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ISSUE NO. 1 - June 2002

The Greenbelt Pet Expo was a Huge Success

GDPA co-sponsored the May 11th Pet Expo with the City of Greenbelt and the GHI Pet Subcommittee. Thanks to all who volunteered their time to sell hot dogs and t-shirts to raise funds for the park, to staff the GDPA information table, and to set up and tear down the tables and hot dog concession. The local newspapers wrote extensively about all the activities: canine demonstrations of freestyle, agility, and other sports; numerous vendors (including a pet psychic-great fun); various canine rescue groups; as well as reptile, feline, and rabbit displays. An extra special thanks to Three Dog Bakery in Bethesda for donating 150 treat packets to GDPA for free distribution. Please give them your business whenever you can.

Current Association News:

The Park Renovation is Almost Complete

Anyone who has recently been to the dog park has no doubt noticed that the rolling gates are now in the correct position across the triangular area of the park and the second "air lock" gate has been installed. Hurray! Yet to be completed are two projects: lowering the new fence to the ground to prevent smaller dogs from wriggling out and destroying poison ivy that is growing in the area that was bushwhacked during the expansion. GDPA President Margie Whitacre is still negotiating with the City about lights and water. At the June 18th GDPA meeting, members discussed the possibility of building a small shade pavilion that would contain a bench and the water spigot. Further ideas and input are welcome.

Of Dogs and Children-And Safety

Children are welcome at the dog park, all the more so if they remember that the park is for dogs to play in. To avoid being chased and possibly bitten by a rambunctious pooch that was playing doggie-style, parents may want to remind their children of the following:

• Watch out for large dogs. They knock even adults over accidentally when they play with other dogs.
• Do not run around the park waving your arms. A running child may stimulate a dog's chase instinct, and the dog will grab a limb with his teeth to "catch" his "prey."
• Sit on a bench to watch the dogs. That's the safest place you can be other than outside the park.
• Always let dogs come to you to be petted, and ask their owners for permission to pet them. Dogs that avoid children probably do not want to be petted and should be left alone.
• Never stare into a dog's eyes. He'll think you're trying to start a fight.

Dog About Town: Events

June 29th - Open House 2-5pm. To share memories of Joe Santiari, a GDPA member who died recently. Contributions will be gratefully accepted to go toward the purchase of a bench for the Greenbelt Dog Park in memory of Joe and his dogs, Madison and Coco. If you cannot attend the open house, but would still like to donate, please make your check out to Greenbelt Dog Park and write "Joe Santiari" on the memo line.

August 13th - GDPA Meeting, 7:30 pm. Discussion will include upcoming nominations for officer elections. That's right, it's time for an election!

September 2nd - Labor Day Parade. Get ready to walk, everyone! Last year's parade was loads of fun; this year's will be even better, so mark your calendar. Details will be forthcoming.

Patching Up Pups

Summer is here, and that means HEAT! And for your fur-clad friend, the possibility of HEATSTROKE, too. According to Paul Owens (The Dog Whisperer, 1999), the internal temperature of a car can reach 160° F in 30 minutes when the external temperature is only 85°. If your dog's body temperature rises from normal (102°) to 107°, she can suffer brain damage and death. Symptoms of heatstroke include excessive panting, vomiting, rapid pulse, and high body temperature.

To prevent heatstroke in your dog, take the following precautions:

• Do not leave your dog in the car!
• If you must leave your dog briefly, then leave the A/C running or make an ice bed by filling a large plastic tray with ice and covering it with a towel. Remember, in some states, it is illegal to leave a dog alone in a car.
• If your dog manifests symptoms of heatstroke, get her to the vet ASAP.
• Soak a stricken dog in cool water until her body temperature cools. Place ice packs around her head to reduce the possibility of brain damage. While you're out and about this summer, be sure to use sunscreen (your dog may need it too!) and STAY COOL!

Tail-Wagger

The following breeds are now recognized by the AKC:

Collie + Lhasa Apso = Collapso, a dog that folds up for easy transport
Spitz + Chow Chow = Spitz-Chow, a dog that throws up a lot
Pointer + Setter = Poinsetter, a traditional Christmas pet
Great Pyrenees + Dachshund = Pyradachs, a puzzling breed
Pekingnese + Lhasa Apso = Pekasso, an abstract dog
Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer Spaniel = Irish Springer, a dog fresh and clean as a whistle
Labrador Retriever + Curly Coated Retriever = Lab Coat Retriever, the choice of research scientists
Newfoundland + Basset Hound = Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors
Terrier + Bulldog = Terribull, a dog that makes awful mistakes
Bloodhound + Labrador = Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly
Malamute + Pointer = Moot Point, owned by....oh, well, it doesn't matter anyway
Collie + Malamute = Commute, a dog that travels to work
Deerhound + Terrier = Derriere, a dog that's true to the end
Bull Terrier + Shitzu = Oh, never mind.