We are very lucky where we live. At the end of our road, about 60 metres away, is the mid 14th Century 'village church' of old Brighthelmstone (now known as Brighton).
St Nicholas Church has a surrounding ancient burial ground, plus a large open grassy park. Possibly well over two acres in all.
On the other side of the road is a separate 'Peace park', which again is about two acres of open land, dotted with old gravestones and mature trees. The 'Peace park' is fenced on all sides, and has a very heavy cast iron gate at the entrance (above); perfect for dog walking, or in Billy's case 'dog running'.
He never fails to meet an established friend, or make new ones. This morning just as I was leaving he met a look-alike Border Collie; we left just too early. They'll meet again another time to play together.
Here he is, below, having great fun with a 3 month old Australian Shepherd Dog. They didn't stay still long enough for a decent photo, but you get the idea.
Of course the owners also all become friends, and the dog-owning community is wide, varied, and very interesting. Another bonus of city life.
Yesterday I had my first experience of taking away Billy's detritus. Really not as unpleasant a process as I'd imagined. Another side to dog-owning life; it HAS to be done!
I don't have a dog, but everywhere I walk I see signs that people must clean up after their dog. I can only assume many people here can't read, or can't read English. There are hefty fines for not cleaning up after your dog, but have can it be proven?
ReplyDeleteIt is a Dog-owners duty to clear up any mess. There is a small sign on a lamp-post near our house saying '£500 fine for Dog fouling'. I wrote to the council to ask how much in fines had been received over the previous 5 years. I got no reply!
DeleteI'm not surprised at that.
DeleteIn the days now of 'social media' rightly non- compliance has become difficult! Councils do have Dog Wardens who will investigate. The friendliness of fellow regular dog walkers is well known.
ReplyDeleteI'm just back from my early dog-walk in the Peace Park. There were lots of dogs there this morning, and I was pleased to see that most male dog-walkers were wearing shorts (like me). It's 16 C again this morning.
DeleteWoW! Up here in the NW even most of the Postmen are n long trousers now. Sorry, that should have been Postalworkers.
DeleteCouldn't Billy wear an elasticated nappy? Then you wouldn't have to pick up what you so politely referred to as his "detritus". I would use a different word.
ReplyDeletePoopers? Pampants? I'll need to look in my local dog shop.
DeleteIf picking up after Billy is a first for you then I take it, back at the Hamlet in France, he was pooping free style.
ReplyDeleteThere isn't any fouling where I live (also South Coast of England). It is one law that's been fantastically successful in implementation and outcome. Obviously I don't know if some people - under cover of early morning walkies - let their dogs roam free in the bushes in our numerous municipal parks. However, not only will our Council come down on you heavily if caught, more importantly the picking up of dog poo regulates itself within the community. From what I observe, those who don't give a shit and don't clear up after their dog will be shamed by passers-by (not least by other dog owners) to do just that. In fact it's so effective that I have seen hapless (no bag) dog walkers beg one from another.
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Yes, Billy was always a free-style pooper, and always a very conscientious one. He would never poop on a path, but always head off into the woods. No-one taught him to do it, he was naturally like that.
DeleteI think that many dogs naturally go to a more secluded place if they can ( a throwback to their wild ancestors)
Deleteas they are vulnerable while pooping from other predators.
Has Lady M been doing the job for the last couple of weeks, or has Billy not pooed? What happened in France? Was it just left lying around?
ReplyDeleteHe just happened not to have pooed on my walks. Yes, France a big wooded country; no problems there.
DeleteIt is very nice that you green space close by. In my usual stalker manner, you are certainly in a good part of Brighton. Am I envious? Slightly, but you do have winter coming.
ReplyDeleteYes, we're in a 'good area'. I wouldn't have it any other way.
DeleteBilly seems to be happy with lots of new friends to play with.
ReplyDeleteOur small town suffers from some inconsiderate dog walkers who can't be bothered to pick up their dog's mess. The local town commissioners have had to employ a street cleaner now to try to clear as much as possible.
He had a terrific time this morning, there must have been about 10 dogs all running round together; and no fighting. Re the dog poo, people seem to treat their little 'filled bags' as a badge of honour here; in rather a 'saintly' way.
DeleteIt's a good way to warm your hands on a cold day.
ReplyDeleteAfter this morning's experience, I know exactly what you mean!!!
DeleteWell done you. Almost everyone round here obeys the rules I am pleased to say.
ReplyDeleteIt has to be done. I'm not going to be the odd one out.
DeleteI am always careful to bag Rick's poo up during our early morning walk around the village. It was so dark this morning I actually had to rummage around amongst the fallen leaves on the path to find it!
ReplyDeleteI often go out in the morning whilst it's still not light, so I understand your plight.
DeleteHaving gated open space nearby is ideal. You and Billy seem to be enjoying the parks. Meeting other dogs and their owners makes visiting the parks even better. Billy might soon have more friends in Brighton than France.
ReplyDeleteHe already does! In France he has one very good friend 'Amie'; a large female Alsatian. Here he already regularly plays with about six or more, and knows plenty of others. He's in heaven.
DeleteWhen our beautiful Sioux was still with us, my husband knew all the dogs names, but few of the owners names...but it didn't seem to matter ~ knowing the dogs names was key to the smile, the "good morning".
ReplyDelete