| It's All About the Dogs! |
January 2010 |
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Greetings!
The New Year is off to a barking start!
We were disappointed to see the article in the Liberal, January 14, with the front page headline "Residents Barking Mad at Dog Park".
With exceptions, such as the whole Tiger Woods fiasco, any publicity can be good publicity. Although the 'Barking Mad' article was fairly well balanced, including the supportive quotes from Councillor Lynn Foster, it was wonderful to read a positive letter to the editor in a following Liberal issue, January 24, penned by V. Spence.
It's always the squeaky wheel that gets the grease, so we are asking our members and newsletter subscribers to contact the Liberal or our Media Director, Sid at media@rhk9klub.ca with some positive stories, feedback and anecdotes from your park experiences.
The Town of Richmond Hill takes resident concerns very seriously though, and the Klub has learned that the Town is implementing some resolves to help us all play together quietly.
One of the planned improvements is an extensive tree planting in May consisting of 150 mature deciduous trees, and possibly fence climbing ivy, to create a natural sight and sound buffer between our park and the surrounding residents. When we receive more details, we'll pass it along as we'll likely coordinate an event with the K9 Klub members assisting with the planting. Stay tuned!
And Happy New Year! | |
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Contact Us |
Membership Inquires:
Dog/Owner Aggression Issues:
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Park Issue - Crosswalk & Parking Lot
We've had a few reports of park patrons letting their dogs off the leash before they get to the park. Some have been so bold as to let them off the leash in the parking lot across the road! At least two incidents have been brought to our attention where a dog bolted across Tower Hill Road and nearly got hit by a car. One of the incidents involved a K9 Klub member nearly hitting one. This would have been a very sad and preventable accident. We all know that dogs are not allowed off-leash in the Town of Richmond Hill except for designated areas. Currently there is only one designated area, inside our park.
The K9 Klub would ask all of our members to remind those that have their dogs off leash outside the park that they are not only risking the life of their pet, but they are breaking the law. We would also like to remind everyone to drive carefully in the area just in case a less responsible patron lets their friend loose on purpose or for those instances where a leash is yanked and our friend gets away. Let's all try and stay alert just in case. Extra attention should also be paid in the parking lot. Dogs, like toddlers, can't be seen when we are backing out to leave. If you see a person around your car, odds are they have their friend in tow.
For those who are tired of feeling like Frogger, of video game fame, crossing the road, relief is in sight. The original Park budget included a pedestrian controlled crosswalk across Tower Hill Road. This involves lowering curbs, painting lines and installing signs and lights. Because of a very full schedule, the Works department was unable to get this crosswalk done prior to the park opening; however the crosswalk installation is scheduled for sometime this spring and this should help slow down the Tower Hill Road Traffic.
 
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K9 Klub To-Do List
Our new website is taking a little longer than expected. Hey - we're volunteers here! Any day though... We'll send out a special notice. The Town will be linking us into their website and we'll act as the public hub and forum for dog related issues in Richmond Hill, specifically the leash free park.
The installation of the Klub bulletin board has been going through many design phases but has been structurally approved by the Town to be installed at anytime. We have a little more work to do on graphics and are looking for one or two more corporate sponsors to help with the budget cost of $2500. If your employer or your own company is interested in helping us out, have them contact: sponsors@rhk9klub.ca
Bulletin Board physical design sample:
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Park Volunteer News 
We are still looking for volunteers to help ensure the leash free area pilot project is a success.
If interested, please email us at volunteer@rhk9klub.ca and we'll send you out full details. Park Volunteers are given a badge/wallet to wear around their neck so they are easily identified.
January was so busy for everyone that we were unable to set up any park meeting times. We will set something up ASAP and contact all of those who emailed us.
One of our hardest working volunteers, Shelley Shane, is going to track down one of our newest volunteers, Oleg and his Golden Doodle to pass on his pouch and info. If you see Shelley out there, with her two Goldens, ask her how you can help out!
Even Lynn Foster, councillor for Ward 4, has asked to help out as park volunteer. Your pouch is on the way Lynn!
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Coming Events
The Richmond Hill Winter Carnival, February 5, 6 & 7.The K9 Klub will be setting up a booth for a few hours near the dog show area on Sunday.
The Annual General Meeting of the Klub will be scheduled for sometime in late February, early March. If you are a paid member of the Klub and wish to nominate yourself to our board, please email Dave: dwalker@rhk9klub.ca
February 13 & 14 at Downsview Park
Come to shop, come to play, come to learn about pet adoption and perhaps meet your next pet.
Over 50 vendors and animals welfare groups all indoors with a 2,400 sq ft off leash dog play area*
All to celebrate the wonderful world of pets and to help homeless pets
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To Our Corporate Sponsors:
On behalf of the Richmond Hill K9 Klub and our loyal friends we wish to thank you for your generous donations and ongoing support.
Global Pet Foods - Tower Hill
Richmond Hill 24hr Emergency Vet Clinic
Whitehorse Sign's and Graphics
Bowmeow Dog Walking & Pet Care
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We have lots more information to share so keep an eye out for future newsletters and notices. Thank you very much for your support.
Full Membership in the Richmond Hill K9 Klub is currently $20/year and entitles you to attend member only events, official general meetings of the Klub, vote on issues, stand for nomination and election to the board of directors and generally get involved in the politics and growth of the Klub. Drop us an email if you are interested.
Remember...
It's All About the Dogs
Sincerely,
David Walker, Co-Chair
Richmond Hill K9 Klub
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