The off-leash area is open and awaiting your return
The police have officially opened the off-leash area today and the tape has
been removed from Dog Hill. I attended the opening and my dog, Caeli, was the
first to enjoy a relaxing romp around Dog Hill and a cool drink from the water
fountain. I believe, but ultimately it is up to the police to determine, that
dogs were not the intentional target in this incident. The bread was located a
great distance from Dog Hill, in a heavily wooded area outside of the off-leash
area that was unfortunate not fenced off at the time. The area is now completely
fenced off and our group sweep the off-leash area and surrounding woods finding
nothing suscpicous. Our dog, Caeli, means the world to my wife and I and we
would not have let her back into the off-leash area if I thought she was in any
danger. When you and your dog return to High Park, I would simply ask that you
keep on eye on your dog and use caution.
Raccoon deaths
I cannot emphasize enough that these deaths occurred over the last two years
and, with rare exception, could equally have been due to natural causes. We
merely brought these incidents up with police and animal services so that in the
future they could be dealt with promptly and properly investigated. High Park
is home to enumerable wildlife, including coyotes, foxes, skunks, squirrels,
chipmunks, hawks, rabbits, groundhogs and even deer. These species continue to
thrive in the park and when you return I hope you have the opportunity to
observe these wonderful creatures.
Healing the wounds
Despite the recent media hype blaming one group and then another for this
incident, I would strongly caution anyone from pointing the finger at another
group in High Park. We are a close knit-community, I don't think any
particular group is responsible and these types of allegations seriously harm
our chances of building a better park for everyone involved. Furthermore I am
confident that the police will investigate any and every possibility.
Let us now focus our energy on comforting those who have lost a valued member of their family and towards building a sustainable off-leash area for future two and four-legged generations to enjoy.
Donations and the memorial Walk
(click here to download a flyer about
the event)
Friends and neighbours, please join us in a celebration of our canine friends at the: High Park Walk for the Love of our Dogs and Families Fundraiser to support families who had dogs poisoned at High Park Who: Community of High Park Dog Owners and the High Park K9 Committee. What: Fundraiser/BBQ, walk and memorial celebration. When: Sunday, July 6th. BBQ at 2pm., then a mass dog walk around High Park at 4 pm, ending with a memorial celebration. Where: BBQ/Fundraiser at Dog Hill (just east of Grenadier Restaurant in High Park). The walk will circle the park beginning at the Grenadier Restaurant, west to Grenadier Pond, north to just below Bloor Street, down Spring Rd and south through the off leash area, then around the duck ponds and west to Grenadier Pond where we will gather to commemorate and celebrate our best friends. Why: To raise funds to help offset the veterinarian bills of those dogs poisoned recently in High Park.
Donations to help offset the veterinarian bills for those dogs poisoned recently in High Park can be made: 1) At any Toronto-area CIBC branch by providing the branch # 09622 and account #:85-40489 2) By cheque or money order, made out to "High Park Dog Memorial Fund" at 165 Vine Ave. Toronto, Ontario, M6P 1V9 3) At the July 6th Fundraiser and memorial walk All are welcome, dogs included. Please bring a leash for the walk. Our families, including our dogs, have a right to share all our parks safely! About Community of High Park Dog Owners: The “Community” is an informal group of dog owners who are banding together to take back the park and to support the families of those dogs poisoned recently in High Park.