Sausalito Dog Park

Bag dispensers have been placed strategically around the Dog Park . . . at the gates, around the perimeter of the park, etc.  We appreciate that our dog park visitors take responsibility for dog poop pickup and disposal.  In order to keep the dispensers filled, it would be very helpful if you would bring any extra plastic bags that you have and place them in one of the dispensers.  In other words . . .

PLEASE DONATE YOUR EXTRA PLASTIC BAGS!!!

Surprise!

A family heard a whimpering sound outside their back door on a cold February evening. When they opened the door, they saw an overturned box with a blanket.  Nearby was a seven week-old, black and white puppy who was trying to climb into a heat vent to stay warm.  The family took him in but decided that they couldn’t keep him because they had young children.  Family friends, Erin and Orin, volunteered to foster him while trying to find this handsome boy a home. They named the newcomer “Jack.”  To their delight, they found that he had a calming effect on Bailey, their other shelter dog.  In no time at all, Jack seemed to crate and house train himself!  As you might guess, Erin and Orin decided that they could not give him up.  Erin and Orin say that all dogs have a song in their head.  They are positive that Jack’s song is, “Happy Birthday to me!”

Jack and his family can often be seen at the Dog Park in the early evening.

In late April of 2008, Nancy received an email from Grateful Dogs Rescue asking if anyone could save a dog’s life. Nikko had been at Animal Care and Control in San Francisco for months, and was taken in the back to be euthanized. A volunteer named Cher had become very attached to him and had helped him through some difficult times at the shelter. When she heard Nikko’s story, she contacted GDR who said they would help save this wonderful dog. No foster homes were available. Nancy answered the email to say she would foster him for a few weeks, never thinking she’d hear back. Although she’d replied to similar emails in the past but was never contacted, this time GDR called her. Georgette (of GDR) brought Nikko to the Sausalito Dog Park where he played with her dogs for an hour . . . just happy to be released from the shelter. That was the last time Nancy ever remembered him playing with other dogs!! Nikko and Nancy met and bonded in half a second. Zoe, Nancy’s Rottweiler, also bonded with the newcomer. Nikko has never left Nancy’s side since (except to do “border patrol” at the dog park).

Click for larger image

Nikko was an owner surrender although he didn’t even know his name (Sultan). He was skin and bone and his front legs were raw. Together with Nikko, Nancy chose his new name since he seemed to like the “k” sounds. Nancy describes Nikko as “the most anxious being I have ever met . . . probably fearful of abandonment.” After 3½ years, Nikko has mellowed a bit. However, his self-appointed job as Nancy’s guardian and protector is very demanding and he doesn’t relax for a minute. Although life with Nikko is a challenge, it is also very rewarding. He is sweet beyond belief. Nancy says that she has never felt so well protected “. . . even with my former Rottweilers, Dobermans or Shepherds.”

You can usually meet Nikko at the dog park in the late afternoon to early evening.

In order to keep our puppies’ paws pristine during the wet winter weather, wood chips were brought to the Dog Park and distributed by Tree Masters  on December 5, 2011.  During the rainy season, the dog park tends to be very muddy place. The wood chips help tremendously with drainage and keep both human and dog feet from direct contact with the ground.
Tree Masters distributed the wood chips throughout the Park. With their bobcat, they leveled the large mounds.  In a great show of community spirit, a group of people who had brought their dogs to the park spontaneously picked up rakes and joined in the leveling operation. 
Pictured here is a hard-working volunteer who helped spread the chips over the ground as Mindy, the golden retriever, supervised.  Many thanks to all who participated!