Beverly Seiger and Tracy Heller recently presented our petition for a dog run at the Forest Hills Community Board meeting. After addressing the Board, we were asked questions
& explained why the area that we have is not sufficient. They were very
receptive & many of them even asked where we were so that they could
bring their dogs. Karen Koslowitz, Deputy Borough President, took a copy
of our petition & contact info. She is going to help us. Lynn Schulman,
Candidate for the NY City Council, also gave us her contact info and wants to
help us. We were also given encouragement by Frank Gulluscio, the District
Manager. Melinda Katz & her respresentative, Vicky Morales were also
present.
This is the speech & part of the
presentation that Beverly & Tracy gave at the
Community Board meeting on 10/22/08:
Good Evening.
My name is Tracy Heller & I am attending this meeting with
Beverly Seiger, President of The Forest Hills Dog Lovers Association.
We are presenting you a petition with 650 signatures, to date, which
says "YES! I support the Forest Hills Dog Lovers Associations efforts to
create a successful dog run in Yellowstone Municipal Park located at Yellowstone
Boulevard, between 68th Avenue & 68th Road.
I am on the Board of Directors of Birchwood Towers, which recently voted to
become pet friendly. [We received applause after this comment]. We recognized
that not only do pet friendly buildings increase the value of the apartments,
but that pets enrich a persons life, heart & soul.
We are asking for this dog run
because just some of the many benefits of enclosed dog runs include:
- Puppies and adult dogs would have a safe(r), enclosed place to
play.
- Enclosed play areas prevent off-leash dogs from infringing on the
rights of other community residents and park users such as joggers, small
children, and those who may be fearful of dogs.
- By their mere presence, groups of dog owners (and their dogs) help deter
crime, and frequently act as the eyes and ears for the police.
- A well-exercised dog is a happier and healthier dog.
- An exercised dog makes a better next door neighbor than an
under-exercised dog. Puppies and dogs which get enough exercise by playing
in a dog run, are less likely to create a nuisance, bark excessively,
destroy property, jump on a passers-by, etc.
- In an era where people are often reluctant or afraid to approach or
converse with a complete stranger, dog runs bring people together and create
a greater sense of community. Dogs help shy people "break the ice". People's
love for dogs often creates an important common ground, which as if by
magic, serves to break down otherwise impenetrable social and economic
barriers. Dogs, and dog runs, are in fact responsible for many a lasting
friendship between those who might never otherwise have met.
It is no longer fulfilling the needs of the community by not having a dog
run in Forest Hills. It has been proven that pets offer emotional support
to Seniors. They also need an accessible & convenient place to bring their
dogs. Yellowstone Park is a perfect location. I wish that you could see
how many children & seniors come over to play with the dogs when we are in
the park & how happy it makes them. We need this dog run in our community!
Thank you for your time.