A Dog’s Point of View, by Bryn the Huntaway
What a tragedy the loss of roaming around the edge of the Palliser Vineyard has been for the Dogs of Martinborough, highlighting the current facilities limitations for us dogs and our humans.
There are over 250 registered dogs in the town and many more in our rural and coastal communities. Then there are the regular visitors and weekenders’ dogs to add to the population.
Where can we do our doggy thing off-lead? The off-lead dog park is okay for confident and sociable dogs to play, but the shape and size can make it very claustrophobic for some of my quieter chums. Smaller dogs can be put off entering, and the humans are not keen on the steep ditch. It is not a walking zone, just a play-and-poo area.
There are over 250 registered dogs in the town and many more in our rural and coastal communities.
The river path is often flooded in winter, the large grade gravel is uncomfortable for the humans, and, there are occasional dumps of carcasses from hunters which I personal love, but it’s not my human’s cup of tea!
Considine Park is okay, but it’s not an off-lead zone.
Some humans are confident enough with their dog to let them walk off-lead on the berms and verges of the roads at the edge of town. My fascination with Courier Vans, the postie and utes generally means that I am firmly on the lead, trusting to the traffic to avoid us at the edge of the road.
I travel with my humans in our camper van and go to countless small towns around the country that have reserves and bush areas where I am free to explore. We seem very badly served here in Martinborough.
I have consulted with many of my chums and we all agree that the model for a good dog walking area is Sparks Park in Carterton. It is not huge, but the careful design of paths twining around the trees and the pond allows for great socializing. I can stop and play when I meet another dog, just exchange a polite sniff and hello, or I can move swiftly on. I am not trapped in a small area with a domineering or over exuberant dog. It also allows me to exercise my human with several circuits and brings a flush of health in their cheeks!
Could we replicate this sort of walk in Martinborough? Is it possible that land could be leased or gifted, that a committee could take responsibility for raising money, planting trees, creating paths, fencing?
Us dogs would be so grateful. Over to you humans!
Please let us know if this would be an initiative you would support, and if you can give practical suggestions to help us explore and expand our current range of options. Please contact us on oldp.mart@outlook.com
