Urban Dog Parks Tour: Stop #2

Well, we have clearly had to slow the dog parks tour down and extend it into the "fall" (although it doesn't feel like fall here in Tampa at all) because the days are either too hot or too rainy.  This is not to mention the fact that during the times when it is not quite as hot, or it has stopped raining, the mosquitoes are out in full force as eager to bite me as Sitch is eager to get Snooki to break up with her boyfriend du jour.

Today, since Jack and Chloe were such good sports about having to be crated while the maintenance guy was here, and then tagging along while we ran my errands, I decided they should get to make a stop on their park evaluation tour this afternoon.


It was not super hot due to all the clouds, but it started to sprinkle just as we arrived at the Davis Islands Dog Park around 5:00 p.m.  I drove past the dog "beach" section and over to the fully-fenced-on-dry-land dog area.  I did not have the energy to dive in to filthy looking bay water in case a rescue became necessary.  There are no shade trees here either, but there was a nice breeze, and the natural "water misting." The drizzling actually passed quickly, and we were able to stay for a bit.  I liked it that there was a small area separated from the larger one with the HUGE SAND PIT in the center. I know that the odds are a dog park trip necessitates doggie baths, but I like for there to be at least a CHANCE that it won't.

Chloe going for the Kong ball

So Chloe and Jack enthusiastically fetched balls (Chloe going for the Air Kong squeaker that she adores) and then we ventured into the large area, sand pit and all (I guess I felt like rolling the bath dice). We had a very nice time and they fetched till they were panting maniacs (even after a water break, their tongues were still hanging out) and I had to confiscate the balls or they would not have wanted to stop. If you are wondering, OF COURSE, Jack lay down at the very top of the huge sand pit for just a moment to cool off between fetches. So we walked around on pavement before leaving to try to get rid of some of the dirt. I was surprised that in such a chic South Tampa area, a lot of people are clearly not concerned about picking up a LOT of poop. But life is all about dodging poop, is it not?

Jack waiting to fetch

There is so much for the biped to enjoy about this location.  It is amazingly quiet for being at the end of the Peter O. Knight runway, next to a boat launch, and very close to the port.  Although you can see the phosphate mining operations and the TECO smokestacks (if the smokestacks make a roof this dirty imagine what it is doing to our lungs!) from the park, it also provides an amazing view of the downtown Tampa skyline.  To the west is a beautifully serene marina.  This part of the Davis Islands community attracts runners and cyclists as well.


The best site for reviews, info, and pictures is the DogGoes listing.  There are some very negative reviews there, but it has the best map and details.  We had the fenced area all to ourselves at 5pm on a weekday! There were numerous people in the beach section, but it looked like everyone was getting along fine.  It's actually kind of funny to read some of the complaints. It is a city park after all, and it's a dog park on top of that. Do not expect manicured lawns, people.  Of course, you can check out Jack and Chloe's experience in their Picasa photo album.

Summer 2011 Urban Dog Parks Tour: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Chloe found the shade.

Yesterday, Jack and Chloe kicked off their exploration of Tampa's urban dog parks with a visit to the dog run at Curtis Hixon waterfront park. We found out there are no shade trees inside the one and only fenced area, so it was too hot to stay more than a few minutes. This is the first place where I've seen a maximum dog capacity listed. 


The dog run is located on the northern end of this fairly new park that was created in a kind of L-shape around the Museum of Art, bordered on the west by the Hillsborough River. There are a few benches in shade where you can sit and admire the architecture of the University of Tampa.


The north side of the Poe garage is the shortest route to the dog area. There are valet spaces on the first floor that you can self park in before 5pm if you check in with the attendant. We were only there for about 15 minutes tops, and parking was $1.20. It would be a great stop during cooler weather, or in the evening. The sign says the dog run is open till 10pm!


To check out the scenery, click here.

Terrier Events: Not Just "For the Dogs"

Terrier Events are a great outlet for the energy of Jack Russells, Patterdales, AHT, and more

I would like to see more people in the Tampa Bay area take advantage of some great opportunities to "work" your terriers and have a great time. If you own a Jack Russell Terrier or similar breed, you are probably always looking for ways to help them burn off their boundless energy. There are many opportunities for you and your terrier to participate in racing, simulated hunting, and other activities. Some people are super competitive and some of us (like me) just enjoy bonding with our pets. I did not know that my Jack Russell could get involved because I never filled out the kennel club registration papers, and I didn't know what the events were all about.

**You should know that your dog does NOT have to be registered with any kennel club, nor must you have all their lineage documented.** Some breed clubs require your dog to be purebred (simply by meeting the breed standards), but neutered/spayed and rescued dogs can participate! And most clubs will limit their sanctioned events to the purebred dogs, but also offer a handful of non-sanctioned events for all terriers or other breeds.

The Sunshine State Jack Russell Terrier Club (SSJRTC), for example, offers a wide range of events at three annual trials, such as:
-Flats and hurdles racing
-Go to Ground and Super Earth GTG
-Agility
-Conformation
-Brush Hunt
-Lure Chase
-ThunderTunnel
-Trailing and Locating
-Youth handler 

Most of these events require no training to get started...they make use of the terrier's natural instincts.  The atmosphere for agility and conformation are MUCH more laid back than at most typical "dog shows" and there are even conformation categories for neutered/spayed dogs!  The rules of Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA) sanctioned agility include a novice on-lead category so that handler/terrier teams with even basic agility training can enter, which is a great way to get low pressure trial experience.

This is just one club; there are others out there offering similar events, some of which are breed-specific and some not. You can learn more about SSJRTC at http://www.ssjrtc.com. 

Here are two videos we made to provide a glimpse into a trial weekend with our dog, Jack.  These events are not just giving Jack a chance to do "what he was bred to do" but we have a blast right along with him. I promise that no matter which breed you own, or what club you may join, giving your dog an outlet for his natural talents and abilities will be a rewarding experience for you both.

Lessons from Man's Best Friend

A year ago, we lost our faithful companion Bingo to cancer.  He managed to survive two shelter stays, luckily being saved by a rescue the second time, but he couldn't beat his illness.  We only had about two years with Bingo, but I know that I will never forget him.  Bingo didn't have the same zest for life that Jack has, and we didn't get to know him as a puppy. So sometimes he didn't seem like as much "fun" as Jack because his two favorite pastimes were eating and napping.  But Bingo loved to be around us, even just next to us doing absolutely nothing, as many dogs do.  Bingo's legacy, for me, is a reminder to value simplicity and just being, without taking anything for granted.

Bingo also inspired me to action in support of animal rescue.  I am grateful that, unlike the millions of pets who don't make it out of the shelters alive, Bingo was spared and lived long enough to have a warm, safe home with us for a time.  He gave us so much more in return. 

We will always love you, Bingo.

The Legend of the Rainbow Bridge 

Help Save Lives: Foster a Homeless Dog! (Calling All JRT Enthusiasts)

If you have never fostered before, please take some time to consider being the lifeline of rescue by temporarily housing a rescue dog. There are an infinite number of rescue groups out there needing help, and even more dogs facing euthanasia in kill shelters every day. When I fell in love with my precious boy Jack, my first Jack Russell Terrier, I had no idea that nearly 4 million pets are killed in shelters in the U.S. every year.  You can check with the Humane Society of the United States if you think this statistic sounds unbelievable...and you will see it put another way: about one pet every eight seconds is put to death!


Almost Home Dog Rescue, a Tampa Bay, Florida, area non-profit organization, is overwhelmed with beautiful, pure bred Jack Russells awaiting forever homes, and there are still many more to be saved. Unfortunately, at a time when more and more dogs are being abandoned, foster homes seem to be hard to find but they are needed more than ever. I have fostered several dogs for Almost Home, and it has been an amazingly rewarding experience. The rescue pays for all of the expenses...we just need host families for dogs awaiting forever homes...so that we can save more dogs who are on the shelter "death row."  


Check out the video I put together last year, The Lucky Ones, to see why I got involved with rescue.  If you have any experience with dogs, it may be a lot easier than you think. Please message me for more information, or contact Almost Home Dog Rescue at 941-704-4765. You can see some of the many dogs awaiting homes at the Almost Home Dog Rescue website.

Enzo, a super sweet playful JRT who just wants a human to call his own!

Jack and "His Cat Skip"

Jack at 6 months old, with Skip

There are so many reasons why Jack is special.  Yes, I am partial, but this is proof right here.  Jack is special because he can call a cat his buddy.  Sure, there are other breeds of dogs that get along famously with their feline cohabitants, but Jack Russell Terriers infamously do NOT.  The Jack Russell Terrier Club of America on their website warns that JRTs, "are commonly known to harass, injure, or kill other small pets, such as cats, birds, rabbits, mice, rats, etc., simply due to their strong natural hunting instinct. Raising a puppy with a cat does not guarantee the cat's life-long safety!" So even in Jack's case, although he has shown the ability to play gently and be sweet with Skip, the two will never be allowed to play unsupervised. And he won't allow Chloe or Clifford to get near his feline BFF. I realize that this is not because he is being protective; rather he sees Skip as his "subject." But it's still cute and Jack's higher level of intelligence and reasoning never ceases to amaze me. 

Watch them play in "A Jack Russell Terrier and His Cat" 

BEWARE OF DOG (the breed you choose, that is)

Clifford and the Chlomanian Devil

Cigarettes, plastic bags, energy drinks...these days everything comes with a warning label.  Well, everything except kids and pets. If humans were required to do their research or think their decisions through responsibly before becoming pet parents, there would be far fewer dogs in shelters facing the likelihood of euthanasia.  I, for one, advocate warning labels for dogs.  Since they can't be born with labels attached, all breeders and anyone who "offers" dogs for either sale or adoption should provide a breed advisory (as I know Almost Home Rescue and most rescue organizations dealing with Jack Russell Terriers do). But JRTs are not the only high-energy breed out there.

To be considered for inclusion in this warning is the fact that you may end up hiring a sitter for your JRT(s).  Yes, our dogs now have a nanny, and no, not every JRT will require one.  But anyone who will possibly have the task of caring for a JRT, and especially someone considering ownership of this breed, should be shown a video of some kind, perhaps similar to this one I used in making sure our nanny was up for the challenge. 

Watch the video: M.I. 2.5 (Babysitting 2 1/2 Jack Russells)

Learn more about Jack Russells by reading the JRTCA's "Bad Dog Talk."