If you come to Coindre Hall on the weekend and you're wondering why our dogs are running around the big field on the left hand side of the park (when you're facing the water) instead of the center, it's because LI-DOG has launched its Share the Park campaign. The goal of the campaign will be to show other park users that dog owners know how to share the park and that our off-leash activities don't have to interfere with other users for everyone to enjoy this beautiful place.

    The field we're talking about runs along the northwest side of the property where the gym is located. This area (which is approximately four acres) runs from the old garage at the top of the field down through the orchard. LI-DOG is asking dog owners to take their dogs to play in this area on the weekends. By sticking to the left side of the property, we will leave the entire right side for other park users.

    This field has been discussed at the Coindre Hall Citizens Advisory Committee as an alternate site for off-leash activities from the proposed run at the foot of Coindre Hall. If this area works for dog owners and we can avoid "unwanted" encounters between our dogs and other park users, especially on busy weekends, we'll greatly improve our chances of convincing county officials as well as local residents' groups-who all are pushing for a fenced run-that this is a good area for off-leash activities and that it does not have to take place behind a fence.

    The campaign is the result of a proposal from one of our Coindre Hall park stewards, Mike Marcotte. Thank you, Mike, for a great idea!

    Almost a dozen members of LI-DOG have volunteered to hand out flyers and tell other dog owners about our campaign. But, we need all LI-DOG supporters to help! Please join us in keeping our dogs on the left side field on the weekends!

    Please Note: There are a few things you should keep in mind if you take your dog to Coindre.

• Coindre Hall Park is unfenced. There is a road that runs along one side of the park and backyards of neighboring houses on another. To avoid problems, dog owners need to have voice control of their dogs. That means your dog will come when called.
• By the same token, some local residents do not appreciate encounters with our beloved canine companions-hard as that is to imagine! Again, it is important to have voice control of your dog so we avoid "unwanted" encounters.
• Dog owners should avoid allowing their dogs to hang out in the parking lot. It is dangerous for the dogs.
• Right now, there is a risk of getting a ticket. The police have been summoned numerous times in recent weeks by local residents complaining about unleashed dogs. This is unfair as dog owners have virtually no where else to go to provide their dogs with the exercise and socialization they need. We have found the best way to handle these situations is to be respectful of the officers, who are just doing their jobs, and leash your dogs as quickly as possible. The more we prove we are responsible citizens who are only trying to do right by our dogs, the more it will help our cause.

As always, it is critical that dog owners:

• Pick up and properly dispose of dog waste
• Carry a leash at all times
• Keep dogs under voice control
• Prevent digging and fill in any holes
• Remove aggressive dogs
• Control excessive barking

    As always, keep in touch by e-mailing us at lidog_news@yahoo.com.