To the Editor:

Shelter dogs tested the new fenced, wooded area at the Potsdam Humane Society this week, and according to them, it was a huge success!

The first section of the Potsdam Community Dog Park project has been completed and is reserved for shelter dogs. This fenced-in area will remain separate from the public area of the Park. Shelter dogs now have a place to run off leash and get much needed exercise while they are waiting for their forever homes.

Deborah Massell, PCDP President and PHS board member, is the master mind of the dog park project with the energy, foresight, and fortitude that has made this happen along with her husband, Jackson Francisco, and band of friends and volunteers of the project.

One such volunteer, Owen Norquest, a young Boy Scout earning his Eagle Certification, took on the fencing of the shelter dog section of the Park. He put his heart and energy into the project and had the honor of performing the ribbon cutting… or in this case, the leash cutting…ceremony and officially opened the shelter dog section.

Three shelter dogs happily ran into the 20,000 square foot, wooded area to check it out un-tethered. As the dogs enjoyed themselves, the humans involved were also thrilled with the sight. This is another step in enriching the lives of shelter dogs.

What’s next? Dog Park volunteers will continue to fence two more separate areas: one for small dogs and another for large dogs. Potsdam Agway has donated fencing for this, and Lowe’s of Potsdam reduced the price of the gates needed, making this truly a community effort. More sweat equity will be needed to complete the last two sections. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcomed to help.

For over three years, scores of community members and local businesses have contributed time, skills, machinery, services, and dollars to clear the overgrown wooded area. The Massell-Francisco dream is becoming reality one section at a time.

Potsdam Community Dog Park is leasing land owned by the Potsdam Humane Society on property adjacent to the animal shelter at 17 Madrid Avenue in the village of Potsdam. Its mission is to provide a fun, social and safe play environment for dogs and their people; to create a beautiful, natural setting for both new and experienced dog lovers to enjoy; foster responsible pet ownership; and in addition, increase awareness of PHS’s shelter, which provides many services, such as low income spay/neuter, and rabies and microchip clinics, which serve all of the North Country community.

Stop by and visit the Dog Park and watch the progress as it becomes one of the best facilities for canines in the North Country. Info: www.potsdamdogpark.org

Bonnie Boyd

Potsdam Humane Society