Local dog trainer spearheading dog park in Ripley
By Liz Dadson

Huron-Kinloss Council

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Proposed Dog Park Site

There are off-leash dog parks in Saugeen Shores and Kincardine. Now, Luiza Small wants to see one in Ripley.

The owner/operator of Small Canine School near Ripley, has approached Huron-Kinloss council about fencing off a piece of municipal property behind the Ripley-Huron Community Centre for an off-leash park, providing a couple of acres of land for dog owners to let their pets run free.

"I've been thinking about this for over a year," says Small, "because a lot of my clients have been asking about it." She spoke to township parks and recreation director Mike Fair and later to Rob Thompson at Thompson Feeds.

"The Ripley Agricultural Society wants to build an area to house the livestock at the fair," says Small. "Mike (Fair) thought the two groups could work together on the project."

She says the agricultural society and the municipality would put up the fencing, and Small and a group of volunteers would raise money for amenities, such as poop-and-scoop bags, play equipment, benches, and water bowls. She hopes the fencing can be up by early next spring.

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18/08/2009 08:50 PM

"I'm looking for support from the community for this park," says Small. She is circulating a survey at Ripley businesses for people to sign, indicating their interest in using the park, and their willingness to help with volunteer labour and fund-raising. Those interested can contact Small at 519-395-4335.

Fair told township council Aug. 5 that there has been discussion about this project but it is very preliminary and there may be a presentation to council in the near future.
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This field behind the Ripley-Huron Community Centre is the proposed site of a dog park in Ripley

Also see Gordon Lake Veterinary Services & Pine River Mobile Veterinary Services