the fence.

Some dog run goers feel that shrubs are a limited deterrent and in fact pose a hazard in that dogs still jump and can get caught and strung up on the shrubs. Shrubs are also expensive, slow to grow, and need to be planted and maintained. All this instead of just adding a section to the existing chain link fence? Cheaper, more effective and can still be fancied up with decorative greenery.

Chances are though, this wait and see tactic is going to drag on until the arena construction/destruction begins at which point, the dog run will cease to exist - not only physically, but as an issue or cause for concern for some councillors.

Request for a temporary dog run during arena construction

Bridget Blackadder, president of the Westmount Dog Owner’s Association, asked the following questions during the first question period at the June 7th City Council Meeting.

Bridget Blackadder: Bridget Blackadder, Springfield Avenue. Two-part question for the mayor and council. Do we have an expected start date for the construction of the arena, and, do we have an idea of how long the noisy, messy, construction might last?

Mayor Trent: Perhaps I could ask the chairman of the arena committee, but we're talking early next year I suppose breaking ground?

Chairman: I would say to just looking at a timeline of what is reasonably possible given that we are getting into the more detailed design phases and then we have to go to tender etc., It would be unrealistic to think that any construction would begin in the year 2010. .So you could pick, if it were it would be at the very end of the year or the beginning of next year would be the earliest possible date when you could imagine the start. That actually is an advantage in the sense that when you are doing excavation and that kind of thing which is the messy and the noisy part, it’s winter and people’s windows are closed so you know, there’s an advantage to actually getting that work done then so that could work in our favour And then a project of this size should take about 18 months, but it reaches a phase after a year I would say where you’re working indoors, right, so. ..

Mayor Trent: dust..

Chairman: Such as it is..

Bridget Blackadder: indoors, under doors..

Chairman: Yes so..

Bridget Blackadder: The reason I ask is that during the heavy construction, the dog run at Lansdowne will have to be closed. The construction folk are going to need that space for making their messes and, you know, for safety reasons the dogs and their walkers and owners. So I’m putting in front of council the need to add something else to the To Do list. We have to find an adequately sized, safely fenced, appropriately lit, dog run for, we’ll call it between 12 and 18 months. And I guess we’d best get started now. So who do I speak to? Who is going to get this yummy little mini-project started?

Chairman: I think you just did. We will have of course a checklist, this is just one of them, traffic considerations…all kinds of things… that need to be managed in the course of this project and that's definitely one of them.

Bridget Blackadder: I would like to, I will write you a letter listing out what I think the dog folk would believe to be an appropriate..

Chairman: That would be very helpful

Bridget Blackadder: ..substitute with any caveats that we know from history, and then I’ll get on the phone to you.

Chairman: That would be very helpful and I would thank you for it.

Council Meeting: Q&A on the dog runs

Transcript of the June 7^th, 2010 Council Meeting

First question Period

Paul Creighton: My name is Paul Creighton, Mr. Mayor, and I live at 437 Argyle. Two questions if I may, both relating to the dog runs. But first I would like to offer a note of congratulations for the work done on the Lansdowne run with the resurfacing of the surface area with a) appropriately sized gravel, and b) an appropriate depth of the gravel. I say this with some trepidation cause the last time I congratulated you, the mavens in the public works heard about it and with the speed of the Hadron collider the congratulated item was removed. Anyway, I’m sure that won’t happen this time. It’s harder to pick up gravel bits than it is to pick up fence.

Mayor Trent: So the subjects of your congratulations tend to become ephemeral?

Creighton: That’s right, that’s right exactly. My question number one. The last council meeting you will recall Mr. Mayor, we broke down the initial improvements of the dog runs into what nature would do and what the department of public works would do. Nature has done its course in that at least one of the plants at the Lansdowne run, I believe it is called Solomon’s Shield (sic) is now at least three or four feet above the level of the fence and is growing randomly and rapidly, perhaps in a way that will not meet the approval of the priorities advisory committee but never the less very good growth. The rest of the hedging is basically cedar, and it has grown about an inch as it has not been cut as Mr. Martin said Public Works would not do. So it is progressing slowly on that side. On the other side, public works was, I understand, to purchase a variety of shrubs that were thick and fast growing. To date there have been none planted. Can I ask you whether any have actually been purchased, and if not why not?

Mayor Trent: Who wants to answer that one? Who is the expert on planting for dog runs?

Paul Creighton: Cynthia Lulham, what has happened to the shrubs?

Cynthia Lulham: um, I don’t know. As far as I know, Claudette Savaria has ordered them and they’re to be planted. I noticed that a lot of other shrubs haven’t been planted yet so I assume they’re all coming together.

Paul Creighton: This will all be done before fall though, I hope

Cynthia Lulham: Oh yes, yes

Creighton: One must always check

Cynthia Lulham: I promise, I promise. I’ll email you tomorrow

Paul Creighton: Winter wheat is very good in the fall, and tulips too but shrubs not

Cynthia Lulham: I will take note and email you tomorrow with the time

Creighton: Now, the next question if I may. The maintenance gates at both the dog runs are in deplorable condition. At least one has been at least opened and closed and that was the one at Lansdowne to get the trucks in with the gravel. Can anyone tell me when work might be done on the replacement of, or repair of either or both gates?

Mayor Trent: who is the gatekeeper huh?

Cynthia Lulham: Well, researching shrubs, I’ll do gates too.

Paul Creighton: You will. Good, so it’s done then.

Mayor Trent: Gates and shrubs.

Hear this for yourself at: (http://www.westmount.org/page.cfm?Section_ID=1&Menu_Item_ID=61)

$80,000 approved to landscape green spaces - does this include the dog runs?

By-law 1390 "to provide a loan in the amount of $80,000 for landscaping of parks and green spaces in the city" has been approved, according to the May 2010 Meeting Minutes. Does this mean that some of that money might be put toward landscaping and beautifying the dog run? This might be one of the questions to put forward at the next council meeting, set for Monday July 5th at 8 PM, 2010.

Compare and contrast : Lansdowne : WAG : Murray Hill

Take a look at these images:
This is the fence at the Westmount Athletic Ground dog run, fishing net nailed into 2x4's.

Here is one view of the Murray Hill Dog Run.

And here is one view of the new fence at the Murray Hill Tennis Court.

hmmmmm. I don't think there is much doubt that a tennis payer is likely to climb out the sides...

Chaucer tries to jump the fence - several times.mov

Height at Lansdowne Dog Run.mov

New Gate

Newly repaired gate - thanks Westmount public Security!

Repaired Service Gate?

As of last weekend - June 11-13th - the slumped service gate at the run was somewhat repaired. By a decree of council? No. The gate, which had been sagging, was wide enough for a small dog to CRAWL through. Security was called, and once on site, used industrial ties to eliminate the gap between the gates and to make the entire wretched thing almost vertical. And almost small-dog-escape-proof.

Further to council, results from last week's June meeting were non conclusive on the subject of the dog run. When asked to confirm whether or not the cedar shrubs to enhance the existing fence line had been purchased, the result was an unequivocal hmmm - "we'll look into it."

Starting today, I'm going to post a list of jumpers, jump dates, preferred takeoff and landing spots, and capture time to begin a public record of the number of escapes and invite readers to do the same.

I will post the newly tied and more upright security fence shortly.

May 4th 2010

The Dog Run is all about the fun, the play, the biscuits and the balloons

Witness Murdoch, Chaucer's best friend, gazing longingly at the birthday balloons...

The dog run is a fabulous place to socialize, both for the dogs and their owners, a place of civic engagement where information is shared, issues discussed, solutions proposed and sentiments shared.

Westmount Independent

Westmount Independent, December 1-2, 2009

Dog owners to Westmount: ‘Build up this wall’
Some of Westmount’s dog owners staged a small demonstration at the Lans- downe dog run on November 27.
Their issue? The owners – led by Paul Creighton, who has attended several city council meetings on the same issue – would like to see two feet of fence added to the current barrier, given that some dogs have escaped in the past, including Creighton’s dog Chaucer.
As shown in the photograph, some dogs can easily look over the fence, even when there is no snow. Chaucer was guided to mount the fence, but Murdoch needed no encouragement. Despite the Independent’s suggestion, no dog was allowed to attempt a fence-jump because they are being trained by their owners not to do so.
Creighton’s daughter, Amy Creighton, contends that most North American dog fences are four to five feet high and West- mount’s are in the two feet to three-and- half feet range.
The owners are also interested in the idea of adding hedge height or depth (including an inside hedge), but other people see a higher hedge as a public safety issue.
From left, Paul Creighton with Chaucer, Cathy Blundell with Murdoch, and Sherril with Pici. Not pictured: Mike Haimes with Buster.

Ancient History, or putting things in perspective

Friday April 3, 2009

Dear Councilor Bowser

As the council member responsible for Westmount parks I am writing to ask that you work to resolve tow key longstanding issues at the Lansdowne dog run. These problems affect not only for the dogs and people using the run, but passersby and the streams of traffic at that very busy intersection.

The two issues are the inadequate height of the fence and the shoddy state of disrepair of the gates and gate hardware. A third concern is that of the sharp rocks used to replace the existing pea gravel by the site evaluators/soil analysts last year, but that is not the real focus of this email.

In terms of the fence, dog runs in Canada and the US on average have fences that are between four and six feet in height. The Lansdowne run is about three and a bit feet tall. The fence itself is uneven, with some spots being 27 inches, some 30, some 42 inches. Three and a bit give or take feet is not tall enough to keep dogs in who are determined to get out.

This past winter, the fence was clearly inadequate, with the snow in some places being almost as tall as the fence, making it a real challenge to keep some dogs in. in fact, several dog owners stopped bringing their dogs to the run because they couldn’t be sure that they’d be able to keep them in the run. Even shorter dogs were able to hop out as the snow level was in some places as tall as the garbage bins!

During your absence over the winter Councilor Forbes arranged for the placement of recycled Christmas trees around the lowest bits of the fence to increase the height of the existing fence as a deterrent – and, for the most part, it worked.

Since then however, my dog has leapt the fence three times, racing out into Lansdowne the last time right into oncoming traffic. Luckily nothing happened (I had a good grip on his tail at this point), but the person driving did not slow down or even seem to acknowledge that we were in the middle of the road.

The concern with the gates is their state of repair. The two that actually open are in terrible shape, in fact, I think the hinges have been broken for the past six or so months. Over the winter, the inside gate was frozen open for the last two months making it challenging for people and pets to enter the run, especially those citizens who are a little older and less confident on ice. The other gate, the one closer to Westmount Park, doesn’t open at all as it has been chained shut.

Gates should open and close easily. Fences should be tall enough that people walking on the outside of the fence are not fearful that the dogs will jump out. Fences should be tall enough that the people on the inside are not fearful that their dogs will jump out, or that aggressive dogs will not be able to jump in.

The dog runs should continue to be very real communities of like minded people who come together with their pets in secure areas to meet, play, socialize, chat, exchange information, opinions and have fun.


Looking forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards


Amy Creighton

_________________________________

Councillor Bowser, to his credit, went and looked at the dog run and: replaced the sharp stones with pea gravel, had the gates repaired with new posts, and suggested that the issue of the perimeter fence would be addressed.

Additional actions taken since then include the ongoing presence of my dad, Paul Creighton, at council meetings, where he enquires about the fence status.