"It's nice to be able to have a place where your dogs can run around and expend energy," said Julie Ibanez, president of Wolfe's Pond Pooches Inc., which became a 501(c)3 nonprofit in July.
While the land for the dog run is owned by the Parks Department, they don't maintain it. Almost everything at the park -- the rock walkway, the fencing, the bags used for cleaning up after dogs, a trauma kit to deal with injuries -- is provided by Wolfe's Pond Pooches Inc., Ms. Ibanez said.
"I got involved because I don't want to see the park go away," she said. "If we didn't have a strong association, then the Parks Department doesn't have any reason to have the dog park there."
The Parks Department does provide wood chips, but doesn't spread them, so the group buys wheelbarrows, rakes and shovels, members volunteers their time and effort. Drainage problems mean the chips wash away with every rain storm.
Ms. Ibanez said she hopes 501(c)3 status will help the organization earn grant money. While the Parks Department works very well with them -- Parks is planning a $100,000 project to work on the run's drainage problems, possibly by splitting it into two levels, and to pave a path to it from Huguenot Avenue -- there's a lot to be done.
"If they could divert the water, that would help us out a lot," Ms. Ibanez said.
The association has more than 200 members, though not all volunteer their time. They recently held a fund-raiser where pets could have their photos taken with Santa Claus for a small donation. They also elect representatives who are at the park often during the day, helping foster a community of canine owners.
"You learn a tremendous amount about things going on with dogs, whether it's health issues, or new types of toys, or safety equipment," Ms. Ibanez said.
Doreen Lindstrom, the club's afternoon representative, said representatives try to visit daily to be a point of contact for feedback. Many don't realize the park is maintained by volunteers, she said.
"We're all there for the good of our pets, and we would like to have a bigger family of pet-friendly people come there," Ms. Lindstrom said.
The members also work to enforce rules at the dog run. Ms. Ibanez suggested people come often, rather than once in a while, so their dogs can get to know the others and socialize properly.
"Everybody's welcome," she said. "You don't have to be a member."
For more information, visit www.wolfespondpoochesinc.org.
Source: http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/01/owners_pamper_pets_at_south_sh.html
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