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Resident urges Salmon Arm council to create a dog park for small breeds

‘Our small dogs are missing out on much needed socialization and exercise’
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A Salmon Arm resident would like to see a small breed off-leash dog park in the city. (Photo contributed)

Small dogs are missing out.

City council received a letter from a resident saying a designated small breed off-leash dog park is greatly needed in Salmon Arm.

“Small dogs cannot play in an area where large dogs are allowed to run off leash. Many small dogs are simply afraid of and not comfortable around large dogs. Also, many large dogs naturally want to chase small dogs. Please take this into consideration,” wrote resident Pamela Rhine.

She said many cities she has visited have dog parks for small dogs, noting that shade would be necessary as small dogs overheat more quickly than large ones. A big area would not be needed, she added, as many small breed parks she has seen are about 150 square feet.

“Thanks for your consideration, our small dogs are missing out on much needed socialization and exercise.”

Coun. Kevin Flynn responded to the request at council’s May 23 meeting, wondering if the option exists to include a small dog park at Klahani Park in South Canoe.

He said he wouldn’t make a motion at this time, but he might sit down with city staff to see about options. He pointed out he had been in a dog park in Kelowna the day before, where, right beside the main dog park, was a smaller fenced-in area for small breeds. He said a sign there had specifications regarding size of pets.

“My dog’s big, he’s the most friendly dog in the world, but I can understand people with smaller dogs being a bit concerned.”

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martha.wickett@saobserver.net
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Martha Wickett

About the Author: Martha Wickett

came to Salmon Arm in May of 2004 to work at the Observer. I was looking for a change from the hustle and bustle of the Lower Mainland, where I had spent more than a decade working in community newspapers.
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