Wollongong Dog Parks - Exploring the Southern Highlands

Piper is now into her third year, and as a modern day pet owner, it is an ongoing, interesting ride.

She never fails to be a great teacher on many things.

A few weekends ago,  we went to the beautiful Southern Highlands, staying in Bowral.    It was my nieces wedding that was the main reason for the visit to this area.

I have never seen so many BMW's, Mercs and Jaguars in one spot, let alone in five minutes - when I put petrol in my old Honda, it was surrounded by them. 

We had to put Piper into Boarding Kennels for the first time  - we chose a place close to where we were staying  in Berrima. Do you know what that feels like?  It is heartbreaking, and yes, I did cry when she was taken away! I will write about that experience at another time, as it was certainly an eye opening, and a life learning experience.

Want to go back to where my interest in dog parks  all started? Go here!

We didn't look at "Pet Friendly" accommodation for us this time (well, I left the booking of the accommodation to Dirk, and we wanted to be very close to the wedding reception area for obvious reasons) , so what we did was took Piper out during the day instead.  It was a Friday wedding, so she went to the Boarding facility in the morning, giving us time to "dolly ourselves up" for the wedding in the early afternoon.

The next day (Saturday) , we gave her "gate leave" from the Boarding Kennel  at 9 am, and went first to Bowral Dog Park (on Centennial Road), and then to Belanglo State Forest, to return her to the kennels by the afternoon.

Wollongong has no fenced dog parks at all, and any existing plans for Dog Parks falls way short of what is ideal (from size, fence size, facilities).  It is really sad that our pollies see pets and their pet owners as nuisances, rather than valued members of our family and of our community.

Bowral Dog Park

Bowral Dog Park is a fully fenced dog park on Centennial Road, only a few minutes walk from where we were staying.  At that time of the morning it was fairly quiet, but every time we drove past it, it was well utilised, with people and their pets enjoying each other's company.

That is a vital service of a fenced dog park - it enables people to talk to each other - to connect, even if their only companion is their pet. This is a concept that Wollongong City Council doesn't seem to grasp! Or perhaps I misinterpreted their actions?

I will always maintain that one of the most crucial purposes of a fully fenced, well designed Dog Park, is to allow people and pets to connect in a safe, fun environment.  

Like anything in life, it is not risk free, as it is truly dependant on the people - they make or break it - from the design, implementation and use.

Bowral Dog Park was in an area a bit outside of town, but was also close to a kid's playground  -  not sure what the reasoning was, but it could allow Dad to do two things at once - take the kid(s) to the playground, and walk/exercise the dog, whilst Mum has a break, or it could allow Mum to do the reverse.

 Or, God Forbid, it could actually be a fully family day out, satisfying all of the children in the household!

- Availability of Drinking Water
  There was only one drinking fountain and bucket for the dogs.  We can only assume that some owner takes responsiblity to clean/fill this bucket out.

A recent valuation of dog watering facilities for Wollongong Council Dog Park came in at around $4000 (from memory), but I suspect this one didn't cost that much.

It would be a situation though, where I can see it easily being a reservoir of disease - not sure on the vaccination rates of the privileged pets of Bowral are, but if it is like children, the potential for it being a health hazard is high.

- Materials to clean up and dispose of poop

This is one area where this dog park gets the Gold Medal.  Of all of the dog parks we have been to (from Sydney, West Sydney, Camden, Goulburn and Canberra), this is one of the first that had all of the poo bag containers fully stocked.   Now, this could be that the facility is barely used (which I doubt), or that it is actually kept well stocked (i.e a responsible council).

Whilst the dog park was a quadrangle, there were three poo bag sources and bins.

Sadly, like every other facility, we still saw multiple dog poops sitting there, ready to smear itself into the welts of anyones shoes, ready and willing to stink out the car on the way home.

Pet owners - some of us are not as wonderful as our pet think we are. 


- Space available to romp

I had to laugh (and then cry) at my local Councils recommendation of a 400 to 600 square metre dog park size, as they needed to add an extra "0" to it to actually be a useful area. Oh well! 

The Bowral Dog Park (by estimation) is approximately an acre (2400 square metres), and was really a small dog Park.

 Was it suitable for its area?

It was well frequented, and never appeared overcrowded on the two days we were there... what do the locals think, I wonder.

 
- Fences and Entry/Exit gates

The ideal Dog Park has one entry, one exit, and both are double gated with Pool Fence type latching.  And, the fences need to be minimum 1.8 metres.

Well, here was only one entry/exit, but it was double gated, with the traditional farming latch, not the preferred pool fence type latch.

The fences were soft, collapsible 1.2 m high (my local councils preference choice (poor choice),  and in poor condition (sad).  It fascinates me how council can provide a service, like microchipping, way below market value, yet do fencing/landscaping in excess of it.

You can tell you were in the country, as they used the standard country latches, instead of the Pool Fence type latches.

- Visual Barriers

The area was easily locatable from the road, but there was no visual barrier between the fenced dog park and the unfenced children's play area.  How much this causes problems with children in the playground, I do not know.

 Nor do I know whether inquisitive children sticking fingers through the soft, open fencing has led to issues(whether it be excessive moisture from licking or worse), has led to issues.


There were two areas of trees, grouped together, which was lovely - absolutely lovely, as you can see through the video here.

- seperate small and large dog areas

In a short sentence - it was a one size fits all area!

- Available activities

In short, none.

Belango State Forest

Did you know that dogs area allowed in State Forests (not National Parks), as they are cultivated pine trees, and not otherwise natural "need to be preserved" areas?

What a fun day we had. We stopped at Dalys Road camping ground, where you can camp/park/have a picnic.  Toilet facilities, camp fire places, and lots of walking tracks for us (and our pets).

This place is beautiful! Absolutely beautiful, and sad.  It is sad in that many backpackers met their end here, in the most cruel and horrific way.  Innocent people, exploring the world, enjoying the natural beauty of Australia.

Whilst this is under the Dog Park heading, it actually isn't an off leash dog park, and had none of the "Dog park" facilities available.

You will need to take your own supplies with you, and take the rubbish (including dog poo) with you when you go.

It is for this reason that I am a wee bit scared of sharing this location, as I would hate for irresponsible pet owners to destroy a piece of beautiful land.  This is those pet owners that think it is ok to bury pet poop in the sand, or leave it on the ground in the dog park or foot path.  Or for those who cannot control their pets at all via voice command.  Or for those who think they have the "right" to whatever it is they want.

We like to think of pet owners as good people, but actually, many aren't.  Pet owners are like everyone else.  They are human.

 Back onto the positives though - It is actually a great day picnic family trip for the entire family - and one spot that we are going to come back to in summer.

Highly recommend this as a full family friendly day trip!

The Family - Sean, Dirk, Tegan, Haiden, Paige with Piper sitting in front.

I am Dr Liz, the mad family vet from Bellambi.  Welcome to the animalclinic family.

Please, please, please.... enjoy your family, and any time that you have with them.  The number one regret of people in their retirement, and on their death bed is that they never spent enough time with their family. 

Musings of Dr Liz - Five gifts I wish I was born with

 Whenever I look at the TV or read through magazines, there is an undeniable bit of envy.  Whilst I know I have my own special talents, it is human nature to never be satisfied with what has been given us.

Why could I not be given the gift of a singing voice, or be able to draw, or move well on the dance floor, or be able to act, or even wear an outfit well.  It isn't that I am ungrateful for the gifts I do have, which is my love for my family and my animals, but it often feels like it is not enough.

I am like a happy Lab - thankful for the gifts I do have!

As a general practitioner vet, I know that there are skills that I wish I was gifted with, that would make every interaction with my pets and their owners so much easier. 

1.How I wish I had Superman eyes --- Xray and Microscopic Vision!  (not asking for much).

So many pet owners expect me to know what the lump is by just looking at it.  No sooner than they walk in the room, and point to this tiny lump in an obscure spot, I am expected to give  a diagnosis, then be able to give a prognosis, and then be able to cure the problem before the pet even leaves the consult table.

What about the pet dental check where I am expected to give an accurate assessment of the severity of the disease in their pet's mouth, and therefore give them an accurate estimate  (with the added difficulty of not doing any extractions or complicated dental work, as we would hate for the tongue to loll out the side).

Oh, how I wish I had Xray vision, being able to answer the question "is that leg broken", especially when the pet is running around the room using the leg with the slightest of limps.  In a young animal, it is perfectly possible to have a greenstick fracture, or thin bones due to a calcium deficiency, and still be using the leg.

Cats are notorious for hiding their fractures well.

The xray vision would certainly help  figure out why the pet had been vomiting for 4 days or having trouble urinating, or urinating pure blood.

Wouldn't it be nice. Real nice.

I guess I have to be happy with the equipment being able to do all of that, whether it be use of my xray machine, my dental xray machine or my ultrasound.

And, in this instance, no one else has been blessed with this gift  or xray vision either, except in the movies, so it is a bit of an unfair thing to ask for.

Thanks to whoever invented  Superman (not)!

2. Able to diagnose the illness of each pet as soon as they walk through the door

Wouldn't it be amazing if each sick animal had little clouds above their head, and in these clouds had the disease that they are suffering from?

Or even a handy dandy Star Trek type gadget, that when I scan the pet up and down, is able to tell me not only their vital statistics, such as temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, but also their blood pressure, their full genetic profile, and, well, to make this sentence shorter, the diagnosis in just a few simple minutes (or even better, seconds).

After all, when a pet is sick, seconds can make the difference between life and death.

Or these clouds would say things like, "I have a headache, a really bad one, not the usual kind, and not one you want to ignore", or "I ate three servings of roast pork last night, and perhaps, that wasn't a smart move".

Anything!

Really, anything, other than relying on the owners observing the vague signs of "not quite right".

Whilst I applaud those owners who are sensitive to these vague signs, it doesn't always make things easier.  Vague signs are often just that... vague.

Admittedly, I do sometimes get a vibe from the animal; I wouldn't say I read their energies, as that sounds a bit "out there", but sometimes I do get an inkling that pushes me to go in one direction versus another when I am trying to sort out what is going on. Us older vets call that a "hunch", the smarter vets call it, well being "smart". 

Fortunately, I am gifted with the ability to do a full physical examination, (the "touchy feely" is what my vet nurse, Dirk calls it) to get a better idea of what could be going on, and we have the equipment to be able to perform a wide array of blood, urine and fecal tests (and xrays and ultrasound) to find out more if we need to.

I have to be thankful that I am in era where we can put a name to many of the diseases if we are given the opportunity to test for them.

3. To be Dr Dolittle

No, not a doctor that does little, but Dr Dolittle, the wonderful, amazing doctor that can "talk with the animals, walk with the animals....grunt and squeal and squawk with the animals." and, it would be super grand if the animals could talk with me too.

Now that would be really really grand.  Even better than the clouds in No 2.

Not asking much, I know!

I could even be satisifed with  that dog collar in the movie "Up", but then, having a dog holding a conversation with you that lasts 2 seconds, then have their head twist when they see a ball, or a treat, or a cat (we don't have squirrels here, so no point saying "squirrel") probably wouldn't be super useful.

I suppose I have to be satisfied with the licks (boy did I get a nice licking today from Nitro), and purrs (thanks Timmy).  Those happy licks and happy wags communicate alot to me, as do those "complaints" from pet owners about their pets dragging them into the vet hospital.

Yes, I really do feel I talk with the animals, and they talk to me too. 

4. To have a Crystal or Magic 8 ball,

Every pet owner has an expectation during each veterinary consultation.

 For some, that expectation  requires a bit of X Files intervention, in that they assume that not only will I be able to diagnose their pet's illness, but that I will able to do that without testing (definitely not of the invasive type ), be able to give them a treatment protocol that will not only work, but that will automatically administer itself,  all the while ensure that this will be 100% effective, 100% of the time.

If only I had a crystal ball to know that the therapeutic trial  is going to work, as I do agree that no one, including me, wants unnecessary, expensive tests or therapies that will not help the pet.

Or a Magic 8 Ball, that answers those nigly questions. The pet is coughing - is it respiratory or cardiac.  The dog is choking - is it kennel cough or do they have something more sinister.

The pet is scratching - is it due to allergies, fungal infection, bacterial infection, dietary problems or immune mediated disease (or something else).

Shake the ball - Yes or No.

Thank you Ball, that was good to know! Could not have done it without you!

"Mrs Jones, the Crystal (Magic Ball) confirms the diagnosis of "XYZ", we just need to turn around three times and wave to the star to the left of the moon at 8 pm, and your pet will be cured (not forgetting the important step of holding your breath for 10 seconds whilst reciting the first two lines to God Save the Queen at this time). " Oh, and that dash of salt over the left shoulder - essential step!

Yup, super useful gift to have. 

I suppose I have to be thankful for the gift of a practical, logical, thinking brain, which works through problems systematically (including going over things from the very beginning to make sure I am not missing anything), to get to a solution. 

Finding the answer is like doing a jigsaw puzzle - we need to collect the pieces, and then put them together in the right way to get the right answer.

5. To Be like Hermione Granger (of Harry Potter fame).

I don't really want to be like Harry Potter (wearing glasses, with a scar on my forehead and have someone evil want to kill me doesn't quite give me thrills); nor do I want to be like Ron (I have a temper as it is without being a redhead, and whilst he is lovable and true, having tools that wants to backfire on you (like his broken wand), also doesn't work for me). 

How is that for a really long long sentence!

Hermione, however, is just right!  Smart, sassy, confident, organised, precise but knows how to be honest, loyal and faithful.  And she has a cat.  Not a rat like Ron, or an owl (how snobby, really) like Harry.

Did I mention she knew how to pronounce "leviosar" correctly, even though that ended up with her sharing a bathroom with the Troll!

What I admire most is her photographic memory, her intelligence, her loyalty, and her grace. I wouldn't mind her little Time twister device too - that would be handy on some days so I can go back a few minutes to stop myself from saying the wrong thing!

She was always the outsider (being muggle born of muggle parents), not like Harry and Ron.  Well, Harry's mum was also a muggle.  She had to fight against the taunts of being a mudblood but she stood firm and true to herself and her muggle parents and her new wizarding family.

I am no Hermione, but even so, I am thankful that despite my "outsider" status of being the daughter of immigrants (even though I am aussie born and bred), that I live, and am able to bring my family up in the best country in the world.

Finally....

Life is difficult, complex, difficult.... we are often so hard on ourselves, and wish we were shorter, taller, skinnier, fatter, more blonde, more brunette, smaller boobs, larger boobs, etc etc etc.

But you know what... we may not always have the voice of Celine Dion, or the sassy kindness of Sister Therese, but each of us have our own special gifts.  We just need to learn to appreciate them.

And if you are vet, well, you already have superhero status! 

I am Dr Liz, the mad vet from Bellambi.

Madness is one gift I am very thankful for - it keeps me sane!

Musings of Dr Liz - The 2016 Australian Australian Census vs Our Pets

Put your hand up if you own a pet - dog, cat, mouse, rabbit, rat, bird, horse, cow, pig, snake, lizard, frog, and to all other animals that we, as humans, have as faithful companions and friends.

I am not going to argue the ethics or terminology of the word "pet", as for many of us, it is really the adoption of a family member that is not human.  On the day that Tegan, Paige and I went around to shelters looking for one that knew it belonged with us, it was not to get "a pet" but, as I said, to complete our family.

The moment we met Piper!

Now, as many of us have completed the Australian Census, which is supposed to help our government know more about our lives and what services we may need, how many of you were surprised that there was not one question about pets - not even to ask if we had a pet or not?

Whilst there are movements and Facebook pages dedicated to keeping Australia pet friendly, the reality is, we should be demanding that we are made more pet friendly.  Most Council and Government actions are moving towards making it a community where it is harder to have a pet.

Our previous dog, Teddy, didn't have the charmed life that our current dog Piper has.   He used to sleep outside with Sugar (on the deck), he ate normal dog food, and his only problem was that he was "ball obsessed", and liked to bark at 4 in the morning (when the neighbour left for work).

Teddy as a puppy

Teddy at his finest - always happy!

Piper, well, she sleeps indoors (and on our bed),  goes to Doggy Daycare, has sleep overs with family members, eats gourmet pet food (thanks to her allergies), and spends lots of time at dog parks and dog beaches.

I wasn't asked one question about my animal friends 

But if the Census doesn't ask the question on what pets I do have, how are they to know how to incorporate animal friendly facilities in our community? 

So now that I had asked that question, I can probably answer it - we are in such a digital age, that perhaps that kind of information is accessible through other means, meaning the census is technically traditional, rather than necessary. Or perhaps, the real truth is that our governments are heading into such a "nanny state" mode, that they really don't want animals as part of our society. 

After all, they say not to work with animals and kids - for very good reasons - as they are unpredictable, messy, and.... fun! 

Many years ago, Dirk and I were census collectors, when we went door to door dropping off the forms, and then facing many idiots afterwards in picking them up.  Many people were paranoid that I would actually be interested in reading through their personal information.  I had to tell people that I honestly did not have the time nor inclination to go through their personal stuff.

 Now that it is online, I would be more afraid (rather than less) of the information would be more easily assessible by those who actually might be interested in the income of the person who lives at Number 123 of ABC street in the local suburb near you.

I am Dr Liz, the vet from Russell Vale Animal Clinic in Bellambi Lane.

What is the solution to the problem? 

 We, as pet owners, need to write to our local council and councillors telling them of what we actually need or want as pet owners, in terms of facilities and services.

I think writing to council with suggestions on how to improve our "animal friendliness) is a GREAT idea,  as all councils seem to get is complaints, so they spend their time putting out fires (or creating fires so they can put them out).

I know what I will be doing this week!  What about you?