cooped up all day knows what lack of exercise can do to a dog's behavior. Excessive barking and hyperactivity can lead frustrated owners to give up their dogs to the pound where thousands of animals are euthanized every year. This is a tragedy, which responsible government officials can address through improved access to dog runs.
      Many animal experts say, "a tired dog is a good dog" for valid reasons. Dog runs are critical to the health and well being of our pets, veterinarians and dog behaviorists agree.
      Today, there are over 1,000 dog parks operating throughout the U.S. Coliform studies have shown that dog parks have no negative impact on the environment and responsible dog owners are willing to pick up after their dogs. The dog runs at Coindre Hall and West Hills Park have good operating histories and currently provide many hundreds of dog owners and their dogs with a safe place to exercise and socialize not only with their dogs, but also with each other!
      Rather than potentially shut down dog facilities, the runs at Coindre Hall and West Hills Park need to be improved and expanded. Moreover, new dog parks are needed at other County Parks. Finally, on-leash usage in County parks must be preserved.
  

      Suffolk Legislator Jon Cooper has introduced legislation known as IR 1953-2002 to create safe, fenced-in dog runs in County Parks. Thousands of Suffolk dog owners now must rally to make a strong statement to the County on just how essential dog parks are to the well being of our pets. Legislators need to hear from dog owners by telephone or e-mail.
      If Cooper's bill fails to pass the legislature, dogs in Suffolk County parks, not to mention dog runs, could become extinct. We don't believe our elected officials could be so out of touch with the needs of the people to permit this travesty to happen.
      We speak for all of our loving pets who cannot speak for themselves. We need Dog Parks in Suffolk!

Dan Gerrish is the spokesperson for the Huntington Dog Owners Group, a community organization dedicated to the socialization and well being of our loving canine companions. Gerrish lives in Huntington with his three-year old Keeshond dog and 19-year old cat.