Dog print

FIDOS Fall 2001 Newsletter

FIDOS Home Page
Added on: November 26, 2001

Contents

FIDOS Surveys 2001 Boulder City Council Candidates
Canine Classic
Poop Pick-Up Schedule
FIDOS Opportunities
CU Dog Labs
International Wildlife Film Festival

FIDOS Surveys 2001 Boulder City Council Candidates

The privilege of walking our dogs off leash on Open Space and Mountain Parks trails is one that many of us take for granted, but we should not forget that dog lovers negotiated with the city from 1994 through 1996 to keep this privilege, which is ultimately authorized by the City Council of Boulder. It therefore behooves us to pay attention to the prevailing attitudes of Council members and to consider the attitudes of candidates as we formulate decisions at election time.

In this fall's election, fifteen candidates are running for five positions on City Council. Candidates Don Mock, Gordon Riggle, Tom Eldridge, and Will Toor are incumbents, and the remaining candidates are Ron Bain, Garland Campbell, David Gullick, Michael Hamann, Nabil Karkamaz, Julia Perez, Leslie Rosen, Mark Ruzzin, Lyn Segal, Fred Smith, and Mark Swanholm.

We mailed questionnaires to the candidates, inviting them to list up to three dog-related issues, and to suggest the best way of resolving each issue. Below, we present excerpts from their responses, but we urge our members to read the complete text of the responses on our website at FIDOS.org. (As we went to press, Campbell and Gullick had not responded to our survey.)

About dog parks, Don Mock asks, "But have we done enough? I have observed quite a crowd at the East Boulder Recreation Center's dog park on a Saturday afternoon. If more facilities are needed, then we should create them."
On the poop issue, he writes, "I realize FIDOS has worked hard on this issue, including educational campaigns and sponsoring trail cleanups, but it is still a major public relations problem." Mock also sees a problem with voice and sight control. "Finally, regarding off-leash dogs on trails requiring voice-and-sight control, I think there is a problem. I have witnessed many dogs that were obviously not under control when they should have been-chasing wildlife, knocking over children, fighting other dogs. I would suggest that we try a system where pets and their guardians that have proven their ability to comply with voice-and-sight control standards are given special tags that can be easily spotted."

Will Toor says, "I actually think the present system for designating trail access and rules for dogs walkers works pretty well, doing a reasonable job accommodating the differing desires of dog owners and other user groups. However, one area that I believe is still problematic is the proper cleanup of dog feces by pet owners on heavily used trails."
Speaking about transportation, he says, "A few years ago, I visited Austria and was struck by the fact that buses in that country have designated areas for dogs and their owners. I would be interested in investigating the possibility of implementing a similar program for busses in Boulder."

Gordon Riggle confined his response to the statement, "Boulder's parks and open space areas belong to everyone. As champions of responsible dog owership, FIDOS plays an important role in protecting wildlife and promoting the peaceful enjoyment of these areas by everyone.

Tom Eldridge says he would like to see improvements in compliance - both in poop pick-up and voice and sight control. He wonders if more bag dispensers, better signage and more trash cans would help. Overall, he thinks that the dog management plan is working and that FIDOS has done a good job with dog and guardian issues. He is particularly pleased with the establishment of the dog parks.

Mark Ruzzin expressed concern about dogs on open space. "While great work has been done to proactively address concerns, dogs on open space remains a passionate issue in Boulder. While dogs on open space may be one of those issues that will always raise emotions, this does not mean that it cannot be addressed practically and productively in a fashion that balances the desires of dog guardians with those of the community at large. "Should it be determined that the Dog Management Plan is not meeting its goals and objectives, I would support using a stakeholder-driven process to revisit the planand the tools needed for it to be successful."
Ruzzin interprets the results of a city survey as indicating a dog-wildlife conflict on open space. "The city's 2001 Citizen Survey polled residents about their feelings regarding open space: 97% believe that the highest use for open space is for protecting habitat for wildlife and plants, while 62% saw open space as providing dog-walking opportunities. Clearly these two desires are to some degree in conflicts." He sees dog parks as a possible resolution of the conflict.

Ron Bain supports the conditions and agreements, negotiated by FIDOS, allowing dogs to be off-leash in designated areas. "Dogs require space in which to run and play;" he says, "they're not happy without such opportunities."
"As a candidate for Boulder City Council, I hope to place a great emphasis on animal rights and practical ways to resolve issues relating to animals in Boulder. I am diametrically opposed to the dog vivisection laboratories conducted by CU/Denver" Les Rosen considered the question of whether Boulder's leash law should be relaxed, and had looked at how other cities are dealing with the issue. "While my research is not exhaustive, it seems that the trend nationwide is that cities are in fact now adopting restrictive leash laws if they do not already have them. Then dog parks are built for off-leash activity as in Boulder."

Mark Swanholm describes himself as a "cat person," but relates an anecdote in which he rescued an at-large Husky who was nearly run over in traffic, checking on the dog at the Humane Society each day until his owners claimed him.
Says Swanholm, "We also need to carefully consider how dogs can enjoy our open space trails. Dogs can be destructive of natural settings just as humans can - but responsible companions keep this in check, which brings me to my next issue.
"There are a lot of dog owners in Boulder and most are responsible, loving and proactive about teaching their dogs respect and training them to understand voice commands. Unfortunately there are a few who aren't so responsible and they threaten to ruin things for the rest. "I am however open and willing to work with groups like FIDOS to provide for the needs of dogs."

Julia Perez would like to see a greater attempt to reach the CU students concerning pet care, problems, and responsibilities. She says that she could help reach the student population through University groups, the student union, residence halls, and the housing director. She is also concerned about homeowners in mobile home parks who are often forced to either abandon their pets or face eviction.

Michael Hamann says, "I believe that government is best that governs least. For this reason I feel that dog owners should be allowed to take their dogs into parks, onto trails and even along city streets unleashed so long as it is not dangerous and the dog is not a public nuisance.
"I am not sure what the provisions currently are for the suspension of this privilege in Boulder, but I support a one strike and you're out policy. For example, if even one person complained about an animal being agressive, I believe that said animal should have its privilege to roam public areas unleashed revoked until such a time as the animal had satisfactorily completed an approved obedience course."

Lynn Segal suggests dealing with the dog defecation issue using "restorative justice circles with dog owners, dog offenders and law enforcement in attempt to dissipate animosity and create new solutions."
She suggests using the same methods to deal with biting and harm issues, "where parents may teach their kids how not to provoke an animals."

Fred Smith says, "The plan sounds great. I also believe strongly in picking up after your dog. "By the way, I love dogs and believe they should be included in open space but would like to see misbehaved dogs filtered out."

Nabil Karkamaz says, "I really don't have any problem with dogs that listen to commands such as come and stay. But dogs that are aggressive should be on a leash at least."

FIDOS Members
Vote by mail before November 6! The 2001 election in Boulder County will be conducted entirely by mail. If you have not received your ballot in the mail by October 19, it probably means you have been overlooked. In that event, pick up a ballot at the Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1750 33rd St. in Boulder. Returned ballots must be received no later than November 6.

Canine Classic

After a month of beautiful spring weather, we awoke last April to a cold, wet, and snowy Sunday morning-coincidentally also the morning of Boulder's first Canine Classic, a race at Boulder Reservoir in which dogs were allowed to bring their humans along. FIDOS had been working hard with the Rape Crisis Team preparing for the race, and our spirits were low as we drove through the slush to the Reservoir, prepared for one of the great flops in Boulder racing history. But we didn't count on the spunk of Boulder's runners or the weather-independent zeal of our dog friends (when will we learn?), and it wasn't long before runners and dogs began arriving in droves. In spite of the weather, over 500 teams ran in the race. The enthusiasm of the dogs for such an obviously neat event was infectious and soon dogs and runners were happily splashing through slush and mud around the reservoir.
Winners of the 10K event were Kobuk with human Christopher Dacey, Mesa with human Nick Cady, and Tyson with human Sandu Rebenciuc. In the 5K, it was Sammie with Rick Bruess, Huxley with Trish McCarthy, and Petey with Laura Bruess.
After the race, many stayed around for treats and hot coffee, and to participate in the Wacky Pet Contests.
Plans are already underway for the second Canine Classic, to be held Sunday, April 21, 2002 at Boulder Reservoir. As with the first Classic, FIDOS will be helping, and proceeds will benefit both FIDOS and the Rape Crisis Team (now known as MESA, Moving to End Sexual Assault). Mark this event on your calendar, and we will see you there, rain, snow, or shine! For information on volunteering or acting as a sponsor, call 303-939-9661.

Poop Pick-Up Schedule

Nov 3 11 AM Doudy Draw
Meet at the trailhead 1.7 mi. west of Highway 93 on north side of Eldorado Springs Drive.
Dec 1 11 AM Sanitas Trail
Meet at the trailhead 0.5 mi. west of 4th street on the north side of Mapleton Ave.
Jan 5 11 AM Mesa Trail (north end)
Meet at Chautauqua Ranger Cottage, south of Baseline and Grant.
Feb 2 11 AM Cottonwood Trail
Meet at south trailhead on Independence Road 0.4 mi east of the Diagonal.
Mar 2 11 AM Sanitas Trail
Meet at the trailhead 0.5 mi. west of 4th street on the north side of Mapleton Ave.
Apr 6 11 AM Mesa Trail (south end)
Meet at the trailhead 1.7 mi. west of Highway 93 on north side of Eldorado Springs Drive.
May 4 9 AM East Boulder Dog Park
Meet south of the East Boulder Recreation Center, 5660 Sioux Drive.
June 1 9 AM Marshall Mesa Trail
Meet at the trailhead 0.9 mi. east of Highway 93 on south side of Highway 170 (Marshall Road).

FIDOS Opportunities

Moe Sampsel and Cheri Hoffer

FIDOS membership is growing by leaps and bounds (no pun intended) and so are FIDOS' responsibilities to dog lovers of Bounder county and beyond. Here are some simple ways to assure us dog lovers that trails and Open Space will remain dog friendly for years to come. There ARE movements afoot on a continual basis to change that reality and our work is more important than ever.

TO MY POOCH, by Elizabeth Barret Browndog
How do I love thee,
Let me count the ways I can show it with FIDOS.
FILM FESTIVAL 2001 Wildlife Fest happening soon; call now to help out or join FIDOS there (see present article here in the newsletter)
NEWSLETTER, DATA BASE AND WEBSITE Welcome computer geeks, here's your chance to shine!!!! And have some fun.
ARTISTS bring us FIDOS your ideas and talent for banners, festivals, logos (and much more) to help present FIDOS in a glowing manner to the public at large.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH Extroverts!! Here's your calling (of the wild!) Collaborate with Open Space folks, and public. Your ideas welcomed!
FIDOS BOARD MEMBERS AND POLITICALLY ACTIVE DOG LOVERS Flexible schedules needed to attend various city and county meetings involving dog issues. Ever y little bit counts and helps out tremendously. Don't be shy!
FUNDRAISING Maintaining collection jars, solicit donors and sponsors and bring create ideas to raise money.
PUBLIC RELATIONS help build and promote a positive image of FIDOS within the community. Marketing skills welcomed and appreciated.
ONGOING MONTHLY TRAIL CLEAN-UP AND MEETINGS An easy and social way you can make a difference. Join FIDOS after meetings and trail work at local eateries.
MONEY Your contributions go a long way when your time to help out is short.
CALL FIDOS NOW (303-447-FIDO) OR ATTEND THE MONTHLY MEETING (every third Wed. at the Nature Center, 4201 North Broadway at 6 p.m.).

CU Dog Labs

In spite of the fact that 88 of 126 US medical schools no longer use dog labs, CU continues to resist removing them from the curriculum. Letters and phone calls allow your voice to be heard. The individuals below have the power to close the dog labs. Please be courteous.

Dr. Elizabeth Hoffman, President
Office of the President
Campus Box 35
Boulder, CO 80309-0035
(303) 492-6201 Fax: (303) 492-6772
E-mail: elizabeth.hoffman@cu.edu

Dr. James Shore, Chancellor E-mail: J.Shore@UCHSC.edu

Dr. Richard Krugman, Dean
E-mail: richard.krugman@uchsc.edu

For more information:
Doctors Against Dog Labs
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Humane Society of the United States
The CU Dog Lab Campaign

International Wildlife Film Festival, Oct. 19

The International Wildlife Film Festival is based in Missoula, where every spring top films are selected from more than 200 entries from around the world. For the past two years, we have sponsored the FIDOS International Wildlife Film Festival in Boulder, each year experimenting with a different site and mode of presentation. This year we decided to simplify the presentation, emphasize the films, and reduce the admission fee to make the event as accessible as possible to people interested in top-quality wildlife films. On Friday, October 19, we will be showing two hours of the finest films from the 2001 International Wildlife Film Festival, starting at 7:00 PM. The location is the Boulder Unity Church at 2855 Folsom (Folsom and Valmont). Admission is $5, with children under 12 admitted free.