The idea of putting a dog park in the city of Dickinson has found favor with many dog owners. Several communities in the state of North Dakota already enjoy having a dog park. Upon researching this project and communicating with other park districts, we discovered that dog parks are extremely well received and enjoyed by dogs and people alike. The location of the park is certainly up for debate, but perhaps we can work together as a community and find a solution that will benefit everyone.
Creating a dog park for the city of Dickinson has nothing to do with the city pound. To suggest that supporting a project for dog owners is in effect ignoring the plight of the city pound is ignorant. Oreo's Animal Rescue removes hundreds of animals from the city pound and prevents hundreds more from ever ending up there. Once removed, these pets are vet checked, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and adopted by new families, many of which live outside the city of Dickinson. Thousands of dollars are spent every year doing much more that just giving the pound animals an extra bone. Oreo's Animal Rescue works to save their lives!
The city of Dickinson has budgeted $300,000 toward a new animal shelter. A new facility is long overdue and can't happen soon enough. Not only does the city need a new shelter, we need to find ways to keep animals from ending up there. Providing dog owners with a safe enclosed area to exercise their pets is a step in the right direction.
Shelley Quandt, Dickinson, director of Oreo's Animal Rescue
