Strut Your Mutt

Monday, October 01, 2007

Patricia Smillie-Scavelli
Garden State Veterinary Specialists

On Sunday, October 14th, 2006 the Friends of the Monmouth County Parks System will be holding their 4th annual doggie Costume Contest and Pet Fair sponsored by Garden State Veterinary Specialists. This annual event is an opportunity to bring your dog to Thompson Park dressed in a Halloween costume and possibly win a prize in one of several categories, including ”the Best Canine/Human Combo”. All of the proceeds raised at this event will benefit the Monmouth County Parks System, including the Off-Leash Dog Area in Thompson Park. Last year’s event had a record turn out of participants both canine and human.

The Pet Fair is a great experience for true animal lovers. You can take your dog to the park, enjoy the Pet Fair with them and even dress up for Halloween. While enjoying your day, you and your dog can support the Monmouth County Parks system including the off-leash dog area. As I reported in my article last year, the importance of off-leash dog areas in an urban environment has been established in research studies. A community which has an off-leash dog area provides a place for both dogs and humans to socialize with each other. Play is an important thing for a dog and is pretty important for humans as well. Having a designated space for dogs and their owners reduces the likelihood that dogs will be let loose in other areas where they could adversely affect the rights of other park users. Dogs often help people break the ice, getting people who share similar interests to socialize while exercising their dogs. The opportunity to socialize builds a sense of community which benefits everyone.

The Monmouth County Parks System has a designated off-leash dog area for Monmouth County at Thompson Park on Newman Springs Road in Lincroft. Over the years since its inception the area has undergone a number of improvements and with your continued support, work on the area will continue. The original one and a quarter acre off-leash “all dog area” has been joined by a quarter acre “small dog area” for dogs 35 lbs. or less. Trees have been planted and a concrete walkway and patio near the renovated entrance has been installed. The enclosed area has been over seeded with a traffic resistant species of grass. A human and pet drinking fountain has been installed. Both off-leash dog areas are open 7 days a week during regular park hours.

Every dollar raised during this event goes to the Friends of the Parks and supports the programs and facilities of the Monmouth County Park System that made the Off-Leash Recreation Area for Dogs possible. We urge everyone to come out and support this event. Bring your dog on a leash and enjoy the day in the park together while you browse among the pet related displays at the Pet Fair or participate in the Costume Contest. If you would like to enter your dog (or you and your dog) in the Costume Contest you can register ahead of time or at the Fair, for more information on the event call the Friends at (732) 975-9735 or visit their website. See pictures from last year’s Strut your Mutt Doggie Costume Contest. Stop by the Garden State Veterinary Specialists booth at the Pet Fair and learn more about veterinary specialty services that are available in your community. See you at the Pet Fair!

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the professional advice of your veterinarian.

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