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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ASHLAND A news hound checks out the dog park Comment By Barbara Stankus DailyTidings.com By Barbara Stankus Posted May. 20, 2015 at 2:00 AM By Barbara Stankus Posted May. 20, 2015 at 2:00 AM » Social News “It’s the energy!” This was the response Bob gave to the question I posed on a recent day at Ashland’s Dog Park: “Why do you drive all the way down to this park?” A Rogue River resident, Bob brings his elegantly groomed, grey and white standard poodle to our Ashland dog park at least once a month because “… it’s the best darn dog park in the entire Rogue Valley!” He gestured with open arms when describing the clean, well-groomed expanse of sloping acreage, shade trees and large cemented area where water, hoses, a high and low spigot, water dishes and wading pools for dogs to cool off after vigorous play with other dogs and/or their owners. Also in this area is a “toy box” often containing used tennis balls, well-worn Frisbees and maybe even a beat-up tennis racket or ball chuckers – all contributed by dog owners to ensure no dog will go without. Was it always this way? In the Ashland Daily Tidings of Dec. 8, 1994, Pamela Lyons reported that “20 dogs and their owners were on hand to celebrate the inauguration” of the park. It wasn’t always a dog’s life in Ashland. Dogs were not allowed in any park, even on a leash. A long-fought campaign led to a summer of discussions, rejections, appeals and finally a compromise between Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission officials and dog park advocates. Stacey Berrum, who brings Foxie and Kin to the dog park to join Kin’s sibling Honey for their weekly playdate, recalls the park’s beginnings as a “grass roots effort.” Fast forward to this particular sunny morning in May. Dog owners casually sit at two sturdy, metal round tables, drinking lattes, reading, gabbing on cells, tweeting and twittering on their computers and either chatting with old friends or making new ones. One table has been modified to accommodate a wheelchair. Most owners are tolerant of a dog who might leap up on a table or lap. Nearby, a man is on his cellphone in the quieter, three-sided, covered shed that provides shelter from the elements. It houses a bulletin board, including a section devoted to photos of park dogs who have crossed over the “rainbow bridge.” This day finds at least 15 or more additional owners scattered throughout the park. Some are playing Frisbee with their athletic, obedient border collies while others are gathered under the walnut tree and chatting while their dogs investigate new smells or wrestle with new and old dog buddies nearby. Here I met Becky Brown and Howie, a small black dachshund puppy on a leash. Howie is in foster care; his “mom” brought him to the park to learn doggie communication skills so he will be a better candidate for adoption. Christiana Clark brings her beagle, Caper, as her OSF schedule allows. As is the case for most owners, she enjoys the human contacts and the sharing of information about “how to be your dog’s best friend.” A few dogs and their owners are in a smaller, adjacent fenced area for the less sociable dogs, those who have a doggie play-date or who for some other reason need to be in a quieter, less populated area. The two–acre, fenced dog park is on West Nevada and Helman Streets. It is open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week throughout the year. The web site, http://www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=9290 provides general information. Standard dog park etiquette rules are posted at the park’s entrance. Eleven-year Ashland resident Barbara Stankus is a former nurse who worked in patient education at Stanford Medical Center. By Barbara Stankus DailyTidings.com By Barbara Stankus Posted May. 20, 2015 at 2:00 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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