Carolina Colours Dog Park!

The Dog Park Committee would like to update you with some information ahead of time before you visit the park for the first time. The plan is to have a soft opening (September hopefully, depending on fencing and grass conditions) to help work out any kinks. The Committee is planning a Grand Opening (sometime in October) with several dog related activities, goodie bags to hand out with some great information, and several dog related baskets to raffle. Teddy the Dog, Dog Wise Publishing, Springtime Supplements are among our gracious donors so far. While dog parks can be a place of joy, they do come with some risks. You may ask for any clarification of the rules from committee members.

CAROLINA COLOURS DOG PARK COMMITTEE MISSION STATEMENT
Carolina Colours Dog Park Rules (These will be posted at the park.)
The Carolina Colours Dog Park Committee realizes the importance of encouraging the human/animal bond by providing a safe and fun place to exercise, socialize, and train dogs along with spending time with other like-minded dog owners.

Dog Park Rules:

1. Owners are responsible for any injuries or damages caused by their dogs- Carolina Colours Association assumes no responsibility for injuries to persons or animals.
2. Children under 16 must be supervised by an adult.

3. All dogs must be vaccinated and ≥4 months old.
4. Leash your dog while entering and exiting the park.
5. Dogs must be supervised at all times.
6. Owner must clean up dog waste.
7. Dogs must be removed from the dog park at the first sign of aggression.
8. Ill, injured or dogs in heat are prohibited from the park.
9. No human or dog food, no smoking, no glass.
10.No prong, spike or choke collars.
11.Limit 2 dogs per accompanying adult.
12.Small dog area limited to ~25 lbs.
13.Park is open from dawn to dusk.
14. User’s agreement will be read and signed prior to visiting the park.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:
There will be a four foot fence around two areas, one for small dogs and one for large. Those areas will share a shade structure and have poop bag stations (thanks to Building and Grounds). There will be a double gate at the entrance for each area to ease leashing and unleashing control. Water will be available, but you might want to bring your own water bowl. There is ample parking. The old communication building on site will get a facelift. The location is very close to the active railroad tracks and busy roads, so be aware. The park is a work in progress.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:
Honestly assess your pet’s personality and health to see if the dog park is a good fit. A nervous dog may turn into a social butterfly and enjoy the park with slow and gentle introductions to the park environment. A dog that is overwhelmed will not enjoy the park and you won’t either. If you seek additional help, our committee consists of loving pet owners; a retired veterinarian; two dog trainers; and Ken Gerhardt, General Manager.

Please discuss with your veterinarian which vaccines they would recommend for your pet’s health. The State requires all dogs to have a current rabies vaccine. Keep your pet current on these and have them checked regularly for internal as well as external parasites. Check over your animal both physically and mentally before setting out for your visits to be sure it’s a good day for the park. Keep in mind your dog stress levels, and watch for environmentally caused problems like heat stroke, injuries, slipping on mud, toxic plants, foxtail seeds borrowing in the skin, snakes, etc.
Before you use the park, all users will need to sign a User’s document similar to what homeowners sign to use the Pavilion. A notice will be coming out as to where and when that document will be available. Security will be similar to the Pavilion and pool. There will not be a
lock on the gates. There will be four cameras for everyone’s protection. The park will be randomly monitored by the committee for compliance. Homeowners are ultimately responsible for their guests and their dogs. Please use caution when bringing dog toys and/or a second dog. Maybe not your dog, but another dog may have resource guarding issues and start a fracas. Close supervision of your dog is much more difficult when monitoring a second dog. Use your good judgement. You are ultimately responsible for your dog’s health, safety, and behaviors.

FEEDBACK:
This is YOUR park! The committee wants you to be happy with the park as it develops. Please contact us with any ideas, concerns, questions, etc. We will take your input seriously.
Stop by and watch the fun.

Bonnie Musto: smilingbear789@gmail.com