Dog owners discuss ways to make Edmonton more pet friendly

Thestar.com
June 24, 2018
Claire Theobald

William Hawrelak Park went to the dogs on Sunday as countless four--legged friends and their families took in the pet--themed festivities for the 26th annual Pets in the Park.

The park is normally closed to pets, so animal lovers relished the opportunity to get outside and socialize.

According to the City of Edmonton’s Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy report, there are more families in Canada with dogs than there are families with children.

In 2015, city officials began work on the Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy, looking at ways to improve the 40 dog parks around Edmonton and look at areas that are “deficient in off--leash opportunities,” according to the report.

As the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission eased restrictions on patios in Alberta, and Alberta Health Services has allowed restaurants and bars to apply for exceptions that would allow furry friends to join their owners on patios, dog owners at Pets in the Park were grateful to have more opportunities to enjoy the city with man’s best friend.

“It’s really nice, because if we’re doing anything we do it with her. If she can’t come, we don’t do it,” said Nicole Payne, whose four--year--old Husky--Great Pyrenees cross donned a colourful tutu for Pets in the Park.

Payne said Edmonton is a fairly pet--friendly place, but she would like to see stores that are open to dogs advertise it better so dog--lovers can plan their activities with their pets in mind.

“There are some stores that are pet friendly that people don’t know about,” said Payne.

“I think there should be more dog friendly places,” said Larry Emery, who was at William Hawrelak Park with his puppy poodle Berry. “I love taking my dog places and I know for a lot of us, especially those without kids, their dogs are pretty much part of the family and a very integral part of our family. Bringing them with us everywhere makes a lot of sense.”

Erika Emery said she would like to see more dog parks fenced in, such as Lauderdale Park, and more education for dog owners so they can be better ambassadors.

“More fenced--in dog parks, and maybe some better education for dog owners who don’t understand dog laws,” she said, adding one of her dogs was once attacked by another unruly dog in a dog park.

Cainan Trovato would like to see more large, grassy areas open to dogs off leash, but understands not everyone feels the same way.

“I think it’s a good start, letting them on patios,” Trovato said, as his dog Luna waited patiently at his heel.

Mike Hendrickson, who was at Pets in the Park with family, his Doberman Arlow and his puppy Echo, said he loves having the opportunity to socialize with other dogs and dog owners but saw having dogs on patios as a step too far.

“I don’t know if I would bring pets to where your food is,” he said, adding that not everyone likes having dogs around. “You have to respect their boundaries, too.”