INTRODUCING THE GARDEN SPOT VILLAGE KENNEL CLUB “When I moved to Garden Spot Village, I was told that if I wanted to start a club, I just needed to find one person to join me,” says Paulette Moore. “So I found a friend, Janice Ford, and we started a Kennel Club.” Janice and Paulette worked closely with Garden Spot Village administration to secure space and establish guidelines for a Bark Park in the Sycamore Springs neighborhood. The fenced space provides an opportunity for dogs owned by Garden Spot Village residents to run unleashed. The ladies carefully researched rules for local dog parks, best practices and recommendations from the American Kennel Club, Animal Law Information and Humane Society of America. They also worked with a local boarding-kennel owner to get real-world insight. Janice says, “This is a new venture and we are taking a view that will protect our buddies and our residents without adding additional burden to the staff at Garden Spot Village. We developed our guidelines with these objectives in mind.” Any Garden Spot Village resident with a dog can join the Kennel Club. Fees will be waived for the first year, but starting in 2023, there will be nominal fees to cover upkeep, upgrades and maintenance of the Bark Park. At the end of the year, surplus funds will be donated to the Garden Spot Village Benevolent Fund. The Bark Park, which will be available in early April 2022, will include benches and mulched corners to make mowing and trimming easier for Campus Services. In addition, the Bark Park will be a “use-at-your-own risk” space and owners will be liable for any injury or damage caused by their dog. To join the Kennel Club or learn more, email kennelclub@gardenspotvillage.net. RULES FOR THE BARK PARK INCLUDE:
• Dogs must be healthy, properly licensed and with up-to-date vaccinations (including rabies, distemper and Bordetella).
• Open one gate at a time in the double-gated area. Open and close the outer gate, unleash your dog and enter the off-leash area. • Always have your leash in hand, dog in sight and under control; do not leave your dog unattended.
• Clean up after your dog. Supply your own clean-up bags and take them with you for proper disposal. • Dogs 50 pounds and under are allowed in the park at any time; dogs larger than 50 pounds are permitted when the park is not being used by smaller dogs.
• If your dog displays aggression toward people or other dogs, please remove them from the dog park. • Dogs must be at least four months old; dogs in heat are not permitted.
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THE GARDEN VARIETY | A PUBLICATION OF GARDEN SPOT VILLAGE
