TICKET MASTER
You are subject to be ticketed and fined if you are discovered with an off-leash dog in any area designated as *on-leash. The DCR summoned a Massachusetts Park Ranger to do just that after receiving numerous complaints of unleashed dogs on the earthen dam.
THE EARTHEN DAM at the MILLWOOD ENTRANCE IS A PEDESTRIAN PATH.
NOTE: ALL DOGS MUST BE LEASHED ON THE EARTHEN DAM!! Tickets were written and fines issued to owners/walkers of off-leash dogs along this stretch (AKA the Aqueduct) in recent weeks.
Also, if you love your dog – and we know that you do – please leash him/or her for the safety of all in parking lots, where regulations require they be leashed. Remember: All dogs must be leashed in *parking lots, on trails that enter/exit the Park (i.e. access/egress parking lots), and trails that abut private residences.
Let’s not abuse our privileges. We have Eagle Pond, and acres and acres of trails where our four-legged babes can roam relatively free (in sight and under strict voice control of course!). Please remember to leash your dog when you traverse leashed areas/trails – or avoid those places where the leash is the law. And be kind – spread the word and tell others to do the same. Speaking of which…
COMPLAINT FILE
Cal-Dog has received several complaints of off-leash dogs approaching leashed dogs (especially in parking lots, interfering with entry or exit). Let’s nip this in the bud before the complaints are directed to Park officials. Please: Never let your off-leash dog approach a dog at the end of a leash without first asking the owner/walker if it is OK (in fact, it is always a good idea to ask if it’s OK to approach any unfamiliar dog). And pretty please, don’t take it personally if an owner asks that you not permit your off-leash dog to approach; assume that everyone has a reasonable explanation for their actions – ’cause in most cases, most people do. We don’t assume that every human wants to greet us; we shouldn’t assume that every dog is eager every time to be greeted by every other dog.
SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE
There seem to be lots of new rescue dogs and young pups discovering the bounty that is Callahan. It’s pretty safe to assume that the pups and their people may not be aware of the protocol at Callahan. Don’t be shy: share what you know and/or direct the new or uninformed to…
OH! THE WEB WE WEAVE
We’re on the web: www.callahandogs.com
…for information about Callahan (including a map), the privileges and responsibilities of dog ownership, news and updates, photos of our beloved companions (send us your photos!), and our contact info for asking questions, or joining our ranks/contact list. We are 150-plus and growing!
Our website is also available for posting lost dog notices and updates (if you hear of a lost dog, or can report the – hopefully happy – ending to the tale of a lost dog, let us know), and a memorial page – where you can honor your furry family member with tributes and memories. Callahan Dog Owners Group can also be found…
IN YOUR FACEBOOK
Yup! We’re on Facebook!
Facebook Page for Callahan Dog Owners Group
You know you ‘like’ it, so check it out. Our Facebook page is a great place to check for late breaking, time sensitive information.
HEARD IT THRU THE GRAPEVINE
Nearly four years after negotiating to retain off-leash privileges, Cal Dog members still run into humans who believe that their canines are not subject to the on-leash restrictions of designated areas of the park because they’ve heard and believe what was ultimately revealed to be little more than folklore.
Be gentle when you let them know that, contrary to rumor and misconception, there is no legal substantiation of the myth/claim that Callahan was bequeathed as a leash-free haven. Callahan State Park is – as are all state public lands – under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The leash-free privileges we enjoy were negotiated by representatives of DCR and Cal-Dog (and we await fulfilment of some other details of those negotiations, including improved and accurate signage). For on and off leash designations, re-read TICKETS section above (or check our website!).
NOT THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN
While we loves us our Callahan, networking among other dog lovers reveals a few nearby alternatives for those times we want to thrill those numerous and incredible canine olfactory receptors with some new sniffs!.
Due to lack of funds, Ashland State Park, off Route 135 in Ashland (duh!) is unstaffed – so officially ‘closed’ – this summer, but parking is still available and the trails remain excellent grounds for romping and exploring.
Hopkinton State Park (Main Street to Route 85; 268 Cedar Street, Hopkinton)
There are 10 miles of marked trails here and leashed pets are welcome thru-out the park. Rumor has it that strict-voice controlled Fido can sometimes go at his own pace if you steer clear of the ‘beach’ and picnic areas, and/or walk after 6PM (when beach and picnic areas are officially closed).
Weston Reservoir (Route 20W; left on Wellesley; right on Ash) gets high marks from walkers with – and without – dogs around its beautiful 2 to 2.5 mile round trip, but dogs – on-leash OR under strict voice control – can expect a lot of like company.
Remember wherever you go, your dog must always be well-behaved (no jumping), must always stay in sight, and if off-leash, must always be under strict voice control (that means if and when you call him/her to you, he/she comes IMMEDIATELY). Immediate cooperation to the “come” command can not only avoid potential and/or unnecessary conflict, it might one day save your dog’s life.
IN MEMORIAM:
Some of you may know Ann Miller and her darling Clementine. After a difficult Spring, Ann kissed Clementine adieu at the beginning of the Summer, and then, when she least expected it, was led to the mutual rescue of Eclipse (also affectionately known as Clipsey-Doodle, or Pixie Clips), a most adorable little girl who now shares Ann’s home and heart. Hopefully Ann will get get a photo of her new little one onto our website soon.
Here’s to Ann’s miracle dog, Clementine, who now frolics over the Rainbow Bridge…
http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm
Stay cool friends. Enjoy the waning weeks of Summer.
