BY MARY WICOFF
Commercial-News
DANVILLE —
Pet lovers can thank a feisty terrier from Ireland for Fetch Dog Park.
It’s because of Maggie — a Glen of Imaal terrier imported from Great Britain — that her owner, Dr. John Mason, pushed for a park in Danville. With the help of Darrel Jacobs and others, the park opened in summer 2010 — and it’s been busy ever since, with more than 300 dogs registered.
Mason and Jacobs have been chosen as Commercial-News angels for spearheading the project and, with bulldog-like tenacity, making sure it became a reality.
Elisabeth Grzelak, a member of the advisory board, said, “It was Dr. Mason’s dream — and thank goodness for his dream.”
She told the retired doctor at one time: “You must love your dog because you created a park for Maggie.”
Mason said of the honor, “I’m surprised and overwhelmed because I know there are a lot of good people in the area who work to make life better for people.”
About four years ago, Mason was walking Maggie in Florida when another dog owner remarked that the terrier needed to be socialized with other dogs.
He suggested Mason take Maggie to a local dog park.
“I’d never heard of a dog park,” Mason recalled.
He took the man’s advice, and when Maggie entered the park, she had a wonderful time chasing the other dogs.
When Mason returned to Danville, he wanted Maggie to have that same experience, and began dreaming about such a park. He enlisted Jacobs’ help.
“I quickly said yes,” said Jacobs, an attorney who also has visited dog parks in Florida, and saw the benefits to both people and pets.
Getting the park opened took much effort and time (about three years). But Jacobs and Mason had a lot of support from the city and many dog owners.
Both Mason and Jacobs said they’re honored to be chosen as angels for their leadership. But, Mason said, “It never would have happened without a ton of volunteers.”
The advisory board is active, and comes up with fund-raising ideas, he said. For example, a cookbook was compiled; supplies are almost sold out. The board also will put together a calendar for 2013.
All funds go toward improving and maintaining the park. Future plans call for lighting, shelters and surveillance cameras.
People who use the park cite many benefits. Not only is it good for the dogs, who get to romp off-leash, but it’s good for the humans, who exchange stories and make friends. Some people have lost weight by walking around the park.
Also, many people have noted that the Danville park is better than others they’ve visited. One dog owner said, “It’s not just a dog park. It’s a deluxe park.”
Grzelak said, “It’s something wonderful that’s happened to Danville.”
Jacobs agreed, saying, “Having Fetch Dog Park in Danville is a wonderful asset for our town. I have been told — and just about everyone else who uses Fetch Park has also been told by visitors to our city — what a wonderful dog park it is, clean, groomed and interesting for the people and the dogs.
“People love to talk about their dogs and watch the dogs play and run with each other.”
Dog owners are required to pick up after their pets.
Mason said, “It’s the nicest dog park I’ve ever seen, with its relative isolation and space.”
The 5-acre park is located off North Kimball Street, and has a rustic look.
While commending all the volunteers, Jacobs and Mason also said they are blessed to have the opportunity to work with Mayor Scott Eisenhauer, the city’s special services superintendent Steve Lane and Humane Society director Shawn Miller — all supporters of the park.
“Danville is truly blessed to have the nicest dog park and dog owners anywhere,” Jacobs said.
FYI
To learn more about the park, visit its website at http://www.fetchdogpark.org
The 2012 tags are available at the Humane Society of Danville. The $10 tags are good for a calendar year, and must be renewed each January.
